|
INVEST IN COMMUNITIES |
From owning a home, to living in community...
|
Foundational Principles |
To Build Healthy Communities the CHN is focused on the growth and development of all community members. It’s primary four areas of focus are:
|
The Community House Network operates out of the principle of self-organization. Community organizing is an art. It is as complex and nuanced as the communities within which it serves. The initial phase of the Community House Network has been to focus on the youth in the neighborhood of 700-800 W. Thrush, Peoria IL 61604. The emerging phase of the Community House Network brings together the adult and youth through apprenticeship opportunities, as well as a focus on the adult population entrepreneurialism, self-employment and more personal growth and self-development.
|
|
Abigail Larrison, PhD, EdD
Founder and Director of the Community House Network, NFP Abigail believes that what we do in the world will determine our tomorrow. People deserve to live their best lives. That looks different for each one of us. Within each of us is the God-given desire to fulfill our own life plan. The challenge is to discover that plan within. Abigail believes that when we connect to our values and hearts desires that go beyond the moment and the material, we can understand just exactly what we are here to share with the world. Uncovering and sharing those God-given gifts is what we were meant to do. When we do this we give back to the world, we extend our inner light. Children especially need to connect to their light and understand who they truly are. The youth programming is designed to help youth feel the goodness in the world and connect to the best parts of themselves. We can each live a beautiful, joy-filled life when we re-discover our life purpose and step onto our path. The Community House Network, NFP is designed as a place where each individual is honored and supported in stepping out on the journey of a life-time, learning to live one's best life. |
Kelly Beal
Kindness Ambassador Level 10! Keegans Krew, NFP Kelly joined our team in May 2021. She has helped us to realize the vision of creating loving and supportive community through the collaborative contribution of her own NFP, Keegan's Krew. Kelly's story is an incredible journey of strength and vision through tragedy. Her son, Keegan Beal, committed suicide after being mercilessly bullied at school. Her grief turned to anger, and then to action as she created a non-profit dedicated to changing the trend of cruelty. Her goal to help build empathy in our youth, teach tolerance and spread kindness have resulted in the creation of our Kindness Ambassador's programming. |
Bridget Meier
Director of Youth Programming Bridget also joined our team in May 2021, and is in charge of developing and coordinating our youth programming. She brings her literary prowess, creative insights, and fun attitude to all we do. Bridget helps our youth understand the basics of the virtues in a fun and engaging way. She encourages kindness through example, and makes being good fun. She also has a listening ear, and is especially attuned to our teenage set. Bridget created our First Saturday activity, "The Coloring Party". Here our community members come to enjoy some company, coloring together. There is nothing better to relieve stress than to get some crayons, colored pencils, or even fancy gel pens, and color. So come join us, from 3 to 6 during our open hours, or the first Saturday of the month for some creative expression and relaxation with your peers. |