Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This is our second edition. We received huge amounts of praise for our first edition.
But, also, many organizations and services were not included. We are particularly
grateful to the members of the Champaign County Reentry Council and the Cun-
ningham Township Supervisor’s Office (especially Danielle Chynoweth) for their
contributions to this edition. A special salute also to Sharon Monday for editing
and providing so many useful changes to improve the guide.
F
irstFollowers Reentry Program has produced Finding Your Way to pro-
vide assistance to those in our community who have been incarcerated
or have a criminal conviction. Recognizing the many challenges such
individuals and their loved ones face, we have tried to list resources here that
focus on key needs: getting an I.D., accessing housing and employment, find-
ing a place to worship or an opportunity for further education.
We have not focused on one of the most important issues: employment.
In that regard, there are just too many sources to list. For finding employment,
please contact us. The best way to reach us is to visit us during our drop-in
center hours, Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 401 E.
Park St., Champaign. During drop-in hours we provide individual mentoring,
assistance with employment searches, & help connect you to many of the
resources in this guide. Keep in mind that although Bethel AME has been kind
enough to let us use their facilities, we are open to people of all faiths and
persuasions.
If you can’t make it to the drop-in center, please contact us via the following:
Email: firstfollowerscu@gmail.com
Facebook: FirstFollowers Champaign-Urbana
You can also find out more about FirstFollowers by visiting our website:
www.firstfollowersreentry.com
Lastly, we welcome feedback on our guide. While we have tried to keep
things up to date, some information contained here may be subject to
change. Please let us know if we need to correct or update any of our entries.
F
irstFollowers opened our drop-in center in March of 2015. The individuals we
have been fortunate to serve have typically faced similar challenges: obstacles
to employment, housing restrictions, and lack of the necessary documents to
acquire an ID. Many have also come to us seeking education and job training oppor-
tunities, access to relief services, and information regarding expungement and record
sealing.
During our time of service, we have recognized the absence of useful sources of in-
formation about services and opportunities for our constituency. In response, we have
created Finding Your Way to provide assistance to those reentering the Champaign
County community.
This guide has been a collective effort. FirstFollowers extends a special thank you to
University of Illinois professor Ken Salo and his Spring 2017 Urban and Regional Plan-
ning class. Their collaboration with us and eagerness for community engagement gave
birth to this guide. We are especially grateful to those students who did the bulk of the
research: Chris Miner, Sarah Abu-Taleb, Jane Eagleton, Amorita Falcon and Janice Hsu.
We also must acknowledge the valuable contributions of FirstFollowers’ mentors who
provided their critique and insider knowledge, especially Bethany Britton, Perry Cline,
Tammy Bond, Tamika Davis and Charles Davidson.
Lastly our guide would not have been possible without the editing and design exper-
tise of Cope Cumpston, the photography skills of Linda Kwon, the proofreading of Al
Davis and financial support from the Solidarity Committee of the Graduate Employees’
Organization (GEO) at the University of Illinois.
FirstFollowers believes this resource guide will serve as a tool that will guide
individuals to much needed support, opportunity, and inspiration. Again, we send a
great thank you to all who have made this possible!
Best Regards,
1. Identification 2
2. Housing 3
3. Employment 6
6. Clothing 13
8. Health Care 16
9. Transportation 18
© FirstFollowers 2017
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St. Jude Catholic Worker (Drop-In Center)
Assistance with State ID on Tuesdays, 1-4 pm
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
Full details on page 7. Assistance with State ID’s and in and out of state
birth certificates on second Wednesday, 10:30 am-noon
2. Housing
PACE - Center for Independent Living
PACE is a program run by and for people with disabilities. If you are
struggling with disabilities PACE has the potential to help you achieve or
maintain independent living.
1317 E Florida Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 344-5433
Service Hours: Call for more information
Website: http://pacecil.org/general-services/
C-U @ Home
C-U at Home engages and mobilizes our community to house and support
the most vulnerable homeless on their journey of healing and restoration.
They currently provide three homes (Recovery House, Family House, and
Women’s House) which allow for people in crisis to re-establish their lives.
Spaces are very limited.
34 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 819-4569
Service Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12pm-5pm
Website: http://www.cuathome.us/
Courage Connection
Courage Connection Domestic Violence Services provides help to anyone
experiencing domestic violence. They provide 3 houses for displaced abuse
victims, as well as 6 affordable housing projects. Shelter and services are
confidential and free-of-charge.
508 East Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 352-7151
Service Hours: Monday-Saturday 24 hours, Sunday - closed
Website: https://courageconnection.org/
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Merci’s Refuge (Women)
Merci’s Refuge offers residential programs to “women in crisis who desire
to rise to their created purpose.” This is a new program of the Pregnancy
Resource Center, and aims to give women and their families the opportunity
to make lasting change.
209 E Wilber Avenue, Champaign, IL 61822
Contact (217) 378-4045
Service Hours: Please call.
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Abundant Life in Christ II, Inc. 4Life Ministry
Ann’s House offers housing to women with non-violent, non-sexual offenses
and re-entry support.
Contact: Evangelist Eloris Nash (217) 552-1177
Email: abundant_life2@mail.com
Write: P.O. Box 8853, Champaign, IL 61821
Austin’s Place
Austin’s Place is the only winter emergency shelter for single women in
Champaign County. Austin’s Place operates solely on volunteer effort –
from volunteers who stay overnight, transport guests, do laundry, make
phone calls, etc. The shelter is generally open mid December to mid March.
Note: Women must contact Courage Connection for an appointment to be
admitted into Austin’s Place. (see page 3 for Courage Connection.)
Alternatively contact
First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Champaign
210 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (FUMC) (217) 356-9078
Merci’s Refuge
Merci’s Refuge is not simply a place to live. The primary purpose of MR is
to provide women a realistic opportunity to focus on the root issues that
hold them back from reaching their God-given potential. This residential
program is offered at no cost to women who are pregnant, experiencing a
situation that puts them at risk for an unplanned pregnancy and those who
have had an abortion and desire supportive services. The 9 month program
is intensive requiring women to follow a full daily schedule, actively
participate in group and individual activities, and comply with procedures
for outside visits. Women will take part in life-skill classes in nutrition,
parenting, money management and entrepreneurship, healthy relationships
and spiritual growth
209 E. Wilber Avenue, Champaign, IL 61822
Contact: (217) 378-4045
Hours: Residential – 24 hours – 9 month program
Email: mercisrefuge@hopeforafuture.com
Website: mercisrefuge.org
Hope Meadows
Hope Meadows is a unique program that changes the lives of foster
children, retirees and families. Hope Meadows provides safe and loving
homes to biologic, adopted, children in foster care or the process of
adoption, and some young adults living on their own or with roommates in
a neighborhood, community setting. Supportive seniors who are entering
their retirement years remain active in the program by providing support to
the adoptive families in the Hope Meadows community. (contact info next
page)
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1530 Fairway Drive, Rantoul, IL 61866
Contact: (217)893-4673
Hours: Residential program
Website: hopemeadows.org
3. Employment
Illinois Department of Employment Security
The Re-entry Employment Service Program (RESP) serves Illinoisans who
are currently, or have in the past been, subject to any stage of the criminal
justice process and who require assistance in overcoming barriers to
employment resulting from a record of arrest or conviction.
1307 North Mattis Avenue, Champaign, Illinois, 61821
Contact: (800) 244-5631
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Service Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Website: http://www.countyoffice.org/il-champaign-county-
child-support-offices/
Safe Families
Safe families is a nonprofit, volunteer movement that creates extended
family-like support and safety for children during a family crisis such as
homelessness, hospitalization or domestic violence in an effort to prevent
child abuse and/or neglect.
Volunteer host families are motivated by faith to keep children safe and
families intact. Host families screened and approved by Safe Families take
in children for short periods of time. Family Friends provide mentoring and
transportation to families in crisis and babysitting and meals to support the
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host families. Safe Families PLUS Mentors mentor young adults aging out of
foster care.
#3 Henson Place Suite 1, Champaign
Contact: (217)355-4446
Hours:
Email: champaign@safefamilies.net
Website: safe-famililes.org
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Family Service of Champaign County – Counseling
Family Service of Champaign County Counseling service provides
counseling with professional therapists for individuals, couples, or a family
with children to resolve conflicts arising from personal and relationship
issues such as marital and parent-child relationships, divorce, childhood
trauma, depression, abuse, and adjustment to life changes. Sliding scale
fee based on income and family size for Champaign County residents; most
health insurance plans are accepted.
405 S. State St., Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 352-0099
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Email: info@familyservicecc.org
Website: famservcc.org/counseling/
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5. Food Services and Pantries
Area Food Pantry Locations and Hours
Champaign Church of the Brethren
1210 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217)356-3852
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm
Wesley Food Pantry
Their mission is to alleviate food insecurity in our community one family at a
time by providing them with one week’s worth of nutritious groceries. They
offer evening pantry hours for clients to visit after regular hours of work. The
service also promotes childhood literacy by giving each child two books to
take home; it also provides the children with crafts and activities.
1203 W. Green St. Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: 217-344-1120
Service Hours: Every Thursday, 5:30 pm to 7:30pm, doors open at 5 pm
Website: http://wesleypantry.org/about.html
Wesley Food Pantry at Parkland
2400 W Bradley Avenue, Champaign IL 61826
Service Hours: Every Wednesday, 11:00am-12:30pm and 1st & 3rd Saturday
of the month, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
Provides a safe, respectful, and inviting environment in an atmosphere
of hope and dignity. Daily Bread Soup Kitchen serves a hot meal of soup,
salad, entree, dessert and beverage to over 200 guests per day. The service
is entirely volunteer run and dependent on donations from individuals,
businesses and local grants.
Daily Bread also provides sack lunches to go, a Christmas backpack program
(gloves, hats, blankets, etc.) and assistance with State ID’s, in and out of state
birth certificates and annual bus passes for those who can demonstrate a
need to move guests toward employment and independence.
Hours: 10:30-noon, second Wed. of the month
116 N. First Street Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 356-7687
Service Hours: Lunch Daily 11:00am~12:30pm
Website: https://dailybreadsoupkitchen.com/
Salt & Light Food Pantry
Salt & Light’s food co-op is a membership–based food cooperative providing
individuals the opportunity to use their skills, talents, gifts, and abilities to
provide food for themselves and their families. The co-op serves families and
individuals struggling with chronic food insecurity. With their co-op model,
participants choose the foods they want to eat, much like shopping in a
grocery store. The co-op is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to
shop. For those who are unable to use financial resources, co-op credit can be
earned by working at any local non-profit in the community. Each participant
can earn up to $165 each month to spend in the co-op and/or thrift store.
1512 W. Anthony Drive Champaign, Illinois 61821
Contact: (217) 355-5654
Service Hours: Monday through Saturday 9am~8pm
Website: http://www.saltandlightministry.org/food-co-op
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Stone Creek Church Food Pantry
This food pantry collaborates with Grace United Church to provide food for
those in need.
2004 South Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 344-5455
Service Hours: Mondays, 10:30am-1:00pm
Hope Center
1802 N Lincoln, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 384-3706
Service Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00am-6:00pm
Empty Tomb
Provides groceries to individuals or families in need through a network of
volunteers who make free deliveries to the residence.
301 N. Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 356-2262
Hours:
Website: emptytomb.org
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Partnering Against Homelessness – Canteen Run
The Canteen Run is a program that provides food and drinks, shirts and
underwear, and blankets at designated locations and times throughout the
week to persons who are homeless or near homeless.
Contact: (217) 369-9344
Hours: Schedule varies for canteen runs and locations; refer to website
schedule for details
Email: cucanteenrun.org
Website: cucanteenrun.org
Food is Medicine
The Food is Medicine program is a partnership between the Eastern IL
Foodbank and the Public Health Department and Promise Healthcare at
Frances Nelson Health Center. It serves patients and individuals who are
struggling to afford an adequate diet for healthy living. A bag of groceries
(both locations) and fresh produce (Health Department only) are available
on site for people who qualify for this service.
Frances Nelson Health Center
819 Bloomington Road, Champaign, IL 61820
Public Health Department – 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign, IL 61820
See Health Care (pages 16-18) for contact information, hours and websites
6. Clothing
Public Health District
Free kids clothes, age 0-18 on Tuesday 9-4 p.m.
201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
217 352-7961
M-F 8-4:30
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Goodwill
This long-standing nonprofit chain has a range of pre-owned clothing,
furniture, housewares and more. Revenues from auction sales fund
Goodwill’s education, training and job placement programs for people with
disabilities and other barriers.
912 W Anthony Dr, Champaign, IL 61821
Savoy Plaza, 1201 Savoy Plaza Ln, Savoy, IL 61874
Contact: Champaign (217) 280-1870; Savoy Plaza (217) 503-6076
Service Hours: Sunday 12:00-6:00pm; rest of the week 9am-7pm
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Rosecrance
Rosecrance offers comprehensive addiction services for adolescents and
adults, including prevention, intervention, detoxification, inpatient and
outpatient treatment, experiential therapies, and dual-diagnosis care and
family education. Rosecrance also offers outpatient mental health services
for children, adults and families through a variety of programs.
801 N. Walnut Street Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 373-2430
Service Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-3:30pm
Website: http://www.rosecrance.org/facilities/champaign/
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community-based organization with a
multilingual and multicultural membership. They offer recovery from the
effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including
regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help
from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to
pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
Find a meeting - http://www.naws.org/meetingsearch/
Helpline: (800) 539-0475
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women
who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting,
multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or
education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do
something about his or her drinking problem. Check website for full list of
meetings and locations county-wide.
8 Henson Place, Champaign: Monday-Friday meetings 6am, noon, 5:15pm;
also noon on Saturday and Sunday. Many other locations and times.
Find a mtg - www.aa-eci.org; 24-hour Answering Service: (217) 373-4200
Crisis Line
A non-profit organization that provides free and confidential emotional
support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
1801 Fox Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 359-4141
The Pavilion
The Pavilion’s addiction treatment spans the continuum of care and includes
Inpatient Medical Detoxification, Dual Diagnosis Treatment, and Residential/
Partial Hospital Treatment. Based on the 12-step model, its treatment assists
patients in building the skills and resources necessary for sustained recovery
809 W Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 373-1700, (800) 373-1700, 24 hours
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8. Health Care
Frances Nelson Health Center
Frances Nelson is a primary care medical and mental health clinic dedicated
to providing affordable and accessible high quality health care services to
the medically underserved population of Champaign County, now with a
walk-in clinic and convenient care access.
819 Bloomington Road Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 356-1558
Service Hours: Monday 7:30am-7:30pm;
Tuesday to Friday 7:30-5:30
Website: http://www.promisehealth.org/health-center
Carle Hospital
Carle Hospital is a large hospital with regular care providers and an ER for
emergencies. You may also take classes at Carle entitled “All about baby”
and “First Aid and CPR”. You can also attend different seminars and support
groups. Ask to apply for the Carle Assistance Program if you need help to
pay your bills.
611 W Park St, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 383-3311; appointment and consultant for drug addiction
(217) 383-6039. Service Hours: 24 Hours
Website: https://carle.org/services/addiction
Parkland Dental
Dental hygiene office for check-ups and other dental procedures, including
oral cancer screenings and oral x-rays. You may also find nutritional
counseling and dental care education.
Parkland College Main Campus: 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821,
Room L148
Contact: (217) 351-2221 Fax: (217) 373-3830
Clinic Hours: Call for an appointment Monday through Friday.
During the summer session please call Monday through Thursday.
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Hermes Clinic
Health services for adults and children organized by Medical school
students. Appointments for school physicals, health maintenance visits, and
medical lab tests.
Multicultural Health Center
2040 S Orchard Dr, Urbana IL 61801
Thursdays 6-8
www.hermesclinic.org
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705 N Country Fair Dr, Champaign, IL 61821
Contact: (217) 278-5605 or Help line 1-800-843-6154
Service Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30~5:00pm
Website: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx
9. Transportation
Champaign Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD)
MTD has a range of buses with many different routes that take you all over
the Champaign-Urbana area. Bus fare is $1 per ride; you can also purchase
daily, monthly, or annual passes. On their website, you may type in a
location and destination and the website will tell you what bus to take and
the times that that bus will be arriving. Those over 65 can get a pass to ride
for free.
1101 East University Avenue Urbana, IL 61802-2009
Contact: (217) 384-8188
Website for schedule information: https://www.cumtd.com
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Church of the Brethren (Neil St)
An array of services provided in addition to worship service including:
Sunday school, bible study, bible study supper, book exchange, food pantry,
computer lab, community gardening, game night and more.
Religious Affiliation: Anabaptist in the Mainline Tradition
1210 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Contact: (217) 356-3852
Service Times: Sunday School 9:30 am (Every Sunday);
Worship Service 10:30 am (Every Sunday);
Bible Study 6:15 pm (Each Wednesday)
Website: http://www.cubrethren.org/
Vineyard Church
Their Mission is to “Continue the ministry of Jesus” by the power of the Holy
Spirit. The church places a heavy emphasis on building connections through
small groups, in which attendees meet in homes throughout the week for
bible study and other thematic interests. Worship is also a significant focus.
Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational, Christianity who believes in Jesus
Christ
1500 N Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 384-3070
Service Hours: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9:15am,
Sunday 11am
Website: http://www.thevineyardchurch.us/
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Other places of worship:
Catholic: Church of St. Mary, 612 E. Park St. Champaign 61820;
Contact: (217) 352-8364 (they offer Spanish language mass Sundays at 1
p.m.)
Mennonite: 902 W. Springfield, Urbana IL 61801 Contact: 217 367-5353
Non-denominational: Church of the Living God (The Love Corner)
310 E. Bradley, Ave., Champaign IL 61820 Contact: (217) 359-4884
11. Libraries
Libraries can provide many services which might prove valuable. All the
libraries listed below have free wireless internet, as well as computer
stations where you can explore employment opportunities.
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English Language Acquisition, Certified Nursing Assistant, Continuing
Education and Career Development. They help their students to become
more competitive in the workforce, which allows them to transition into
meaningful employment with a living wage.
211 North Race Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 384-3530
Service Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm ;
Friday 8am-5pm
Website: http://urbanaadulteducation.org/
Odyssey Project
The Odyssey Project is a free, 32-week, college-credit-granting humanities
program for income-eligible adults, 18 years and older, with limited-to-no
access to higher education. Courses are free and offered at Urbana Adult
Education Center. For more information call Urbana Adult Education,
(217) 384-3530
or visit the Odyssey website at: https://engage.illinois.edu/entry/2419
F I N D I N G Y O U R W AY : A G U I D E T O R E - E N T R Y 21
Champaign County Courthouse
Having a lawyer in court can make a real difference. If you are in need of
a lawyer and cannot afford one, if you are a victim of sexual assault, or if
you have the money but cannot find a lawyer contact Champaign County
Courthouse.
101 E Main St #215, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 384-3725
Service Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-4:30pm
Website: http://www.cccircuitclerk.com/SelfHelpHandout.pdf;
http://www.cccircuitclerk.com
Drug Court
In order to break the cycle of criminal recidivism, drug court’s goal is to
assess and direct individuals with substance abuse addictions into judicially
supervised treatment, rather than jail. A defendant’s success requires
tremendous dedication from the professional staff, the clients, and their
families to make the transition from addiction to sobriety.
101 E Main St, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: (217) 384-3753
Service Hours: Call for more information
Website: http://www.co.champaign.il.us/drugcourt
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This is a one-time
benefit, which depends on the household’s total income, household size,
type of fuel used and geographic location.
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/champaign_county_regional_
plan.html
Ripple Effect
(through the Education Justice Project - University of Illinois)
We invite individuals with loved ones in prison to join us on the third
Monday of each month. We organize these gatherings for mutual support
and to provide an opportunity for people with loved ones inside to learn
from those who have been in prison themselves. Come with your questions,
and also with the addresses of your incarcerated loved ones. Ripple Effect
provides stationery and postage. Children’s activities and light supper
provided. All are welcome. No need to RSVP.
http://www.educationjustice.net/home/
Contact: (217) 300.5150
info@educationjustice.net
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Know Your Rights:
Urbana:
In Urbana it is illegal to discriminate against people based on criminal
conviction or arrest record. A landlord or employer cannot deny you
solely based on your record. If you feel you have been discriminated
against you can file a complaint with the Human Relations Officer,
Vacellia Clark, hro@urbanaillinois.us 217 384 2466
Champaign:
If you feel you have been discriminated against due to race, gender,
sexual orientation, you can file a complaint with the Community
Relations Officer. communityrelations@champaignil.gov 217 403 8830.
Please note that Champaign does not ban discrimination in housing or
employment based on criminal background.
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