URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Matthew Fletcher, Interim Executive Director of Courage Connection, joined WCIA’s Mitchell Rife to talk about an upcoming event.

Courage Connection is the oldest domestic violence shelter in Illinois and one of the oldest in the country. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and to honor that, the organization is holding an event for the public.

This nonprofit is hosting their Courage on the Block event on Oct. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. It will take place at The Yard on Broadway in Urbana and entry is free for all attendees. This event is being held in partnership with the City of Urbana and the Urbana Police Department.

Some of the highlighted activities will include live musical performances by local musicians, a designated children’s play area, testimonies from domestic violence survivors and much more. For information on Courage on the Block, visit Courage Connection’s website and Facebook page.