RICHLAND CREEK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
A local group in Southern Illinois dedicated to:
The improvement of the Richland Creek Trail
The establishment of recreational facilities in the parks the creek passes through
The continued prevention of property damage that has occurred from previous flooding and
The improvement of the water quality within the creek
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To read more about this groups activities and the creek improvement projects,
Join their FB page at facbook.com/belleville.rcia
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West Ridge Nature Park
A 20-acre urban oasis, bordered by two busy city streets, has been open to visitors for six years, providing a place to walk, reflect, fish, learn, and play.
Located at the corner of North Western Ave and West Peterson Ave in the city of Chicago, this park allows you to experience nature's beauty, spot various species of birds, and other creatures living in the park.​
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What's in a name? Well, the first two words describe our geographical location. The third word sets forth our charge to protect and enhance native flora and fauna. And the fourth word invites the public to participate within the nature framework.
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Birders have experienced an amazing six years at West Ridge Nature Park. One hundred fifty species of birds have been sighted, and list is still growing!
Visit their website for more information:
westridgenaturepreserve.org
The Urban Growers Collective organization is dedicated to the development of community based food systems and to support communities in developing systems of their own where food is grown, prepared, and distributed with the community itself.
One of the important functions this organization operates is the Fresh Moves Mobile Market....a bus was transformed into a mobile farmers market to provide fresh, locally grown produce and culturally-affirming non-local produce and pantry staples to communities that struggle with accessibility to such items.
To find out more, visit UrbanGrowersCollective.org
Join them on Facebook and Instagram @urbangrowerscollective
Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI) is a grassroots collective made up of families with young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and community members who desire a new kind of community — one that is inclusive and diverse. CCHI envisions communities where individuals of all abilities live collectively, each determining their own path to a meaningful life. It is not just housing, it represents inclusive opportunities in living, working, and socializing. To find out more please visit thecchi.org and join us on Facebook at facebook.com/THECCHI
March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month.
Let's all wear green to support the cause.
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People with cerebral palsy rarely get the interventions and support they need at the moments they need them. As such, their lives are often deeply and unnecessarily affected.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that defines and addresses Moments of Impact – the times at which interventions and insights, if properly implemented, have the power to change lives.
We then work to better understand how to effect change and implement it. We seek out the best thinkers to form collaborative networks which work together to bring about transformation. Finally, we share our work with others so it will have the greatest possible impact.
Our Collaborative Networks bring together many of the country’s most prestigious medical institutions, as well as innovative thinkers in diverse areas such as technology and media, in order to accelerate not only the development of critical advances, but also their delivery.
While our work of course includes important strides being made toward the eventual prevention of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, our focus is on the translational research, clinical application and knowledge transfer that can dramatically change lives today
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To find out more please visit yourcfp.org
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Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
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Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.
Visit their website for more information:
www-autismspeaks-org
Meet Sam
Sam was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Sam's parents explored every avenue to give Sam experiences that expanded beyond his disability.
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Sam is now 18 and has graduated high school. He currently attends a vocational program in his home town. Due to the pandemic the program has been limited, so Sam is only able to attend half days.
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Sam enjoys playing the piano, snowshoeing, and riding his recumbent bike on the local bike trails.
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Donations on items purchased benefiting Autism Speaks will be made in honor of Sam.