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PATH-O-GRAM
A free service provided by PATH
February 23, 2015
www.pathcrisis.org
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 www.pathcrisis.org, 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:
LOCATION:
AGENDA:
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington
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 www.osfstjoseph.org, 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 rickielee@lifecil.org.
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: http://namilivingstonmclean.org/classes/.
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 & Thursdays
5:00 – 7:45pm
LOCATION: Heartland Community College, 1500 W. Raab Rd, Normal IL , Workforce Development Center,
Room 3601
DAY: Wednesdays
5:00 – 7:45pm
LOCATION: Mid Central Community Action. 1301 W. Washington St, Bloomington, IL
DAY: Fridays
9:30am – 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, dianahauman@aol.com
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 309268-8160 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
bcornell@ywcamclean.org.
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 tracy@meadowshome.org
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 jtoney@cityblm.org. 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, www.cityblm.org 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: jtoney@cityblm.org
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:
careersmidcentral@childrenshomeandaid.org.
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:
careersmidcentral@childrenshomeandaid.org
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 http://www.childrenshomeandaid.org. 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 www.marcfirst.org.
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 BloomingtonNormal 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.
The anticipated starting salary range for the CHSP Service Coordinator position is $33,000 to $38,000,
depending on experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance
and employer-funded retirement plan is also offered.
Qualified candidates for the CHSP Service Coordinator position should submit a resume and cover letter to
Jeremy Hayes at jeremyh@bloomingtonha.com or 104 E. Wood Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. Candidates
are encouraged to apply by March 12, 2015, but resumes will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
The Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).
Fundraising Opportunities:
CHEF’s FOR PATH Tickets are now on sale. Join us for our 7th annual gala on Thursday, April 9th at the
Bloomington Center for Performing Arts. This event involves a culinary challenge featuring five area
restaurants. Included in the evening are tasting rounds for the audience to choose the finalists for the live
cooking finale as well as both silent and live auctions. Each chef will be provided the same food items from
Sysco Foods, these items typically include proteins, starches and vegetables. There is a list of acceptable
items that can be used from the chef’s own pantry and then each competitor will have a Fresh Market gift card
to enhance their dishes. Each ingredient used needs to be included in every serving. After guests complete
the tasting round and vote for their favorite, the two finalists will compete in a live cook-off with a mystery
basket. They will have a short time to design their menu and then cooking begins. During the cook-off there
will be a live auction which will include dining experiences from each of the competitors as well as other
outstanding items. There is also a silent auction during the event as well as a cash bar where our signature
event drink “The Path-tini” can be obtained.
Tickets: Tickets are $75/each. Tables hold 8 people and when you purchase a table you can name it.
Bottles of wine may be preordered and are $30 each. (Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot will be available.) To obtain tickets call Cathy Beck at 309-834-0507. There are a
limited number of tickets available, this event sells out every year.
Main Sponsor: Sysco Foods
Event Goal: To raise much needed funds to benefit PATH and help us to continue to serve those in need.
**We are looking for event sponsors and items for our live and silent auctions. Interested parties can
contact Cathy Beck at 309-834-0507 or cbeck@pathcrisis.org<mailto:cbeck@pathcrisis.org> for additional
information.
Defending Champion: Troy Tomlinson from Biaggi’s
CELEBRATING 50 years of Mid Central Community Action with ‘MCCA in MAY’!
Join us this May & help celebrate 50 years of MCCA!
Seeds of Change Gala – Friday, May 1st
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 have some fun items to honor our anniversary!
Tickets are $50 per person or $450 for a table of 10. Registration will open on March 1st.
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
‘Drive Out’ Domestic Violence & Homelessness Golf Outing – Monday, May 18th
Mid Central Community Action will host our 2nd Annual ‘Drive Out’ Domestic Violence & Homelessness Golf
Outing to benefit our Countering Domestic Violence Programs and Mayors Manor.
Held at the beautiful Crestwicke Country Club, guests will enjoy 18 holes of golf, lunch, happy hour, dinner and
live auction.
Individual golfers are $150 or a Golf Foursome is $550.
Guests can register using one of the following ways:
Website: www.mccainc.org/golfouting
Phone: 309-834-9239
Mail: MCCA, Golf Outing, 1301 W. Washington, Bloomington, IL 61701
Interested in supporting these exciting events through sponsorship or auction item donation? Contact Kristen
Sand for more information at 309.834.2954 or kristens@mccainc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities:
United Way Needs Dr. Seuss Readers! - As part of Read Across McLean County, United Way will be placing
volunteers in local public schools on March 2nd to read their favorite Dr. Seuss book and share their love of
literacy. Volunteer shifts are in half hour increments, with shifts available throughout the school day at various
locations. Sign up on www.mcleanvolunteer.org! Email nlucero@uwaymc.org with any questions.
The next Path-O-Gram will go out on Monday, March 9th. Please have pieces submitted electronically
by Friday, March 6th.
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.