During the last six months, the Community Caring Conference has been enlisting new Board members to rebuild the organization which had worked so successfully in the city to build block clubs. The Board recently approved an updating of their By Laws and setting goals for future activities.

"A renewed CCC intends to expand and re-energize its neighborhood block clubs so that residents all over the city of Rock Island know their neighbors and are watching out for the community," said Paul Fessler, new Chairman of the CCC Board of Directors. Mr. Fessler reported, "the new Board has set three specific goals. First, form or reform block clubs; two, hire a staff organizer to build these watch groups; three, seek wider community support, such as volunteers, funding and linkages to other organizations who want to improve life and lives in Rock Island.  We have a big job ahead of us but we are committed to the CCC vision."

Formed in 1976 in the older neighborhoods of the city, CCC was active until the departure of their previous Executive Director in 2014. CCC block clubs are the foundation for getting neighbors to know their neighbors and developing solutions to common issues.  The current Board will be working to re-energize existing block clubs as well as building the network of governance to create a grassroots organization.   The Board will be working with ten sponsoring churches to build stronger support for the mission of the CCC.  Additional churches will be invited to participate in this neighborhood emphasis.

The National Night Out Picnic on August 4th, was a kick off event to make the community aware that the CCC was back in business.  Over 90 citizens turned out to meet their neighbors and hear about current policing practices.  There was also entertainment, games and prizes.

The current Board of Directors include, Lt. Rusty Hocker, Vice-Chair, Ethel Bassett, Secretary, and Jeff Barnes, Treasurer.  Additional members are Mattie Seward, Aaron Weytenick, Rev. Ken Kuenning, Vikki Blair, Rick Miers, Phil Dennis, and Brian Wischnak   Pat Ward, former Director of the CCC, is helping advise the new Board. Five Board positions remain to be filled at this time.