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ONU recognized for community support

Olivet Nazarene University is the recipient of the Pledge for Life Partnership’s first-ever Community Collaboration Award.  The award was created this year to recognize businesses and organizations that have provided generous support to the Partnership’s programs and initiatives and was presented at the Partnership’s annual meeting October 26 at the Kankakee Country Club.

The Partnership is a volunteer-driven coalition working to find solutions to the problems that cause school failure, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency and other life-compromising behaviors.  It sponsors two mobile Life Education Centers used to teach the Partnership’s Wise Highs curriculum to Kindergarten through 6th grade students, Project Northland Underage Drinking Prevention curriculum for 6th, 7th and 8th graders, and Class Action, a prevention course designed for high school students.

ONU has literally opened its doors up to the Partnership – allowing it to host its annual Family Fun-a-thon for 11 years at the Leslie Parrott Convocation Center and Chalfant Hall.  This is no small matter.  The Partnership literally takes over 50,000 square feet to hold activities like cheerleading clinics, basketball tournaments, talent showcases and more. 

“We couldn’t find a more perfect place to hold the Fun-a-thon, said Deb Baron,” director of the Partnership. “The staff is exceptional to work with and ONU truly has reached outside its institution to embrace a local program.  They are making a positive difference to children and families in the community.”

The Partnership also operates and maintains the KAN-I HELP Information Network -- an information and referral system of human service agencies in Kankakee and Iroquois counties and provides opportunities for youth through its involvement with the Teen REACH after-school program and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.  For more information, call the Partnership office at 936-4606.

Above: David Pickering, director of business services, and Jana Hacker, director of conferences, accept the award for Olivet Nazarene University at the Pledge for Life Partnership’s annual meeting October 26 at the Kankakee Country Club.