Click to view Videos
MEDIA
Peoria Life
In the Neighborhood
Tim & Stacy February 2016
PEORIA, IL. -- What makes the heart of our heartland. Sherry Cannon talks about Hope Renewed Youth Conference, the history of HRYC and why Peoria thrives because of this annual community effort.
WEEK News Article
Youth Conference to Offer Leadership Skills
WEEK Producer June 2014
PEORIA, IL. -- Hope is the main theme of a conference being held in Peoria this weekend.
The Hope Renewed youth conference kicked off over at the Riverplex Rec Center Friday.
Peoria Magazine Coverage
Spreading Hope & Inspiration
Bridget Baker June 2014
Get inspired by Sherry Cannon and her youth empowerment program.
It began as a way for founder Sherry Cannon to give her grandson a healthy outlet. Now celebrating its 10th year, the Hope Renewed Youth Conference has grown into a three-day event—an educational forum offering kids ages 11 to 18 an opportunity to learn leadership skills, and in the process, learn more about themselves.
“It started out because I was scared for my grandson,” Cannon explains. “As the years went on, I saw all these kids with potential, and they allbecame my kids.”
WMBD News Coverage
Kids Participate in Local Conference
June 2014
PEORIA - A three-day youth conference started down at the Peoria River Plex today.
The Hope Renewed Youth Conference kicked off with some icebreakers for the more than 100 kids attending.
Kids will have the chance to do hands-on workshops, participate in town hall discussions and meet new friends.
Sherry Cannon started the event ten years ago. She says many kids are from local orphanages, churches and programs like ELITE Youth Outreach.
VIDEOS
Peoria Journal Star Article
Getting Kids Thinking 'OUTSIDE THE BOX'
Arts, education are focus of the long-running Hope Renewed Youth Conference
Zach Berg June 2014
PEORIA — Salsa dancing and bridge-building don’t seem to have much in common, but both activities were part of the 2014 Hope Renewed Youth Conference at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center on Saturday morning.
Dozens of children from ages 11 to 18 took part in the three-day conference, which started a decade ago to provide an atmosphere to learn and grow in ways that may not be provided at school or home.
“The whole idea is to expand kids’ minds to things they normally never do,” conference Chairwoman Sherry Cannon said. “Black kids don’t normally salsa.”