August 18, 2022
Collinsville welcomed the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative (ENI) on August 18, 2022. The community of 2,212 residents in DeKalb and Cherokee County is one of fifteen across the state participating in ENI. The program will equip neighbors and community partners to address the pandemic-related issues of today while building the capacity to deal with the health and quality of life challenges of tomorrow.
The Collinsville Public Library hosted the lively ENI kickoff celebration. Several local leaders, citizens, and ENI representatives gathered for the event. The kickoff featured welcome remarks, a motivational message, and refreshments.
“Having ENI in our community is a blessing, I feel that ENI is getting our youth and community invested in our future. I am grateful to ENI for giving our small community this opportunity to be involved with the projects that will improve our health not only physically but mentally,” said Greg Sarabia, the Collinsville community liaison. “I look forward to continuing my involvement in every way I can to help our community.”
Collinsville residents will join ENI’s Collinsville Advisory Group and Youth Community Council. Together, the groups will work to improve health outcomes for their town. Among other projects, they will draft a health equity plan. They will also create a “healing zone” in the community. “Healing zones” are natural and recreation spaces for improving physical and mental health.
“We are excited to be working with the Collinsville community. We know that this community is unique, and we hope to assist in their continued growth and work for the betterment of their residents,” said ENI project leader Dr. Arturo Menefee.
Dr. Earl Suttle of Leadership Success International fired up Collinsville residents in attendance. His motivational message encouraged Collinsville residents to “master stress for better success.” His remarks aimed to empower residents to strengthen their physical and mental health.
Connect with us to learn more about what Collinsville residents of all ages achieve through ENI. Follow along on the ENI blog and social media pages to learn more. We can’t wait to learn alongside this wonderful community!
If you’re interested in connecting with ENI, email Collinsville’s community liaison, Greg Sarabia, at grego7685@gmail.com.
