Skip to Main Content
Important SNAP Updates: See what’s changing and where to get support. Learn more
Important SNAP Updates: See what’s changing and where to get support. Learn more

BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS

Date: 01/10/24

As we welcome the new year, we’re reflecting on some memorable moments from 2023. We celebrated and recognized many important causes with our members. Here’s a look-back at some of our favorites.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

  • The year began with an MLK Day of Service event on January 16. Team Meridian worked with 80 students to make bags filled with grooming supplies. The bags were given to those who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in Chicago Heights, Illinois.
  • Later, 100 teens converted a room at the Ford Heights Boys & Girls Club into a library. The students organized books and built furniture donated by Meridian.

Meridian volunteers at Ford Heights Boys & Girls Club

A Juneteenth Mural

  • Team Meridian helped paint a mural for a Juneteenth Community Paint Day at Komed Holman Health Center. The mural, “Trust is our Foundation,” was designed by Damon Lamar Reed. It represents health and community pride. The painting debuted on July 17.

Meridian volunteers pose with new mural at Near North Health

Celebrating diversity and families

  • The 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade was on June 25. Our volunteers marched along the Meridian-sponsored, Univision Chicago float passing out Meridian swag to the crowd.
  • On August 12, our volunteers marched in the 94th annual Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. It’s the largest African American parade in the U.S. This event celebrates the beginning of the new school year.

Marching in the Chicago Bud Biliken Parade

Hispanic Heritage

  • September 15 to October 15 was a busy time for us. We gave away free tickets for students to attend Chicago Fire’s Hispanic Heritage night celebration. The tickets included food and a T-shirt.
  • Meridian celebrated several other Hispanic Heritage Month events including Tamale Fest of Rockford and Woodstock’s 7th annual Mexican Independence Day. Both events featured dancers and great food.
  • We also celebrated Hispanic Heritage at Fiesta Back of the Yards in June!

Traditional Hispanic Dancers at Fiesta Back of the Yards

Health and wellness

  • Meridian presented a $100,000 grant to Dream Center Peoria. The funds are being used to help update a shelter and mobile units. They are also being used to update an indoor playground and fitness center.
  • We partnered with Positive Development to open a new autism care center for children in Southwest Illinois. This was possible in part by funds for Meridian and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Meridain & IDHFS present check to Positive Development in SW Illinois

We are looking forward to many more exciting events throughout 2024. Keep checking our Events page to make sure you do not miss out!