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FIRST FOLLOWERS
FirstFollowers is a Champaign-based reentry organization founded in 2015 that supports formerly incarcerated individuals and their families through peer mentorship, advocacy, and essential reentry resources. Its mission is to build strong, peaceful communities and empower returning citizens through workforce development, transitional housing, family support, and community initiatives.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
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Transitional Housing (FirstSteps): Operates a rent-free residence for people returning from prison, providing essential resources to support smooth and stable reintegration.
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GoMAD Workforce Development: Delivers classroom-based life skills, social justice education, and hands-on employment training for emerging adults (ages 18–24) with justice system involvement, focusing on construction trades and apprenticeships.
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Peer Mentorship: Offers guidance and hope through one-on-one peer mentoring relationships to assist with personal development and adjustment after incarceration.
BUSINESS ELEVATOR CU
Business Elevator CU is a local initiative in Champaign-Urbana focused on supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners through education, networking, and community-building resources. The organization uses social media to connect local business leaders, promote events, and share information designed to help businesses grow and thrive in the region.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
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Entrepreneur Education: Workshops and programs to help individuals start, manage, and grow their businesses.
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Networking Opportunities: Events and forums for business owners to connect, collaborate, and share experiences.
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Community Resources: Access to local support networks and business development guidance tailored for small business success.
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
A Cut Above The Rest Barber Academy in Champaign, Illinois, offers comprehensive barber training focused on the latest techniques and hands-on experience. The academy equips students with practical skills and industry knowledge needed to master the craft of barbering, helping them launch a professional career in the field.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
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Barber Training: In-depth instruction in modern barbering techniques and hair care practices.
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Career Preparation: Education, guidance, and support to prepare students for a successful career as professional barbers.
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Hands-On Experience: Practical, supervised training to help students master barbering skills in a real-world setting.
OUR TECH
OUR Tech is an organization dedicated to digital neo-activism, working to build Afrocentric digital platforms where underrepresented communities, businesses, and students can share their voices and ideas. Through advocacy, guidance, and creative support, they help empower individuals and groups to develop entrepreneurial ventures and drive positive social and economic change in digital spaces.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
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Website Development: Creation of websites ranging from basic landing pages to custom solutions tailored to client needs.
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Business Incubations: Support for start-ups and entrepreneurs to grow through the early stages of their businesses.
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Social Impact Consultations: Guidance on diversity initiatives to help organizations become more global and inclusive.
INSPIRE H.E.R.
Valeri Nesbitt-Howard is the CEO and founder of InspireHER, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women ages 12–18, especially those from underserved communities, through mentorship, leadership programs, and community-centered events. A Champaign community leader with deep ties to local outreach, Nesbitt-Howard created InspireHER to help girls heal, find their voice, and rise into their fullest potential by offering supportive sisterhood and purposeful programming
SERVICES INCLUDE:
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Mentorship: Program initiative for girls and women focused on building self-confidence, leadership skills, academic and career readiness, and mental and emotional well-being.
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Business Support: Support for businesses owned and operated by women
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Community Engagement: Forums and outreach to foster community involvement with local support organizations, faith groups, business leaders, and educational institutions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS H3 AND WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?
H3 stands for Harm, Healing, Hope. It is a coalition of organizations, businesses, and individuals in Champaign County committed to breaking cycles of violence and building a future of safety, empowerment, and opportunity for the community.
WHO DOES H3 SERVE?
H3 serves the residents of Champaign-Urbana, especially those affected by violence and systemic inequity. This includes young people, families impacted by trauma, and local groups working toward community well-being.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH H3?
You can get involved by participating in events, joining the coalition, volunteering, or supporting their work through donations or partnerships. Signing up for their newsletter is also a great way to stay informed.
WHAT KIND OF ORGANIZATIONS ARE PART OF THE H3 COALITION?
The coalition includes local non-profits, community organizations like Inspire H.E.R., and Business Elevator, as well as businesses and community leaders who collaborate to address violence and inequity like FirstFollowers.
HOW DOES H3 COLLABORATE WITH ITS PARTNERS?
H3 collaborates with its partners through shared events, resource sharing, advocacy campaigns, joint community programs, and coordinated efforts to address systemic issues impacting Champaign-Urbana.
ARE THE PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS SPECIALIZED IN ANY PARTICULAR AREAS?
Yes, each partner organization brings unique expertise—such as youth mentorship and empowerment (Inspire H.E.R.) and business development support (Business Elevator).
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE WORK OF H3 AND ITS PARTNERS?
Support can be offered through volunteering, attending events, donating to H3 and its partner organizations, and spreading awareness about their collective impact in the community.
I AM AN ORGANIZATION INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH H3. HOW CAN WE GET INVOLVED?
Organizations interested in partnering with H3 can reach out through the form below or attend coalition meetings to explore collaboration opportunities focused on healing, empowerment, and economic justice.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A COALITION PARTNER?
Please send an email expressing your interest and a brief description of your organization. Once your inquiry is received, you will be invited to discuss partnership opportunities and learn more about how to collaborate with the coalition to support the community.
Contact Us
Contact H3 to get involved volunteering, to receive resources, and more!
Phone: (217) 806-0106
Email: admin@h3harmhealinghope.org
