On July 20, 2022, the Land of Lincoln Youth Services Program hosted a Youth Summit at the Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries administrative building. The summit was organized as a result of the current social unrest occurring around the world and in the local communities we serve. The event was aimed at providing a platform for the youths to have their voices heard and to learn about ways they can stay safe and reach their goals. The Youth Summit consisted of a panel discussion of professionals from the Springfield and Jacksonville areas, as well as former graduates from the GoodGuides youth program. Mayor James Langfelder gave the opening remarks. The program was well attended and engaging.

Panelists included: Dr. Loretta Meeks, one of the first African American Professors from SIU Carbondale; Sam Holmes Jr., a DCFS employee, Realtor, and CEO of Humble Beginnings; Larry Hemmingway, Manager Springfield Urban League; Candace Silas, Director of the Open-Door Program at Lincoln Land Community College; Wanda Nettles, Former Women’s College Basketball Coach; James Rucker, former GoodGuides youth and presently student-athlete at Ottawa University; and Martell Ray, former GoodGuides youth, an AmeriCorps Volunteer, and an Army Veteran.

Vendors present at the event included Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, Inc. led by Jeremy Bell, (Adult Services Supervisor), The City of Springfield HR team, Jan Williams and Isaac Edwards; AmeriCorps; Doug Collins, Lanphier High School Girls Basketball Coach; and Tim Allen, Sacred Heart-Griffin (SHG) Head Basketball Coach.