While the Champaign-Urbana Community Job Application focuses on employment and introductory information, its partnering program, the Chambana Welcome Crew, is all about social connections and community immersion. As its name suggests, the Chambana Welcome Crew’s mission is to make newcomers and locals feel welcome, accepted and included.

Nature lovers can chat away while walking and enjoying the sunset at Livingston Park, located in North Manchester. The elevated boardwalk trail hovers over wetland areas, inviting birds and friendly wildlife to join in on your date. After a loop or two around Livingston, you can head across the street to Puritan Backroom for a rewarding meal.

Cushioned between gorgeous natural features like the Mississippi River and the Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita national forests, Arkansas surrounds its residents with the peaceful embrace of nature. While locals are quick to boast about the breathtaking scenery, Arkansas is also undoubtedly rich in arts and culture, diverse cuisine, great jobs and caring people. In fact, the state is full of helpful nonprofits, spirited events and friendly social groups that work to ensure newcomers have countless opportunities to meet friends and become rooted in their community. Here are 10 ways to get connected once you arrive.

Clearwater Beach is a resort island, through and through. The blissful sugar sand beaches and emerald waters are the main attractions, but this casual Florida beach town also treats residents to vibrant restaurants, luxury living and endless outdoor fun. While it’s a top vacation spot, with USA Today naming it the "No. 1 Beach in the South," for many, the retreat doesn’t end.

Tucked into the foothills of the Ozark mountains, Bentonville has outgrown the “sleepy town” title it once held. Known as the hometown of Walmart, Bentonville pocketed this niche ticket-to-fame and ran with it. Over the past 60 years, population and community developments have grown exponentially without abandoning the charm of Bentonville’s small-town roots. Around the town square, historic buildings, like the 1840s Eagle hotel, have been revitalized to supply modern interests—like biking and live music. Antiquated brick comes alive with splashes of color—murals on building sides and painted storefront frames.

Northside, a neighborhood just a few miles from downtown Cincinnati, is a community where creativity flourishes. Eclectic establishments like vintage stores, tattoo parlors and LGBTQ-friendly bars offer the artistic population in this area the opportunity to explore their imaginative sides. "Northside is the artsy, quirky and fun neighborhood of Cincinnati," says Alicia Stoughton, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Advisors who works throughout the Cincinnati area. This community was the original home of the Cincinnati Pride Parade and has been known as one of the city's primary LGBTQ-friendly areas.

A small cluster of binoculars and pointed fingers aim excitedly toward a skyline of trees on the Reflection Riding nature walk as members of Chattanooga’s Ornithological Society search for a cawing American Crow. The Chattanooga Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society (CTOS) is a local birding organization that offers members the opportunity to join together in appreciation and admiration for birds.

Richmond Young Writers, powered by seasonal workshops and community events, is a creative haven for local youth aged 9-18. As the Assistant Director of RYW, I am in charge of program scheduling, social media marketing, website management, community partnerships and turning new, innovative ideas into realities.

Nominated for Pushcart Prize, Received invitation to New Orleans Poetry Festival