LOCATION: Doubletree by Hilton, Bloomington
PATH’s Community Resource Seminars – 2014-2015. We want to answer your questions about our local system of social services -- register today for our ½ day (4 hour) training! The cost is $35/individual, plus $25 (optional and special seminar rate) for the McLean/DeWitt/Livingston County PATH Directory or $20 for the McLean County only Directory. Both go hand-in-hand with the seminar content. Our next half-day seminar is
Thursday, March 19th.
Seminars run from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. To register, contact Amanda at 834-0580 or download the registration brochure from our web site you can find the form under Community Resources.
Go Red for Women: Breakfast in Red - This year’s program will focus on the effects of stress on your heart health. All attendees will receive a free, heart-healthy breakfast, a giveaway, and valuable information on how to reduce your stress for a healthier and happier heart.
DATE: Tuesday, February 24, 2015
LOCATION: DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington
AGENDA: 7:30-8 am Registration and Breakfast
8-9:30 am "Stress and your Heart Health" with Dr. Anjali Bhagra, Mayo Clinic
To register online, please visit or call (309) 661-5151. The event is free, but an RSVP is
required.
West Bloomington Revitalization Project presents the fifth annual “A Taste of The West”
March 20, 2015, 5:30-7:30pm
WBRP Annual meeting - 7:00pm
Learn what WBRP has been doing and how You can get involved!
Irving School Cafeteria, 602 W. Jackson
Enjoy the great food of West Bloomington, join us for this friendly and free tastings competition.
DATE CHANGE FOR CHILDREN’S HOME + AID TRAINING IN MAY: The date for the Understanding Ethics and Professional Behaviors training has been moved from May 12 to May 19. All other details are the same. For additional information, please contact Karan Kowal at (618) 452.8900, x 181.
LIFE Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) Community Advocacy Training
Free Class Offered - LIFE CIL in Bloomington is holding a Community Advocacy Training class for adults with disabilities who reside in McLean, Livingston, Ford, or DeWitt counties. Participants will learn about how they can affect community change, how to communicate with elected officials, how to actively participate in the legislative process, advocacy skills, disability rights laws and the disability rights movement. As part of the learning experience, the class includes two trips to Springfield. The class and trips are free of charge. Classes will run from April 6th through May 26th, with the majority of meetings on Mondays from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Accommodations provided upon request. Application deadline is March 20th.
To enroll, contact Rickielee Benecke at LIFE Center for Independent Living, 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite #1, Bloomington, Illinois 61704. Phone 309-663-5433 (voice/TTY), or 888-543-3245 (toll-free voice/TDD) or email her at .
Family to Family Class Helps You Cope - This class provides ideas that help deal with a loved one who has a mental illness diagnosis. If you would like to take it please go to the link below to pre-register.
If you know of someone who would like to attend, please forward this to them.
Dates: March 14, 21, 28 April 11,18, 25 and May 2, 9,16
Time: 9:00 – 11:45 am
Where it meets: Wesley United Methodist Church, 502 East Front Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
To pre-register please go to our webpage at:
What is NAMI’s Family-to-Family Program?
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 9-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.
· The course is taught by trained family members
· All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
· Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program
What Does The Course Include?
· Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
· Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
· Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
· Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
· Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
· Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
· Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
· Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
· Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program designed to help low and moderate-income taxpayers ($35,000 if single with no children or $55,000 if single with children or married) complete their Federal and Illinois tax returns and file them electronically at NO COST to them.
VITA volunteers do have previous knowledge or experience with preparing tax returns. VITA services are offered through the Bloomington-Normal VITA Foundation and Mt. Moriah Christian Church
DAY: Tuesday & Thursdays5:00 – 7:45pm
LOCATION: Heartland Community College, 1500 W. Raab Rd, Normal IL , Workforce Development Center, Room 3601
DAY: Wednesdays5:00 – 7:45pm
LOCATION: Mid Central Community Action. 1301 W. Washington St, Bloomington, IL
DAY: Fridays9:30am – 2:00pm (By appointment only: call 309-888-9099)
LOCATION: Normal Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St, Normal, IL
DAY: Mondays 5:00 – 7:45pm & Saturdays 9:00 – 11:45am
LOCATION: Bloomington Housing Authority, 104 E. Wood St, Bloomington, IL
DAY:Mondays 2:00 – 6:00pm (February Only)
Wednesdays 2:00 – 6:00pm & Fridays 2:00 – 6:00pm
LOCATION: Mount Moriah Christian Church, 510 E. Washington St, Bloomington, IL
Please bring:
Tax information such as W-2, 1099, etc
Social Security cards (or ITINs) for all persons on the return
Government issued picture ID
Copy of your 2013 Federal Tax Return
FREE tax sites open January 28 – April 13
MCLP Class of 2015 to share community service project results
The public is invited to the Multicultural Leadership Program (MCLP) Class of 2015 community project presentations on Saturday morning, March 7, 2015, as five local community organizations will soon get a boost towards their goals.
The MCLP Class of 2015 will conclude five community service projects, sharing results in a public presentation 8:00 am to 10:45 am in the Astroth Community Education Center Building, second floor auditorium, at Heartland Community College in Normal. A continental breakfast will precede the program at 7:30 am.
For the past six months MCLP class members have put servant leadership into action as they teamed up to address specific needs identified by five nonprofit partner organizations:
- Community Health Care Clinic — study the feasibility of a dental clinic and a five-year budget program
- Immanuel Health Care — raise name recognition
- Meadows at Mercy Creek — support staff development to enhance skills and better serve residents
- Prairie Pride Coalition — assess LGBT community needs to help redefine goals and outreach
- Challenger Learning Center — enhance fundraising efforts
Immediately following the project presentations, there is an information session 11 am to noon to share about future MCLP opportunities, including how apply for the MCLP Class of 2016 program year.
Radio Interviews Offer Previews of Team Experiences: Tune in to Susan Saunder’s show on WJBC AM 1230 every Friday at 10:05 am through March 6th to hear interviews with the MCLP project teams; and to WXRJ’s Ursula Crooks’ “What’s Going On” show 12-2 pm on Saturdays through March on FM 94.9.
For more information, contact:
Diana Hauman, MCLP Community Involvement Chairperson, (309) 838-1320,
University of Illinois Extension is partnering with Heartland Community College for the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager’s Certification Course. This course meets the eight-hour coursework and examination required by the State of Illinois for the Food Service Sanitation Manager’s Certification. It will be held February 25 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm and February 27 from 9:00 am-2:00 pm in the Workforce Development Center Room 1402 at Heartland Community College. You must attend both days to sit for the examination. There is a fee of $124 per person for materials and the test. To register, call Heartland at 309-268-8160 or online at http://www.heartland.edu/communityEd/ .
University of Illinois Extension and Evenglow Inn are partnering to bring you Fresh Fare: Small Appliances: The Superheroes of the Kitchen! Do you use your stand mixer, food processor, blender or slow cooker for just one use only? If so, you’re missing out! Learn more about your small kitchen appliance and what all it can do for you! Small Appliances: The Superheroes of the Kitchen will be held March 11 at Evenglow Inn, 1303 E. Indiana Ave., Pontiac from 6-7:00 pm. A $5 donation is suggested. You can register for this program by calling Evenglow at (815) 842-9040.
YWCA McLean County - RSVP will be hosting a Volunteer Rally on Tuesday, March 3rd from 2 pm to 3 pm at the YWCA. Come and learn about volunteer opportunities and agencies needing aid including: Downtown Bloomington Association, Homes of Hope, Recycling Furniture for Families and YWCA McLean County. Refreshments will be provided. All RSVP volunteers who bring a friend will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card. Please RSVP by Friday, February 27th to Brittany Cornell at 309-662-0461 ext. 295 or .
Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community is holding a Volunteer Recruitment Party on Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 - 11:00 am. This event will take place at the River of Life Church located at 24955 Church Street, Chenoa (half way between Gridley and Chenoa). We invite you to bring your ideas, interests, talents & personality. Those interested should RSVP to Tracy Armour at (309) 747-3628 or by February 25, 2015. Volunteering is mutually beneficial and fun, we hope to see you there!
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY –
The City of Bloomington, Department of Planning and Code Enforcement, Community Development Division, announces the availability of the City’s Draft Consolidated Plan covering the period May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2019. This Plan is required by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the stated time period. In addition, a list of proposed projects for the May, 2015 – April, 2016 fiscal year has also been provided.
The Draft Plan emphasizes funding in the following areas:
Infrastructure Improvement in Low/Moderate Income Census Tracts
Affordable Housing Development
Rehabilitation of Income Eligible Single-family Owner-Occupied Dwellings
Public Service Funding—Not to Exceed 15% of the Annual Grant
Program Administration Costs
Demolition of deteriorated, vacant and/or abandoned structures
Public Facility Improvements
Citizens wishing to comment on this Draft Plan or proposed activities may do so by contacting the Community Development Division, Government Center, P.O. Box 3157, 115 E. Washington St., 2nd floor, Bloomington, (309) 434-2342 or e-mail . Effective Monday, February 23, 2015, copies of the draft will be available at this office, at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 109 East Olive St., Bloomington, at the Bloomington Public Library and on the City of Bloomington’s website, Comments received in writing prior to March 25, 2010, will be considered for final Plan submission to HUD.
In addition, a public hearing on the draft plan and proposed expenditure of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for FY 2015-2019, will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015, during the City Council Meeting. The hearing is open to the public. The council meeting is at 7:00 pm, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 109 E. Olive Street, Bloomington.
Participation of all residents, including non-English speaking and physical, visual or hearing impaired individuals are encouraged to respond. Individuals with impairments are asked to notify the office a minimum of 3 days in advance, at 309-434-2244, of their intent to participate so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
Jennifer Toney, Grants Coordinator, Planning and Code Enforcement Department
P.O. Box 3157, Bloomington, IL 61702-3157
Phone: 309-434-2342, FAX: 309-434-2801, Email:
From the Bloomington Public Library:
Mondays & Thursdays through April 13 - Tax Assistance
Volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will provide assistance in filing taxes from 9:15am-1pm on Mondays and Thursdays from February 2-April 13 in the Community Room at Bloomington Public Library. No return will be started after 12:15pm.
Those seeking assistance should bring their W-2, social security card, social security statements and tax forms to the Community Room. A social security card or statement is required for anyone whose name appears on the tax return. There are no age nor income restrictions to receive aid. Help is provided first-come-first-served.
Thursday, February 26 - Essentials of Business: Essentials of Funding Your Small Business
In this 6:30pm workshop in the Community Room at Bloomington Public Library, we will examine the full range of funding sources – both traditional and non-traditional. We will provide the pros and cons of each form including bank, credit union, secured and non-secured, and even such new means as “Crowd Funding” on the Internet.
This series is sponsored by SCORE and the Bloomington Public Library.
Saturday, February 28 - Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Do you like green eggs and fun? Join us, join us, everyone!
Join Bloomington Public Library as it partners with the United Way of McLean County to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories from 11am-1pm in the Children’s Department. Crafts and other activities will follow.
Saturday, February 28 - Harambee: a Journey Through African American Dance
The Impact Dance Theatre presents Harambee, featuring a short lecture about African American dance, demonstrations, and a class to get you up and moving at 2pm in the Bloomington Public Library Community Room. The Impact Dance Theatre is operated by Torea Phillips and is geared to bring the art of professional dance to the community.
Heartland Community College offers free GED and ESL classes! Call 268-8180.
GED: Do you know someone who needs a GED? Let HCC help. Studies will include reading, writing, social studies, science, and math. HCC can also prepare students for the U.S and Illinois Constitution exams, if necessary. Enroll now and begin classes by March 16th.
ESL: Do you know someone who needs to improve in their ability to speak English. We can help with that too. Students will improve in their ability to speak, listen, read, and write English. Enroll now and begin classes by March 2nd.
GED and ESL classes are FREE and help learners move to the next level of the ladder to success. If interested in more information, or to schedule a date for testing and orientation, please contact 268-8180.
Employment Opportunities:
Children’s Home + Aid Employment Opportunities:
Early Childhood Teacher (one full-time position and one part-time position open) - Join our team of passionate educators who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. As an early childhood Teacher, you will assist the Lead Teacher to manage the classroom, conduct age-appropriate activities, provide individualized care to children, assist in assessing the development of children, and communicate with parents.
Qualifications:
· Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is required
Please send an e-mail with “Teacher” in the subject line and attach cover letter and resume to: .
Supervisor – Foster Care (Champaign) -Supervise a growing team of dedicated professionals in Champaign! The Supervisor – Foster Care oversees foster care services and licensing of foster homes in Champaign and Vermillion counties and reports to the Director of Family Centered Services.
Qualifications:
· Masters Degree in Social Work or other human service field required
· Minimum of 5 years child welfare experience required, 2 years supervisory experience preferred
· Child Welfare Employee Licensure required
· DCFS , 402 and CCA licensed preferred
· Valid Driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Please send an e-mail with “Supervisor – FCS” in the subject line and attach cover letter and resume to:
For details on these positions as well as a complete list of current career opportunities at Children’s Home + Aid, please visit our website at Compensation includes paid time off, as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance and a 401(k) Employee savings plan. Children’s Home + Aid is an equal opportunity employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.
On Site Supervisor- MARCFIRST - Marcfirst is seeking a full-time On Site Residential Supervisor responsible for providing staff supervision, and direct supports for people with disabilities. Responsibilities include training employees, planning, and directing work. Supervisors assist people supported in achieving the outcomes of their individual support plan. This position is benefit eligible. Availability based on needs of people supported, which is 24 hours per day 7 days per week. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and one year experience in working with people with developmental disabilities required. Supervisory experience, computer knowledge, and associate’s degree or 60 credit hours of college credits, preferred. Valid Illinois Driver’s License with driving record in good standing and current proof of automobile insurance is required. For more information call (309) 451-8888 ext: 221. Applications can be found at
CHSP Service Coordinator - The Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington seeks applicants for the position of CHSP Service Coordinator. This full-time position is responsible for service coordination and case management in support of the Congregate Housing Services Program participants to enable independent living for people with disabilities. The position is based at the Irvin Apartments, a 25-unit complex designed for people with developmental disabilities and similar special needs. Through the program, residents are provided with prepared meals, case management, and coordination of healthcare and social services to enable independent living in a community setting.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in social work, special education, human services or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with the disabled population, preferably within a complex service-oriented organization. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience with coordination of various social services in the Bloomington-Normal is extremely helpful. Other requirements of the position include the ability to conduct counselling to assess the needs of participants, good organizational skills, computer skills, and a valid Illinois driver’s license.