LLCC Announces Dick Dhabalt Award Recipients

A Taste of Home

After moving to Springfield, from Cameroon, Africa in 2017, Yves Doumen found that he longed for the homegrown vegetables that he grew and were a staple in his native country.  With an associate degree in agriculture business from LLCC and bachelor's degree in geography science, Doumen began an initiative that would introduce community gardens in Springfield to help combat food insecurity.

     Doumen is the owner and organizer of Motherland Community Gardens, a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the health of underserved communities in urban settings by addressing disparities in access to healthy fresh food while inspiring youth and communities to engage in urban agriculture and entrepreneurship. The vision is for a thriving community where everyone has equitable access to fresh and healthy food to live an active and healthy life. The organization targets areas primarily on Springfield’s east side which has

difficulty accessing fresh produce.

   Doumen knew that with his agricultural background he could grow food at home like he did in West Africa. He runs the gardens with the intention of giving those with limited incomes and options alternative choices to fast food and processed food. At Motherland Gardens, they offer a variety of programs and services to support the community. The garden is run by volunteers.

They offer gardening workshops and classes, as well as opportunities to help with planting, harvesting, and maintaining the garden. In addition to growing fresh produce, they also partner with local organizations to distribute food to those in need. Doumen believes that by working together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable community.

   Motherland Gardens is located at 815 S. 15th Street and has 66 raised beds with 40 different crops including veggies, ethnic  food, fruit trees and grapes. For more information visit

motherlandcommunityproject.org or email motherland.gcp@gmail.com or call 217-900-0876.

LLCC Utilizes Handshake for Job Board

LLCC has launched Handshake as the college’s new job board. Handshake is the leading job board for colleges and universities and since many local colleges already utilize Handshake employers can connect with our students along with students from other colleges and universities utilizing the same account. On Handshake, students and recent alumni will be able to search and apply for jobs and internship interviews, connect with employers and register for job fairs and recruiting events.

            Employers looking to hire LLCC students and recent alumni can create their own Handshake profile to post jobs and internship opportunities as well as connect and communicate directly with students.  For more information, students and employers can visit www.llcc.edu/handshake.

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