The DeWitt County Friendship Center has acquired a small parcel of land to their south and they are hoping by this summer, that area could be green space and additional parking.

According to Executive Director Sissy Leggett, their parking lot is very small and they are in great need of additional parking. She explains thanks to the acquisition of property behind their building, additional parking and even green space could be a reality by as soon as this summer.

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A grant opportunity is what Leggett and Friendship Center leaders are hoping can carry the weight of the cost for such a project. Leggett explains local leaders are aiding them applying for the grant.

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Without the grant opportunity from the State of Illinois, the Friendship Center may not be able to see their dream of the property behind them. According to Leggett, the Center does not receive any state or federal funding and only receives limited support through donations. She says fundraisers are the biggest source of revenues that allow them to keep their doors open.

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Leggett compares the dream of transforming their adjacent property into parking and green space to their kitchen project and points out, the cost for each is very similar, which is why the grant opportunity becomes even more important.