The ECDA’s federal grant funding emphasizes the importance of community engagement to ensure meaningful impact. We are committed to engaging and collaborating with the community we serve. We aim to foster transparent communication, build trust, and ensure that community members have opportunities to participate in decision-making processes that affect them. Check out our initiatives and ways to get involved!
The Neighborhood Cookouts bring us to neighborhoods throughout Kankakee to connect with residents and share information about local community resources while providing opportunities for neighbors to meet neighbors. Each cookout helps us learn more about community needs and continue to build a thriving community together.
Join us on Saturday, September 27 from 1pm to 4pm on the grounds of Kankakee First Church (1000 N Entrance Ave, Kankakee) for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship!
We have many local organizations joining us! Come gain knowledge about the resources in your community from organizations including Birth to Five Illinois, Child Network, Childcare Resource and Referral, Community Health Partnership of Illinois, Garden of Prayer Youth Center, Harbor House, Iroquois Mental Health Center, Kankakee County Community Services, Inc, Kankakee County Museum, Kankakee Forgives, Kankakee Police Department, Kankakee School District 111, Kankakee United, Merchant Street Art Gallery for Artists with Autism, Pregnancy Resource Center, Salvation Army, Spanish Community Center, and more! Riverside will also be on site to provide free blood pressure checks.
Bring your comfortable shoes because House of Brooks is providing the music and you'll want to be dancing!
In addition to plenty of games and a bounce house for children ages 5 and under, Handprint Puppets will be set up in the kids' area providing a free activity! There will also be a presentation from Spizzirri Reptile Rescue and Rehab and a craft hosted by our friends at MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Want to tour a Kankakee Fire truck? The KFD will have one on site!
Volunteers from Kankakee First Church will be on the grill serving up hot dogs to the first 150 attendees! A meal will include a hot dog, chips, and water.
Save the date, tell your friends, and make plans to bring your family out on Saturday, September 27 for this fun and FREE community event!
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Want the ECDA to attend your upcoming event? Submit a request to have our team present to engage with your community and share resources.
