The Social Outreach Committee at the Chapel works to ensure funds and volunteer hours are spent reaching out to the wider C-U area in and through the following organizations and others.
WE support Food Security
Eastern Illinois Food Bank
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is the primary food source for food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs working to feed our neighbors facing hunger. The Foodbank acquires millions of pounds of food and grocery product through purchase or donation and distributes it across its network of more than 160 feeding programs. Visit eifoodbank.org for more information.
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
The Chapel supports the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen which feeds the hungry in the C-U area. Daily Bread serves a hot meal of soup, salad, entree, dessert and beverage to over 200 guests per day. Daily Bread is entirely volunteer run and depends on donations from individuals, businesses and local grants. Chapel members volunteer here.
WE Support women and others in crisis
Courage Connection
The Chapel supports Courage Connection, an organization that provides housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence.
RACES – Rape advocacy, counseling, & education services
“RACES” is the community-based rape crisis center serving East-Central Illinois. For 45 years, RACES has provided free, confidential services to anyone who has been affected by sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. They also run the local rape crisis hotline that is available 24 hours a day, every day year-round. Learn more about RACES at cu-races.org.
WE Support local immigrants
Immigrant services of champaign urbana
Immigrant Services of Champaign Urbana‘s purpose is to extend a welcoming hand to immigrant families who are new to the Champaign-Urbana community. When families face obstacles, ISCU provides them with the tools they need to build a future, providing groceries, health supplies, household goods, baby & toddler items, transportation, and rent and utility assistance, and assistance with medical care and available benefits, housing, jobs, English-as-a-Second-Language classes, legal assistance, and more. Please visit IMMIGRANT SERVICES OF CHAMPAIGN URBANA for more information.
The New american welcome center
The New American Welcome Center works to co-create a community where all immigrants can thrive and flourish. They do this by engaging local institutions and mobilizing community resources to ensure equitable access to services, economic opportunity, and meaningful belonging. Their community-responsive programs include: Immigrant Family Services, Immigration Legal Services, and Community Bridge-Building.
For more information, go to nawc.universityymca.org
support for lgbtqia+
Uniting Pride of Champaign COunty
Uniting Pride was founded in 2009 as an organization to advocate for the equality, wellness, and visibility of the LGBTQ+ communities in Champaign County. Since then, we have been active in the community through support and social groups, community-building events, educational workshops, local advocacy, resource referrals, and more.
Uniting Pride exists to create a Champaign County where all who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities can live full, healthy, and vibrant lives.
Visit unitingpride.org for more information.
We also partner with
Stewardship of God’s Creation
Faith in Place
Faith In Place partners with communities of faith from diverse religious traditions as well as people who identify as spiritual or motivated by justice but don’t identify with a specific faith tradition. They seek to implement programs in five program areas – Climate Change & Energy, Sustainable Food & Land Use, Water Preservation, Advocacy, and Youth Empowerment – in close collaboration with 358 faith partners and over 180 Green Teams. They work with diverse religious traditions.
Learn more about FAITH IN PLACE.
