Media Contact:
Barbi Brewer-Watson
Executive Director
Economic & Community Development Agency
815.933.0506
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ECDA TO HOST NEIGHBORHOOD COOKOUT AT KANKAKEE FIRST CHURCH
KANKAKEE, IL (September 16, 2025) – The City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) will host a Neighborhood Cookout on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 1pm to 4pm at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene (1000 N Entrance Ave, Kankakee). This community event is for all ages and will have several local agencies in attendance. “We had a great time at our event in July in the Marycrest neighborhood and are excited to be doing this again,” says Community Outreach Coordinator, Samantha Rocknowski. “Finding fun and unique ways to bring resources to residents instead of them having to seek all the services out on their own is what this work is all about. I look forward to continuing this cookout series in 2026.”
Highlights of Saturday’s event include:
- Free blood pressure checks provided by Riverside Healthcare
- A reptile show from Spizzirri Reptile Rescue and Rehabilitation
- Music from House of Brooks
- An activity area for all ages – seniors and children alike - including crafts hosted by Handprint Puppets and MCA Senior Adult Day Center as well as a small bounce house for children 5 and under
- Kankakee School District 111 on site sharing information about preschool screenings and immunizations, plus details about their Bilingual Parent Advisory Council
- Kankakee Fire Department and Kankakee Police Department vehicles to tour
- food served by volunteers from Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene
In the event of poor weather, the Neighborhood Cookout will move indoors. Questions can be directed to the ECDA office at 815-933-0506 or via email at yourvoice@citykankakee-il.gov.
About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):
The Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/.
About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:
The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.
