Champaign Co. Initiative Aims to Curb Crime and Empower Local Community

By: Jordan Baker

Posted: Oct 26, 2025 / 08:02 PM CDT

Updated: Oct 26, 2025 / 08:02 PM CDT

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Over the weekend, the DREAAM organization in Champaign County celebrated its significant achievements in supporting at-risk youth. This group has made remarkable strides in its mission to uplift young people in the community.

Their initiative, known as “Hope for the Future,” incorporates community violence intervention strategies and victim advocacy programs. These efforts aim to transform neighborhoods into safer and more welcoming environments for all residents.

DREAAM partnered with Urbana police to find high-crime areas and work with those communities. Street Outreach worker Travon Pickens said they also set objectives for the program’s participants.

“We try to get them to realize that there’s goals out there to be achieved, that they don’t have to do everything that they see, around what they grow up to,” Pickens. “We’ve given a lot to the community but this time… we want something back in return and that’s changed behavior, better grades, goals.”

Pickens said crime in the neighborhoods they’re helping has dropped almost 60%. Program participants get mental health support, mentoring, finance literacy and life coaching.