In an effort to combat and dismantle one-dimensional depictions of the Austin community, the Oak Park-River Forest Community of Congregations will hold a panel discussion on Monday, Sept. 30.

The goal of the meeting is to help residents from both neighborhoods better understand each other. Groups from Oak Park and Austin, such as Austin Coming Together (ACT), Bethel New Life, Circle Family Healthcare Network and the OP-RF Food Pantry, are just a few of the organizations that will present varying angles on the issue during the panel discussion.

The Community of Congregations is a network of local churches in Oak Park and River Forest, which sponsors, among other activities and events, the annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service.

The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave. in Oak Park.