News

“Courage on the Block” to celebrate domestic violence survivors and community strength in Urbana

“Courage on the Block” to celebrate domestic violence survivors and community strength in Urbana

“Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, and we want this day to be a celebration of resilience." Photo: Metro Services


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — This October, Courage Connection — the region’s leading domestic violence service provider — is inviting the community to stand together in strength, support, and celebration.

“Courage on the Block”, a free, family-friendly event, will take place on Saturday, October 18 from 12 to 3 p.m. at The Yard on Broadway (401 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana). The event honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month and celebrates the resilience of survivors in Champaign, Ford, Piatt, and Douglas counties.

Hosted in partnership with the City of Urbana and The Yard on Broadway, the event aims to uplift survivors and promote community healing in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. “This event is about joy, connection, and honoring the strength of survivors,” said a spokesperson from Courage Connection. “Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, and we want this day to be a celebration of resilience — a reminder that healing is possible, and no one is alone.”

Event Highlights:

  • Live DJs from the Darker Than Blue DJ Collective: DJ BLACKSTAR & DJ MIXZN

  • Free food vouchers for select menu items from local favorites: Smith Burger Co, Watson’s Shack and Rail, Fernando’s Tacos and More, Regal Pig Social, Columbia St Café, The Main Scoop, and Public House 1833

  • Family fun zone with games and kids’ activities

  • Community raffle with prizes for attendees

In a show of community support, Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams will offer remarks focused on community resilience and healing. Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone will also be in attendance to recognize the department’s ongoing partnership with Courage Connection and commitment to violence prevention and public safety. “It takes all of us to address domestic violence as a societal issue,” said Courage Connection. “That’s why we’re building spaces like this — where healing, awareness, and community care come together.”

Courage Connection provides 24-hour crisis services, emergency and transitional housing, legal advocacy, therapy, and stabilization programs for survivors and their families. They also lead community education and outreach efforts to prevent abuse before it starts.

For more information on the event or to learn how you can support survivors, visit www.courageconnection.org or follow Courage Connection on social media.

Recent Headlines

15 hours ago in Entertainment

Beloved ‘Reading Rainbow’ returns after nearly 20 years with new host Mychal Threets

After nearly 20 years, the beloved, long-running children's series "Reading Rainbow" is back, this time on the KidZuko YouTube channel.

15 hours ago in Entertainment

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner sue Ray J for defamation over racketeering claims

Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, are suing her ex-boyfriend Ray J for saying they are under federal investigation and on the verge of being indicted.

22 hours ago in National, Trending

Trump uses government shutdown to dole out firings and punishment

President Donald Trump has seized on the government shutdown as an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce and punish detractors, by threatening mass firings of workers and suggesting "irreversible" cuts to programs important to Democrats.

22 hours ago in National, Trending

Delta jets have a ‘low-speed collision’ on LaGuardia taxiway, injuring 1

Two Delta Air Lines regional jets collided on the taxiway at LaGuardia Airport in New York, injuring a flight attendant, damaging a cockpit and tearing off part of a wing in what the airline described as a "low-speed collision."

22 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Gatorade and Cheetos are among the Pepsi products getting a natural dye makeover

PepsiCo, which also makes Doritos, Cap'n Crunch cereal, Funyuns and Mountain Dew, announced in April that it would accelerate a planned shift to using natural colors in its foods and beverages.