Sheri Williamson is a mom on a mission – to make Champaign-Urbana a better place for all children. Williamson has organized what she hopes will be the first of several community resource fairs, the first coming up on April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Community Resource Day for Unit 4 School District families will take place at Garden Hills Elementary, where her 6-year-old daughter Gracen currently attends. A full-time undergraduate student taking courses online in pursuit of a bachelors in psychology, her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in Community Psychology. Her philosophy with life can be summed up from a song she has loved since childhood, Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. “Want to change the world? There’s nothing to it.”
See why we think Sheri Williamson is a Chambana mom to know.
How did this fall’s attempted kidnappings affect you to cause change?
My motivation for the resource group I’m organizing came from the rash of shootings in Champaign last July. When the attempted child abductions occurred it may me realize that a community group was definitely needed. The goal was to get communication going about how to problem solve crime from a citizen’s standpoint.
How did you get the idea to put together this community resource day?
After meeting with different people, city officials, police department, non-profits, school staff, the group evolved from safety to advocating for all resources for families. The group now is a resource group that focuses on helping families fulfill needs they have. The resource day can provide options for families.
Who is the target audience for this effort?
Families are the target group. This is a pretty broad term, but families are the target group. Within families though there are different needs for mom, dad, children, and even extended families. Finding out what the common needs are of families can help with connecting them to the correct agencies and organizations.
How can others get involved?
Over the summer I will be working with a couple women who have come on board with the resource group. The goal is to do case management with families who would like help. We can always use help with organizing referrals and follow-up with families and agencies. I will also be holding another resource day in August. Planning for that will be a bit easier now that I’ve planned one, but again, can always use help!
Why are you passionate about community building?
I grew up in Champaign. Being a townie, and now a mother, I want to make sure the community is a safe and enjoyable place to live. My parents were always involved with helping others. It wasn’t something you had to think about, helping others was just something that you did. Following in their footsteps I want to do what I can to help where I can. Communities that work together to address the needs of its citizens are better off when it comes to communication, proactive measures, and overall effectiveness of agencies and organizations.
How has your daughter influenced your efforts?
I had always enjoyed volunteering for agencies that helped children. Having a child you can begin to appreciate parenthood and family dynamics. Being a single mother I understand the obstacles parents can face. Helping other parents means helping their children also. I also want to be a good role model for my daughter, so that she in turn learns that helping others is important.
What is your biggest parenting challenge?
I think all parents want the best for their children. Ensuring that they have the best can be a challenge. The best school, the best activities, friends who are a positive influence, good self-esteem… and of course safety. I feel blessed that I’ve been able to work through any challenge I’ve had. Knowing that there are parents who have greater challenges and have difficulty overcoming them is what motivates me to do the work I’m doing.
Editor’s Note: Interested in volunteering at this event or future events? Contact Sheri at swlmsn79@gmail.com. Volunteers are needed to help at the event as well as advance preparations.
Do you want to nominate a Chambana mom or dad to know? Contact us.