Oak Park, IL – Recent publicity has presented a one dimensional portrait of the Austin community. In order to help us to get a better understanding of our neighbors and learn how we can meaningfully partner with them, the Oak Park-River Forest Community of Congregations will convene a panel of community activists at our first Community Meeting this fall.

The following individuals and organizations will participate:

  • Austin Coming Together (ACT) – Rev. Reginald Bachus, Executive Director
  • Bethel New Life – Edward Coleman, VP, Community Economic Development
  • Central Austin Neighborhood Association (CANA) – Serethia Reid, President
  • Chicago Police and Firefighters Training Program – Lieut. Frank Brim
  • Circle Family Health Care Network – Dr. André Hines, Chief Executive Officer
  • Cluster Tutoring Program – Kathryn McCabe, Executive Director
  • 8th District State Representative – Rep. La Shawn K. Ford
  • Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry—Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director
  • Prevail (formerly The Walk-in Ministry) – Christy Harris, Executive Director
  • West Suburban P.A.D.S – Lynda Schueler, Executive Director

The program will be on Monday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave. in Oak Park.