Over the past few months, COVID-19 has caused the world to turn upside. With major events, activities, and in-person meetings put on hold; community engagement has needed to pivot quickly. Mattoon in Motion has allowed for that to happen with the help and support of its many dedicated volunteers.
Meetings of the Workforce, Youth, and Robust Economy committees have been meeting via zoom regularly. Our agile framework allows us as a community organization to pivot quickly and communicate with each other when things arise.
Our area volunteers’ dedication has been nonstop, which can be seen with the significant wins that our community and region have witnessed over the past few years. Two major wins have since happened during this devastating pandemic.
First, Mattoon in Motion would like to congratulate the Mattoon Community Unit School District #2 on being one of twelve communities in winning the Illinois Connected Communities Grant. The goal of Illinois connected communities is to:
- Provide ubiquitous broadband access that is reliable and affordable to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions throughout Illinois.
- Promote adoption and digital literacy
- Drive utilization, economic development, and expanded opportunity and innovation in education, health care, and agriculture.
This grant has allowed a dedicated team of individuals to work towards these three goals, access, adoption, and utilization, over the next year. The goal, much like that of Mattoon in Motion, is to be ready when grants are offered.
Now is the time to get ready.
COVID-19 has impacted many families throughout our communities. With proper engagement, we can prepare for and work towards a future inclusive and supportive of everyone in need.
We have the framework within Mattoon in Motion. Let’s continue to work towards a brighter future for our community.
The Elevate CCIC, Inc. Business Innovation center has officially launched with the hallway corridor’s completion from the main area in the Mattoon Cross County Mall. Just a few days ago, it supported and graduated its first small business through its six-step program.
Elevate CCIC, Inc. welcomes everyone to check out their space virtually https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=9tP9HWwGEky and in-person by appointment due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.
As a community, we will grow stronger together.
Keep an eye out for other wins, and if you would like to become a volunteer, please feel free to contact us and get signed up to our email list and join our next meeting.