PATH’s Community Resource Seminars – 2014. 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 $20 (optional and special seminar rate) for the McLean County PATH Directory or $25 for our McLean/DeWitt/Livingston County Directory. Both go hand-in-hand with the seminar content. Our next half-day seminar is:
Thursday, November 20th
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.
DENTALEXTRACTION CLINIC:
Saturday, October 18, 2014, 7:00 a.m. until 120 patients are registered (NO APPOINTMENTS)
WHERE:109 N. Regency Drive, Bloomington
·Residents of McLEAN COUNTY ONLY
·Adults in dental pain, needing 1 or 2 teeth extracted/no access to care/no health insurance.
·The clinic is not for routine cleaning, exam, denture repair, fillings, or multiple extractions.
·Children’s Dental should be accessed through the McLean County Health Dept.
·CallScott Health Resources (823-4224) to request flyers in English and Spanish. We urge you to share
this information with other agencies to help us inform the public of the next free dental clinic. Thank you!
SPANISH INTERPRETERS WILL BE AT THE CLINIC
HOW FRESH IS YOUR PATH DIRECTORY? If you currently own a PATH directory, check your “freshness date” at the bottom right-hand corner. Is it over a year old? Make sure you have the very latest information to make the right referrals for your clients. Resources are constantly changing. If you do not own PATH’s Directory and you are working with people in nearly any capacity, you need one! Cost is $30 per directory for McLean County only information, $35 per directory for McLean, DeWitt & Livingston Counties combined. Additional charges apply if shipping is required. Contact Amanda at 834-0580or nd order a directory printed fresh for you.
The 11th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council (FVCC) invites you to join us on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, for the conference “Motivational Interviewing “(MI)to learn about the spirit, method, and practical approaches to MI.
Join us from 8:30am-4:00pm at The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. Cost $20 (CEUs available at additional cost)
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal oriented method of communication with particular attention to the language of change. Designed to strengthen an individual’s motivation for and movement toward a specific goal, MI elicits and explores the person’s own arguments for change.
This workshop will set participants on a journey toward proficiency in Motivational Interviewing. Participants will increase their understanding and use of the directional aspects of MI by practicing:
- Identifying the effectiveness of MI in your practice setting
- Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections and Summarization
- Reflective listening
To register for the conference, and for more information about the speaker, the agenda and conference details, visit
Wings & PrayersDifferently Abled- Ecumenical Worship Service, Sunday, October 19, 2014
Wings & Prayers is a differently-abled ecumenical worship service for those with developmental & intellectual disabilities and their families and families who have children with special needs. The Wings & Prayers Ministry has designed and adapted a meaningful worship service aimed to capture the attention and interest of these individuals.
Services are held every 3rd Sunday of the month, at 3:00-3:45 pm with fellowship time following. Services are held at Crossroads Chapel - 1049 JC Parkway, in Bloomington, IL.
Volunteers are cherished and much needed. Please contact: Pastor Cheree’ Johnson at or call 309-706-2961 for more information.
On October 25th, Hammitt School will offer “Love and Logic for Parents and Professionals” from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at The Baby Fold’s Centennial Training Center at 612 Oglesby Ave., Normal. “Love and Logic” is a discipline model with simple techniques that reduce power struggles, make consequences more effective, encourage effective problem solving and increases the positive relationships between adults and children. There is a $10 charge per person or $15 charge per couple. There are also scholarships available for people who find it difficult to pay. Please contact Julie Stoll at 309-4517218 or email at .
Save the date!Countering Domestic Violence is hosting a 40-hour Domestic Violence Training in January 2015. Dates are:Wednesday, January 21, 2015,Thursday, January 22, 2015,Friday, January 23, 2015,Monday, January 26, 2015,Tuesday, January 27, 2015,Wednesday, January 28, 2015,Thursday, January 29, 2015 12pm-5pm,Friday, January 30, 2015 from 12pm-5pm each day.
Women to Women 2014-2015 Grant Cycle Open for Applications - The Women to Women Giving Circle of Illinois Prairie Community Foundation announces the opening of its 2014-2015 grant cycle. This year’s focus is “Educating and Supporting Mothers;” $35,000 is available for programs that address the focus area. Examples are parenting skills aimed at various age groups of children, pre- and post-natal education, networks for new mothers, child abuse prevention, incarcerated mothers, and family budgeting. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on October 31. Grant criteria, timetable and access to the online application may be found at The grants coordinator is Kathi Davis, 309-662-4477 or .
4th Annual Adult Abuse Breakfast - Please join us for our fourth annual Enough is Enough Adult Abuse Breakfast. Formerly known as the Elder Abuse Breakfast, the Adult Abuse Breakfast is an event to promote awareness of abuse against older adults and adults with disabilities. The breakfast also recognizes those community members who have dedicated their efforts to providing needed services to victims of adult abuse.
Join us on October 23, 2014 at 7:00 AM in the United Way Board Room at 201 E Grove, Bloomington
Parking is available in the lot adjacent to building’s entrance or in the Lincoln Parking Garage
Please RSVP to:Jessica Bury r309-834-0511
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 November 10th .
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 October 28th .
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.
The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation to hold Celebrating Local Philanthropy Luncheon and
Non-Profit Workshop
John and Jan Wohlwend of Bloomington have been named 2014 Philanthropists of the Year by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. They will be honored at the Celebrating Local Philanthropy Luncheon, to be held on Tuesday, November 18, at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Uptown Normal. The luncheon will begin at noon.
Also taking place on November 18 at the Marriott is a morning workshop entitled “Getting It and Keeping It – Governance Issues All Nonprofits Should Understand” for staff and board members of nonprofits. Members of the McLean County Bar Association will facilitate the session. Check-in and continental breakfast will begin at 8 am, followed by the workshop from 8:30 – 11:30 am.
The workshop will highlight:
-Legal duties of board members of nonprofit and tax exempt organizations
-Organizational filings for nonprofits
-Best practices for running effective board meetings
-Employment law issues – recruiting and retaining staff
-Insurance considerations for nonprofit organizations
Reservations - The cost to attend the workshop is $20, with a second person from an organization able to attend at no cost; an additional option is a table of six for $80. The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person. Reservations may be made until November 12 at r by calling 309-662-4477.
For more information, contact Kathi Davis, IPCF Associate Program Director, at (309) 662-4477 or .
Love Your Kidneys ~ Community Health Fair: Thursday, Oct 16th, 3 - 6 pm
Fresenius Medical Care Normal – 1531 E. College Ave., Normal IL
Fresenius Medical Care Normal, Fresenius Medical Care Bloomington, Fresenius Medical Care McLean County Home and the McLean County YWCA cordially invite you to our McLean County Community Kidney Health Fair. This fun and informative event offers the public a chance to meet Fresenius Medical Care’s local team of expert medical professionals, learn tips and tricks to make recipes tasty and healthier, understand dialysis options, and take advantage offree kidney health risk screenings.
Community Appreciation Kidney Health Fair at Fresenius Medical Care Normal
• Light and delicious food and refreshments
• Renal dieticians available to discuss kidney-friendly recipes, dietary tips and grocery shopping advice
• Meet our nurses and discuss patient services and the latest dialysis treatment options
• Get to know the YWCA McLean County and all their terrific community programs and services
For more information contact Rose or Betsy at the clinic 451-1171.
The Mobile Health Project at Home Sweet Home Ministries.
The Mobile Health Project is partnering with local organizations with the intent of spreading health and hope throughout the community. These organizations are providing free healthcare and wellness services that are offered through the Mobile Health Project. Serving the medically underserved in our community, the goal of this project is to expand access to wellness services. The project is also partnering with other organizations in the community to expand outreach.
Through our partnership with the Community Health Care Clinic, we are offering free healthcare to adults needing medical services. Those without a primary care provider, insurance or means to pay for medical services will benefit. Whether it is a follow-up appointment or your first time, come and get connected!
Our first clinic date with CHCC is on Monday, October 13th, from 9am-11am in the overflow parking lot west of HSHM's Mission Mart.
For more information on The Mobile Health Project, contact Brittany Cline at or 309-828-7356.
October 2014 Domestic Violence Activities:
Children’s Home + Aid’s 3rd Annual Scarecrow Showdown is currently underway. Scarecrows are on display or can be voted on at Rader Family Farms, or via the internet at
For more information or questions about this event, contact Laura Cordero at (309) 827-0374 ext. 4275.
Children’s Home + Aid’s Butterfly Project is partnering with Lydia’s Place to host a “Thirty-One Gifts” party, on October 29, 2014, from 4:00-6:00 at Lydia’s Place 510 E. Washington St. Suite 119 in Bloomington (in the old Bloomington Jr. High Building). Contact Jeannie Higdon at or 309-827-0374, for more information.
Illinois State University’s Feminist Lead Activist Movement to Empower (F.L.A.M.E.) will be hosting the Clothesline Project in the quad October 8th from 11:00am-3:00pm. For more information go to
Illinois State University’s Feminist Lead Activist Movement to Empower (F.L.A.M.E.) will be hosting Take Back the Night in the Old Main Room at Bone Student Center October 21st from 600-9:00pm. For more information go to
Mid Central Community Action’s Countering Domestic Violence Program will be hosting the domestic violence simulation “In Her Shoes” in the Osborne Room at the Bloomington Police Department on October 20, 2014, from 9:00 – 11:00am and 1:00-3:00pm (choose the session time that works for you). The program will be facilitated by domestic violence advocates, and you must be 18 to participate. Goals of the two-hour session include:
- Understanding the struggles faced by victims of this crime
- Learning why domestic violence is a community tragedy
- Learning how we can all have a role in the movement to end domestic violence
For more information, please call the Neville House business line at 309-828-8913.
Mid Central Community Action’s Countering Domestic Violence Program will be hosting the Clothesline Project at their main agency, 1301 W. Washington in Bloomington, October 6-10 and October 20-24. For more information, please call the Neville House business line at 309-828-8913.
Mid Central Community Action’s Countering Domestic Violence Program will be doing a Cell Phone Drive during the month of October. Drop of locations at MCCA, Bloomington Police Department, Normal Police Department, Children’s Home +Aid, and the YWCA. For more information, please call the Neville House business line at 309-828-8913.
PATH‘s 4th Annual “Enough is Enough” Adult Abuse Breakfast will be held on October 23, 2014, at 7:00 a.m., in the United Way Board Room, 201 E. Grove St., Bloomington. RSVP to Jessica Bury, at or 309-834-0511.
Professional Women of McLean County (PWMC) is partnering with YWCA McLean County this year for their annual IMPACT Fall Fundraiser on October 14th at 5:15pm at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal. The dinner, speaker and silent auction proceeds will all benefit the PWMC scholarship fund. The speaker, Stacy Edgar, is a passionate advocate for women and children, and started Global Girlfriend in 2003 as a way to provide economic security for women in need by creating a sustainable market for their products. Stacey has been honored by the Microsoft Corporation as a recipient of the company’s Start Something Amazing Awards, by the Denver Business Journal as a “40 Under 40″ Business Leader, featured in several magazines including O, The Oprah Magazine, in Multichannel Merchant magazine as a “Maven of Merchandise,” and by Organic Style as one of their 2005 Women with Organic Style. For tickets to this event or for more information, go to
YWCA McLean County will be hosting their Girls Be U program for junior high and high school girls each Thursday, October 2-December 11 from 4-6 p.m. at the YWCA. Girls Be U is a program for teen girls to explore their own uniqueness and positive qualities through an open and creative curriculum. There is a $20 cost at the time of application, and there are scholarships available. For more information please contact Nelicia Butler at or 309-662-0461 ext. 295.
Information about Ebola from the CDC
The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. Although the risk of an Ebola outbreak in the United States is very low, CDC and partners are taking precautions to prevent this from happening. On 9/30/2014, CDC confirmed, the first travel-associated case of Ebola to be diagnosed in the United States.
Symptoms of Ebola include:
- Fever (greater than 38.6°C or 101.5°F)
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)
Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is 8 to 10 days. Recovery from Ebola depends on the patient’s immune response. People who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding/Infant Feeding in the Context of Ebola (September 19, 2014)
Use this document to advise breastfeeding women with probable or confirmed Ebola virus disease about the care and feeding of their infant during their infection.
Key Points:
- When safe alternatives to breastfeeding and infant care exist, mothers with probable or confirmed Ebola virus disease should not have close contact with their infants (including breastfeeding).
- In resource-limited settings, non-breastfed infants are at increased risk of death from starvation and other infectious diseases. These risks must be carefully weighed against the risk of Ebola virus disease.
What Obstetrician-Gynecologists Should Know About Ebola: A Perspective From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (September 9, 2014)
Obstetrics & Gynecology
U.S. health care providers should ask patients about recent travel and should know the signs and symptoms of Ebola virus disease and what to do if assessing a patient with compatible illness. This article provides general background information on Ebola and specifically addresses what is known about Ebola virus disease in pregnancy and the implications for practitioners in the United States.
Evaluating Patients for Possible Ebola Virus Disease: Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel and Health Officials (October 2, 2014)
CDC reminds healthcare personnel and health officials to:
- increase their vigilance in inquiring about a history of travel to West Africa in the 21 days before illness onset for any patient presenting with fever or other symptoms consistent with Ebola;
- isolate patients who report a travel history to an Ebola-affected country (currently Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea) and who are exhibiting Ebola symptoms in a private room with a private bathroom and implement standard, contact, and droplet precautions (gowns, facemask, eye protection, and gloves); and
- immediately notify the local/state health department.
Please disseminate this information to physicians, registered nurses, nurse-midwives, midwives, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors, and others who provide care for women and pregnant women in the U.S., as well as to emergency departments, clinics, urgent care centers, community organizations, and microbiology laboratories.
For more information, visit:
Bienvenidos la fiesta - Join us as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday, October 10 from 3-6 p.m. in the YWCA McLean County gym, 1201 N. Hershey, Bloomington. The event is free will include games and food, open to all ages!
YWCA PRESENTSimpact: advancing women featuring stacey edgar - Join us for a night dedicated to women's economic empowerment featuring Stacey Edgar, entrepreneur and author of 'Global Girlfriends'.
Date and Time:Tuesday,October 14, registration at 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. dinner and keynote speaker
Location:Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 201 Broadway Ave, Normal, IL
Cost:$50 per person
More information or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
Event sponsored by Professional Women of McLean County at YWCA McLean County.
SAve the date! YWCA Humanity summit:Diversity and Equality in McLean County
Date:Thursday, November 20
Time:9 a.m. - 3 p.m.