Rockford Sun

City of Rockford issued the following announcement on Apr. 16.

Today, the City launched Connect Rockford – a new initiative aimed at building a nurturing and thriving community through connections. This grassroots effort encourages volunteer block captains to get out in their neighborhood, get to know their neighbors, create a network of people and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t rely solely on social media and other digital methods for communication. We need human interaction,” says Barb Chidley, Neighborhood Specialist for the City of Rockford. “Our vision is that, through these connections, we can ensure every neighbor has access to the resources they need. And, that people will begin to connect on a deeper level, discover common interests and come together to improve quality of life in their neighborhoods.”

In coordination with Connect Rockford, Mayor McNamara has created a Faith Leader Challenge. The challenge encourages faith leaders, whom the Mayor meets with monthly, and their congregations to walk the neighborhood around their houses of worship regularly.  

“We think it’s incredibly important for more people to get out in the community and have face-to-face conversations. Relationships can be created and deepened when you meet people where they are, and authentic relationships create community,” says Mayor McNamara. 

Faith leaders will greet those they meet along the way; pick up trash; report potholes, low hanging trees and other neighborhood issues; and take photos to celebrate the assets in the neighborhood.

“I faced many challenges growing up in the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago,” says Connect Rockford Steering Team Member Nitro Starling, who is also a block captain in her own neighborhood. “I credit my neighbors for playing a huge role in helping me develop into who I am today. Now that I’m in Rockford, I want to have the same influence on my neighbors and my community here, and I want to encourage others to do the same.” 

For more information on Connect Rockford, visit www.connect-rockford.com or contact Barb Chidley at 779-348-7448 or Barbara.chidley@rockfordil.gov.

Image Description: Jeremiah Griffin of Halsted Road Baptist Church speaks at a podium in front of a house in a Rockford neighborhood. Pastor Griffin is part of the Faith Leader Challenge and a member of the Connect Rockford Steering Team.

Original source can be found here.

Source:  City of Rockford