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PATH-O-GRAM
A free service provided by PATH
April 20, 2015
www.pathcrisis.org
Special Path-O-Gram Summer Program Guide – It’s time for us to work on our special summer guide, if your
organization offers a program please send the information to cbeck@pathcrisis.org so that it can be included in
our annual guide.
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, May 21st. 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 www.pathcrisis.org, you can find the form under
Community Resources.
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 834-0580 or apadgitt@pathcrisis.org and
order a directory printed fresh for you.
Pratt Music Foundation Music Lesson Scholarships:
Do you know a student who would benefit from private music lessons for piano and strings but who is restricted
by finances?
The Pratt Music Foundation’s mission is to provide talented youth an opportunity to enhance their musical
ability through private lessons. Music lessons are expensive and simply not an option for some children and
families: this is where the Pratt Music Foundation comes in. The Foundation grants full music lesson
scholarships to the Illinois Wesleyan University Music Preparatory Program.
Instruction is available in piano or strings (violin, viola, cello). Music scholarships are awarded to area students
in grades K through 12 each spring, and are based on financial need, motivation, and talent.
Applications are due by June 1. Each scholarship covers one school year of instruction, starting in the fall
(2015-2016) and includes summer lessons (2016). Free music books are supplied from the Music Shoppe.
Downloadable applications are available: Go to www.PrattMusicFoundation.com. For questions or to request
an application, call 309-827-5534, or email prattmusicfoundation@gmail.com.
YouthBuild McLean County is seeking strong and positive mentors for a new scholarship based mentoring
program! Opportunity Corps Mentoring is a component of the national AmeriCorps program and provides
qualified mentors with an opportunity to earn a scholarship of $1,195 for mentoring a YouthBuild student over
the course of 12 months. Scholarship can be used to further education or repay student loans.
YouthBuild mentees range in age from 16 - 20 and are eager to have strong positive role models in their lives
to help them remain on track. Group activities, training and intensive support is ongoing for mentees and
mentors throughout the match. For more information please contact Breana Calloway at
bcalloway@ybmc.org. Applications being accepted through May 15th.
NEXT DENTAL CLINIC: Saturday, May 9, 2015, 109 N. Regency Drive, Bloomington
TIME: 7:00 a.m. until 120 patients registered (NO APPOINTMENTS)
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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.
Call Scott 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.
Women to Women to Present Panel on Mental Health Issues in Schools
The Women to Women Giving Circle of Illinois Prairie Community Foundation will present “Mental Health
Issues of Children and Youth in Our Schools” as part of its Issues and Solutions Series. The event will be held
from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 21 at the Illinois State University Alumni Center, 1101 N Main St,
Normal. The event is free and open to the public.
Professionals from local schools and community agencies will spotlight the challenges they face in addressing
mental health needs of school-aged children. The goal of the forum is to learn what schools and the larger
community can do to deal successfully with the mental health issues of our kids.
Moderators and panelists include, Carrie Chapman, Special Education Administrator, Unit 5, Leslie Hanson,
Special Education Director, District 87; Scott Hogan, Executive Director, Tri-County Special Education
Association; Stephanie Barisch, Center for Youth and Family Solutions; Nancy Braun, Special Education
Supervisor, Unit 5; Rob Lusk, Clinical Director of The Baby Fold; Ashley Schnittker, Special Education
Instructional Coordinator, District 87; and Cory Tello, Unit 5 and District 87 retired Illinois Technical Assistant.
For more information, contact Kathi Davis, IPCF Associate Program Director, at (309) 662-4477 or
kdavis@ilprairiecf.org.
Welding Skills Program
Do you or someone you know want to be a welder?
Heartland Community College provides:
 Courses required for a welding certificate
 Extra help with math, reading and career readiness
 Tuition assistance
 Textbooks and materials at no cost
 Evening classes starting in August
Who is eligible?
 GED, ESL, and Read Center students preferred
 Others who need extra help with reading and math may qualify
Only 10 seats available. If interested call Sandy at (309)268-8048.
Mid Central Community Action is pleased to announce that we will be participating in Money Smart Week
here in McLean County! We will be hosting two sessions at MCCA (1301 W. Washington) from 6-7:00 p.m.:
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Monday, April 20: College Planning Strategies
Thursday, April 23: Ladies, take control of your finances and make a plan for your future
If you are interested in attending either of these workshops, please contact Phyllis at phyllish@mccainc.org or
309-834-9234 to register. RSVP is strongly encouraged for these sessions to ensure materials are available.
For more information about the other courses offered throughout the community for Money Smart Week (April
18-25), please visit their website or grab a brochure next time you’re at Mid Central Community Action.
If you or your loved one has a disability of any kind, this is not to be missed!
PROTECT THE SERVICES YOU NEED - LIFE CIL will host three information sessions to explain how the
Governor’s proposed budget will affect people with disabilities. We’ll explain how you can help prevent funding
and service cuts. THE PROPOSED STATE BUDGET WILL CUT SERVICES THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES and their ability to live independently! IF THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED
BUDGET PASSES, YOU MAY LOSE SOME OR ALL OF YOUR SERVICES. It is important for you to attend
one of these sessions and learn more. Each session will cover the same information and will last about 60 to
90 minutes.
Topics will include:
 Which services will be cut or eliminated.
 Who these cuts will affect.
 How human service programs such as those that LIFE CIL offers actually SAVE the State money.
 Where some possible budget solutions are.
 What you can do to help.
DATE: Tuesday, April 28th
TIME: 9:00 a.m., Noon, 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: LIFE CIL, 2201 Eastland Dr., Ste. 1, Bloomington
RSVP: Rickielee Benecke (309)663-5433, 888-543-3245, or rickielee@lifecil.org.
Reasonable accommodations provided upon request (must be received by April 22).
Evergreen Place - Dessert With The Doctors - FREE
Date & Time: Thursday, April 23, 2015
Topic: Chronic Pain Treatments for the Elderly
Where: Evergreen Place - 801 Gregory St., Normal, Illinois 61761
Refreshments and dessert provided. All are welcome to attend.
HYPED UP (Helping Young Parents Excel Daily Under Pressure) is having a Spring Kickoff Party on
Monday, May 4th from 4:00-5:30pm at Children’s Home + Aid’s Healthy Start House. This is a great time for
parents in the community to learn about the group, ask questions, and meet the members, facilitators, and
other group staff. There will be drawings for fabulous prizes – some big, some small – but everyone will walk
away with something! HYPED UP is a free support group for parents of young children. It meets every Monday
from 4-5:30 at Children’s Home + Aid’s Healthy Start House. During group meetings, moms and dads get to
take a break from the stresses of parenting while kids have fun being kids, under the supervision of trained
child care staff (older siblings are welcome!). The group meets in a relaxing and fun atmosphere and features
music, food, games, relaxation, stress relief and more! Parents never have to RSVP; they can just show up.
Feel free to bring a friend. Hope to see you at the kickoff!
In celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Month, bring the whole family out on Tuesday, April 21st between 4pm
and 6pm for our Annual Blue Bow Family Fun Night. This year’s theme is "A Night at the Movies". We will
have activities surrounding popular movies, such as "Frozen", "The Lego Movie", "Spider-Man", and many
others. There will be a dress-up photo booth, cake walk, obstacle course, make-and-take crafts (including
superhero masks!), and much more. Pizza, popcorn, and snacks will be served. PLUS…Elsa from Frozen and
Spider-Man will be at there to greet the kids, take pictures, and do some Frozen karaoke! Guests are
encouraged to come dressed as their favorite movie family or character (adults and kids welcome to dress up)!
Free food, giveaways, and more. Come anytime and stay as long as you want. This event is sponsored by
Parents Care + Share and will be held at Children’s Home + Aid’s Early Learning Center gym, located at 1119
E. Taylor Street in Bloomington. Call (309) 834-5266 or email jrients@childrenshomeandaid.org for more
details. Hope to see you there!
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Is Accepting Applications
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) at Illinois Prairie Community Foundation is accepting applications for
participation during the 2015-2016 school year. Currently in its second year, YEP is a program in which 20-25
high school students learn about the important role of the nonprofit sector and the impact that philanthropy has
in creating a vibrant, inclusive community.
YEP members learn to assess community needs, implement a granting cycle, evaluate grant proposals and
hone communication and decision-making skills while developing teamwork and leadership qualities.
Applicants must currently be in 8th-11th grade and live in one of the following counties: McLean, Logan,
Livingston, or DeWitt. We are looking for a diverse, enthusiastic group of students to be a part of this exciting
philanthropic initiative.
To apply, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KDHHQHL Applications are due by May 15, 2015.
For more information about YEP, go to go http://www.ilprairiecf.org/yep-homepage./
Money Smart Week at Extension! - McLean County
Tomorrow - April 21, 2015!
University of Illinois Extension Office - McLean County, 1615 Commerce Pkwy, Bloomington, IL 61704
Join us at the new Extension offices for a full day of FREE money classes. A free booklet of all of the classes
offered are available at the Extension offices in your county. Throughout the week, booklets will be available
for pickup at the extension office or online.
Listed below are classes that are being held at the Mclean County Extension offices unless noted otherwise.
For complete descriptions for each class please refer to the Money Smart Week Calendars or online.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Fraud Awareness
Tax-Free Investing: It's not what you make, it's what you keep!
Five Money Questions for Women
Illinois Probate: What is Probate...and the strategies to avoid it
Building a Healthy Financial Future
How to Repair Your Credit for Free
Money Mentor Help Desk
It Pays to Ride Public Transportation
Social Security Maximization
Home Buying: as easy as 1, 2, 3
FREE - LIFE Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) will have a desk & filing cabinet to donate on Monday,
May 4. The desk is dark brown wood, in good shape, dimensions 3’ X 6’. We also have a beige lateral filing
cabinet, 42”W X 18”D X 63”H. If you are interested in making arrangements to get these on Monday, May 4 or
soon after, please contact Brianne Anderson at LIFE CIL at 309/663-5433 or email her at brianne@lifecil.org.
We will give these to the first person who contacts us.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Become a PATH Hotline Volunteer: Adult volunteers are needed to answer phones on the 24-hour hotline.
Volunteering your time on the hotline offers a rewarding experience and a great opportunity to give back to
your community. A complete training program and professional back-up is provided. Our training program
teaches you everything you need to know, including communication techniques and community resources. The
next 8-week training class session begins June 11th. If interested, the volunteer application is available on-line
at www.pathcrisis.org. Classroom training meets on Thursdays from 6 to 9 pm. Questions? Call PATH at 8274005 or 2-1-1.
Parents Care + Share is looking for Children’s Program Specialists to join their team. This is a PAID volunteer
position that involves supervising children while their parents attend a support group meeting. You will receive
$20 for each group you help provide child care for. There are groups that run every day of the work week at
various times throughout the day and evening, and they each require about 1 ½ to 2 hours of your time. Please
contact Parents Care + Share Regional Coordinator Jenn Rients at (309)834-5266 or by email at
jrients@childrenshomeandaid.org for more information.
Employment Opportunities:
Direct Support Professional—MARCFIRST
Marcfirst is seeking motivated and caring individuals to work with developmentally and physically disabled
adults in residential settings in the Bloomington-Normal area. Direct Support Professionals assist in providing
opportunities and assistance in areas of work, recreation, and community inclusion. Full time and part time
positions available. Hours vary including days, evenings, overnights, and weekends. Qualifications include:
High School Diploma or GED, good written and verbal communication skills, valid Illinois Driver's License, and
good standing driving record. Must pass background check. Employment application can be found at
www.marcfirst.org For more information contact amberjohnson@marcfirst.org or (309) 451-8888 ext 221.
Children’s Home + Aid Employment Opportunities
Case Manager – Butterfly Project (full-time) (Bloomington) –Provide services and support the relationship
between the non-offending parent and child following exposure to violence. Bachelors degree in Social Work or
related field required, plus valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Foster Care Case Aid (full-time) (Bloomington + Champaign) –Supervise family visits and transport
children and families. High school diploma required, plus valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Therapist – Family-Centered Counseling Services (full-time) (Bloomington) –Provide treatment to
improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and maximize the family wellbeing and academic achievement of these children. Master’s degree in social work or related field required
plus licensure in candidate’s field (i.e. LCSW, LCPC) or ability to become licensed within one year of
employment. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. A valid driver’s license, car and proof of auto insurance is
required.
Case Manager – Doula Program (part-time) (Bloomington) –Provide home visits, group services and
referrals to help young mothers build the foundation for their child’s health and development. Bachelors degree
in Social Work or related field required, plus valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Child Care Worker – Crisis Nursery (part-time) (Bloomington) –Provide emergency care for children whose
families are experiencing difficult times. High school diploma required, plus at least one year of experience
working with children ages 0-7.
Outreach/Child Care Worker – The Children’s Room (part-time) (Bloomington) –Care for children, infants
through 12-year-olds, while parents attend court at McLean County Law and Justice Center. Refer parents to
community services to help them with current needs. Schedule: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from
9am to noon and 1pm to 3pm. High school diploma required, plus valid driver’s license and reliable
transportation.
Clinical Supervisor – Foster Care (full-time) (Champaign) -Oversee foster care services and licensing of
foster homes in Champaign and Vermillion counties. Masters Degree in Social Work or other human service
field required plus Child Welfare Employee Licensure; DCFS, 402 and CCA licensed preferred. A minimum of
5 years child welfare experience is required; 2 years supervisory experience preferred. A valid driver’s license
and reliable transportation is required.
Foster Care Case Manager (full-time) (Champaign)–Support children, foster parents and biological parents;
attend and testify at scheduled court hearings; and keep excellent case files. Bachelors degree in Social Work
or related field required, Child Welfare license and CERAP certification, experience working with children and
families and a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Please apply on-line at http://www.childrenshomeandaid.org/career-opportunities. Compensation for full-time
positions 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: minorities/females/disability/veterans.
Fundraising Opportunities:
The Baby Fold’s Fairview Elementary Community Schools program, in Partnership with Leadership McLean
County and Pizza Ranch, will be hosting a fundraiser at Pizza Ranch in Bloomington on April 22nd from 58pm. 10% of all dinner proceeds and 100% of all tips will be donated and used to assist us in offering summer
school programming for academically at risk students. Just show up with your appetite and money, no fliers or
leaflets to turn in. Thank you in advance for your support. We not only need it, but greatly appreciate it!
Western Avenue Community Center’s Cinco de Mayo authentic Mexican lunch fundraiser supporting the
Hispanic Outreach Program will be Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Lunches will be available for pick up only at Second Presbyterian Church (313 N. East Street in Bloomington)
between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. Lunches are $10 and include two tamales, rice, beans,
and a dessert. Chef Gerald of Second Presbyterian Church is preparing the food with the supervision of WACC
Hispanic Ladies to guarantee authenticity.
Visit http://www.westernavenuecc.org/calendar.htm#cincodemayo to place your order!
Last week to register for Mid Central Community Action’s 5th Annual Seeds of Change Gala
Mid Central Community Action invites you to our 5th Annual ‘Seeds of Change’ gala. It will be an exciting night
celebrating our accomplishments and sharing our vision for the future!
Our reception brings back many popular activities from years past including… our Classy Bag Lady auction,
our Mystery Wine Activity and Flower Pot Raffle. We will also feature a live auction.
Friday, May 1st, 6:00pm; Tickets are $50 per person or $450 for a table of 10.
Guests can register using one of the following ways:
Website: www.mccainc.org/seedsofchange
Phone: 309-834-9239
Mail: MCCA, Seeds of Change, 1301 W. Washington, Bloomington, IL 61701
Homes of Hope, Inc. - On Sunday June 7, 2015 from 12-4 at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard & Winery, Homes
of Hope is hosting our 6th Annual Car Show Benefit!! Homes of Hope exists to provide quality homes and
support services to promote independence, community inclusion and personal satisfaction to adults with
developmental disabilities. The car show is one of two annual fundraisers that help cover the expenses
incurred to maintain the 5 homes (in Bloomington-Normal) that 17 adults with developmental disabilities call
home. This is a FREE event and the winery (as well as the car show is open to the public). If you feel as
though your car has the IT factor and you want to show it off, car registration is $10 for the early bird and $15
that day. Guests will enjoy the ambiance of the winery while also enjoying live music provided by Lost Haven.
We will also have a bags tournament going on throughout the event $10 in advance or $15 that day to
participate. There will also be food, raffles and tons of fun.
Rain date is June 14, 2015. We hope to see you there for this fun afternoon full of cars, music and raising
awareness for Homes of Hope.
More about Homes of Hope at www.homesofhopeinc.org. Questions, call 309-862-0607.
DINE AND DONATE—You’ve gotta eat! Homes of Hope is partnering with Noodles & Co. on Main Street. On
Monday, April 20th from 4-9, 10% of the proceeds will go to our organization.
FLEET FEET CHARITY SHOPPING DAY - On Saturday, April 25th Fleet Feet is donating 10% of their total
sales to Homes of Hope! If you need exercise clothes, shoes or even accessories, head on over to Fleet Feet
to purchase them while supporting adult individuals that have developmental disabilities.
Fleet Feet is located on 105 Krispy Kreme Drive!
If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe from the Path-O-Gram please e-mail cbeck@pathcrisis.org.
All information is printed as it is received (cut and pasted), if you have any questions about a specific listing please contact the
appropriate agency. If you would like to submit an item for publication please send a paragraph or two about your announcement
electronically to cbeck@pathcrisis.org. Fliers and graphics cannot be included but we can include a link to your website.
The Path-O-Gram is sent out every other week. Current and previous issues, as well as “Special Editions” and more can be found on
our website: www.pathcrisis.org, under community resources.