Glen Ellyn agency celebrates diversity

We would like to introduce a new not-for-profit in Glen Ellyn: One Community is an initiative, actively celebrating and embracing our community's diversity, raising awareness, acceptance, and encouraging involvement of neighbors from all backgrounds.

One Community has been working closely with the B.R. Ryall YMCA, Glenbard Parent Series, the Glen Ellyn Public Library, Peoples Community Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Ahmadiyya Mosque, Congregation Etz Chaim, League of Women Voters, and other community organizations to help celebrate our community's diversity and promote understanding.

Here are a few of One Community's efforts this past year:

One Community drafted and helped pass a Village of Glen Ellyn "Welcoming Community" resolution, reaffirming a commitment to inclusivity.

In partnership with Glenbard Parent Series, One Community helped bring in speakers: Glenbard South graduate and author, Qasim Rashid, and Nic Stone, author of "Dear Martin." Both addressed race and diversity.

One Community held a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Gathering, a "Story Corps"-like event, at the Glen Ellyn Public Library to hear personal experiences from some of our neighbors, including immigrants and people of color.

In June, One Community held a family friendly Community Picnic with the B.R. Ryall YMCA.

One Community supported Peoples Community Church's walk for the homeless.

One Community united many diverse community groups to walk in the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Parade (2018 and 2019).

We are grateful to live in the Glen Ellyn area, and to be a part of an effort that brings people together of all backgrounds, and celebrates our community's diversity.

If you would like to find out more about One Community or participate in one of our events, look us up online and on Facebook.

We want to get to know all of our neighbors

Kim Hesterman Reed

Glen Ellyn