Path-O-Gram Heads Up – The Path-O-Gram distribution list is large enough that some servers are rejecting the POG as spam (how dare they!). In light of this we are switching to an online service to send it out; this is effective today. So if your POG looks different that’s why. As always; current and recent Path-O-Grams will be posted on our website in .doc format so you will be able to download it from there.
Holiday Program information needed – please send your program information to me at so we can get our annual guide together and out asap. Thank You!
PATH’s Community Resource Seminars – 2016. 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 $50/individual, plus $45 (optional and special seminar rate) for the McLean/DeWitt/Livingston County PATH Directory or $40 for the McLean County only Directory. Both go hand-in-hand with the seminar content.
Our next half-day seminaris Thursday Oct 27th, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm.
To register, contact Amanda at 834-0580 or download the registration brochure from our website.
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 $50 per directory for McLean County only information, $55 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.
FREE!!! ROE # 17 has the following office supplies available, free of charge. Please contact Victoria Padilla r 309-888-5120 ext. 1209.Supplies will be given on a first come, first served basis.
HP Laser Jet Ink: 201A (Q6470A) Black, quantity: 3. 503A (Q7583A) Magenta, quantity: 1. 503A (Q7581A) Cyan, quantity: 1.503A (Q7582A) Yellow, quantity: 2.CC530A – Black, quantity: 1.CC531A- Cyan, quantity: 1.CC532A – Yellow, quantity: 1.125A (CB540AD) Black, quantity: 1.304A (CC533A) Magenta, quantity: 1.
Flash Drives: 2GB in orange, lime green, purple and blue. 30 + available of each color.
Hanging File Folders: Legal Size: 100+ in various colors
FIRST ANNUAL TOWNSHIPS OF ILLINOIS DAY!
SEPTEMBER 21, 2016, 11:00 - 2:00PM
FREE LUNCH at the Township Center, 607 S. Gridley St., Bloomington.
Learn how the City of Bloomington Township works for you. Come meet those who serve your community every day.
Contact Township for more information at (309)828-2356.
Imagine is Eastview Christian Church’s Holiday Assistance Program and the 2016 Distribution Day is Saturday, December 3rd. If you are in need of assistance you are invited to register from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at one of these sites.
Tuesday, October 4th at Unity Community Center, Jesus House & Vale Community Church.
Wednesday, October 5th at Eastview Christian Church Food Pantry.
Thursday, October 6th at Grace Church, Boys & Girls Club and Western Avenue Community Center.
The final day to register is Saturday, October 8th at Crosswinds Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Please bring a photo ID and a piece of mail from your current address. Anyone who did not register can come as a walk in. Arrival times for walk-ins is between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm on December 3rd. Shopping will begin at 2:00 pm.
If you have any questions, contact Vicki Bennett at 309-451-5008 or ch.
Home Sweet Home Ministries, Holiday Meal Hotline – 828-7356 ext. 241 (your call will be sent to a voice mail--you’ll hear a beep--leave your message)
Volunteers deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve (12/24) meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities living within McLean County. The deadline for requesting a Thanksgiving meal is November 16th. HSHM will begin to take requests for Christmas Eve Day meals on November 29th. To request a meal, call the number above with the name, address, phone number, and number of meals needed. The cut-off date for Christmas Eve meals is December16th. HSHM’s in-house banquet, served inside the Billy Shelper Center (303 E. Oakland Avenue, Blm) will be held on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve Day at 12:30 pm. A smaller meal will be available between 6:00-7:00 pm. The in-house meals are open to anyone.
In house meals only will be served on Christmas Day at 1:00 pm for lunch and 6:00 pm for dinner. All are welcome. For more information, visit their web site at
STATE FARM®’S GIVING TREE PROGRAM– Through the Giving Tree, State Farm employees continue to provide gifts for the less fortunate in our community. Eligible organizations (as defined below) that are located in McLean County and provide direct services to low-income individuals and families within the county can apply to participate in this year’s program. The Giving Tree is intended to provide gifts for low-income families within McLean County.
Eligible organizations meet the following criteria:
1. Tax Supported organizations that are part of the local government;
2. Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations (except those established for religious purposes) under
501 (C) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code that are not private foundations under
Section 509 (a) (1), (2), or (3).
To request an application email Bret German at SF Giving Tree Contact.
Completed applications will be accepted via fax or email until 4:00 pm, Friday, Oct 14th. Applications will be reviewed and selected organizations will be notified by end-of-day Thursday, Oct 20th.
If your organization is selected to participate in this year’s Giving Tree program, Gifts will be delivered to all participating organizations the week of Dec 5th.
AMEREN 2016 NON-RESIDENTIAL HARDSHIP PROGRAM
This program provides one-time assistance to non-profit organizations that have an active Ameren Illinois electric account and a hardship.
Applications are reviewed for program eligibility by the Energy Assistance Foundation, an independent non-profit organization that serves as program administrator. Qualifying customers will receive assistance in the form of a one-time grant applied to their organization’s Ameren Illinois electric account.
Visit for more information and for the application.
Upcoming Programs at the Bloomington Public Library:
Computer Basics - Each computer class will take place at 2pm in the Community Room and is limited to 10 people. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 309-828-6093 or using the registration link on the library’s website. See individual program descriptions for registration dates.
- Intro to Computers - Tuesday, September 13
For the very beginner, we'll learn about the mouse and keyboard, opening and closing programs and navigating the computer's operating system. Registration opens Monday, August 29, at 10am.
- Just Google it! - Tuesday, September 27
Learn the basics of internet searching, the anatomy of a browser bar, and how to understand a search results page. Basic knowledge of mouse use and keyboard required. Registration opens Monday, September 12, at 10am.
Retirement University 101: Strategic Retirement Preparation - This all-inclusive four-week course will help you dissect all areas of the retirement process. Attend several or all of the classes to be financially prepared for this life phase. Presenter Bernie Wrezinski is the Director of Midwest Operationsfor the Foundation for Financial Education (F3E) and has nearly 40 years of experience in finance. Each class will take place at 6:30pm in the Community Room.
- Thursday, September 15 - Learn advanced Social Security planning strategies and how you and your family can save thousands of dollars.
- Thursday, September 22 - Explore dollar cost averaging vs. dollar cost ravaging and develop a comprehensive understanding of Sequence of Return Risk.
- Thursday, September 29 - Discuss accumulation vs (de)cumulation and the income stream dilemma. Learn various aspects of long term care and the options/coverages available through Medicare.
- Thursday, October 6 -Common retirement mistakes: Tools to design your own perfect saving strategy. Learn all you need to know about wills, trusts, and tax efficient legacy planning.
Tiny House Movement- Saturday, September 24
Join our Tiny House discussion at 10am in the Community Room with Julie Robinson and Reverend Kelley who will discuss logistics of construction, materials, and building codes before heading outside to tour a tiny house which will be brought to the Library’s property on a trailer. Also being discussed will be tiny houses as an alternative to homelessness.
Intro to Politics -Monday, September 26
At 7pm in the Community Room, we will discuss political basics like who your representative is, how to register to vote, and what the Electoral College does. Learn how to make your vote count both locally and nationally!
Teen Banned Book Challenge -Sunday, September 25 – Saturday, October 1
Read a Banned Book and post a review of it on our Teen Facebook Page — bit.ly/29GEQVu — during Banned Book Week (September 25-October 1) for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble. For every review you post, you will be entered into the drawing. Our winner will be announced Tuesday, October 4.
Principals Read -The principal of each District 87 elementary school as well as the district’s Sarah A. Raymond School of Early Education will once again take part in Bloomington Public Library’s Principals Read program.
On the principal’s chosen night, he or she will visit the library to read some of their favorite stories aloud to students. Each program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Children’s Department on the Library’s second floor.
The schedule is as follows:
- Monday, October 3Principal McGowan of Sheridan School
- Tuesday, October 18Principal Geringer of Bent School
- Wednesday, October 19Principal Lockenvitz of Washington School
- Thursday, October 20 Principal Hansen of Stevenson School
- Tuesday, October 25Principal Lammers of Irving School
- Monday, November 7Principal LaFrance of Oakland School
- Wednesday, November 9 Principal Behrends-Harr of Sarah E Raymond School
Students and parents are encouraged to come to the Library, especially if it’s the night their school’s principal is leading story time and sharing with students the importance of reading.
Prairie State Legal Services - Bankruptcy Basics: A Webinar for Social Service Providers
Join us for a free webinar on September 29, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.
Register now! Find the registration link on Prairie State’s home page: or at the link below:
Every day, potential clients contact Prairie State to ask about debts, bankruptcy and related issues. This webinar will answer some common questions posed by clients and help you determine when to suggest clients speak to Prairie State or a bankruptcy attorney.
The speaker at this webinar will be Prairie State's most experienced bankruptcy attorney. Among the issues our speaker will address are:
• What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
• My client may lose her house to back real estate taxes. Should she see a bankruptcy lawyer?
• Can bankruptcy help stop a foreclosure?
• I've heard bankruptcy can help someone get a driver's license back; can you explain?
• Can a bankruptcy help with credit repair?
• My client's only income is Social Security. Does that change how a bankruptcy can help him?
• What are the most common misconceptions about bankruptcy?
• What kinds of bankruptcy cases does Prairie State handle?
The webinar requires pre-registration. The webinar is free but your normal long distance charges will apply for the conference call portion; alternatively, you may listen through the speakers on your computer. We will provide written materials prior to the webinar.
Space is limited. Priority in registration will be given to social service providers working with clients in the 36 counties served by Prairie State. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Grant Opportunities from Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
The Women to Women Giving Circle and Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) at Illinois Prairie Community Foundation are accepting applications for grants from September 26 to October 27, 2016.
Successful applicants will receive funding in January, 2017.
The focus for 2017 Women to Women grants is programs that seek to inspire and empower girls and young women to achieve their highest potential. The total amount available is $40,000. You may preview and/or complete the application at . Be sure to read the Program page for eligibility requirements and other criteria. Women to Women has granted $205,000 over the past six years to programs that increase opportunities and the well-being of women and girls. Please visit to see a list of past grant recipients.
Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) accepts applications for programs that are youth-focused or have a significant impact on youth. The group has $10,000 available. Be sure to read the Program page for eligibility requirements and other criteria. YEP includes 25 local high school students who create a grant application and allocate funds to youth-focused initiatives. You may preview and/or complete the application at . Please visit to see a list of 2016 grant recipients.
PRE-SCHOOL (3-5 YEAR OLDS)SPACES AVAILABLE AT YWCA -YWCA Young Wonders designs activities to nurture the children’s intellectual, social, and emotional development. Children learn through play activities and centers, usingThe Creative Curriculum®. All programs are licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Full and part-time openings for children ages threeto five years old! Care is available from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, with the exception of holiday closures.CCRRN is accepted for qualified applicants as well as a discount for many local employers!
For pricing or to register, please visit For more information or questions, please contact Nathina Williams at (309) 662-7826 or .
Volunteer Opportunities:
Help seniors in your community: It can be easy to take eating every day for granted. For many seniors in our community, getting just one meal a day can be a struggle-- especially when they can no longer drive. Faith in Action works hard to provide shopping assistance to seniors in our community. If you are a friendly person who enjoys talking on the phone, we need your help. Faith in Action is looking for someone to donate just a few hours of their time a week to help make sure the seniors we serve are getting groceries. In this flexible position you will get to talk with both volunteers and care receives while creating matches and lasting friendships. This is a very flexible opportunity, helping in our fastest growing area of need. E-mail or call: 309-827-7780 for more information!
National Voter Registration Day-Every election, millions of Americans don’t vote because they forget to register or miss their state’s voter registration deadline.
Join us for a day of action and awareness as we celebrate the fourth annual National Voter Registration Day. YWCA McLean County, Not In Our Town, League of Women Voters, NAACP, and many other community organizations are partnering to register voters before the 2016 elections. But we can’t do it without YOU.
Will you help us register voters?
On Tuesday, September 27 help register voters in Bloomington-Normal! We need volunteers to go door-knocking in neighborhoods, register voters in Uptown Normal, and engage students on college campuses. Register for a volunteer time here: or call Jenn Carrillo at (309) 662-0461, ext. 265. If you want to help, but can’t on September 27, please fill out the form to let us know when you are available.
Fundraising Opportunities:
Upcoming Sterile Feral Foundation Fundraisers:
2nd Annual Fall Dinner Fundraiser - Sunday, October 9, 2016, 5:00-7:00 PM
Knights of Columbus Hall, 1706 RT Dunn Drive, Bloomington, IL - (next to Monster Pawn past the south Veteran's Parkway Dairy Queen)
Adults: $10.00 / Children under 12: $7.00
Please join us as we raise funds to help promote the humane management of feral cat colonies in our community!
Join us for dinner: Pulled pork (barbecue or plain), cheesy potatoe casserole or vegan macaroni, green beans, home-made desserts, and ice tea, coffee and lemonade (alcoholic beverages are available in the Knights of Columbus lounge).
Shopping: Many generous volunteers have donated home-made items including t-shirts and aprons, a variety of ceramics, catnip toys and wraps, kitchen hand towels, blankets and throws, and much more!!! Your generous donations for these items help pay for neutering and spaying members of the feral colonies in our neighborhoods, helping to control the homeless cat population!
And fellowship: Meet other members of the community and hear their stories of how they contribute to helping control the homeless cat populations in their own neighborhoods.
NCWHS (Normal Community West) Craft Sale - Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Normal Community West High School. 501 N. Parkside Road, Normal, IL
Sterile Feral Foundation is a popular vendor at this event and a great place to shop for cat-themed gift items--please join us as we raise funds to help promote the humane management of feral cat colonies in our community!
If you cannot attend the events but would like to help the Sterile Feral Foundation, donations may be mailed to: The Sterile Feral Foundation, P.O. Box 3413, Bloomington, IL 61702
Online donations may be made at
Register now for the Immigration Project’s Annual Fundraising Luncheon. Tickets are $25 per person. Have lunch and listen to Dr. Faranak Miraftab of the University of Illinois speak about her research and work with immigrant communities in downstate Illinois while contributing to the Immigration Project. Donations go to further the work of the Immigration Project, which is the only non-profit provider of low cost high quality immigration legal services for downstate Illinois that employs full-time bilingual staff attorneys.
Date: November 1, 2016 from 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm; check-in begins at 11:30 am
Location: Bloomington-Normal Second Presbyterian Church on 404 N. Prairie St
Cost: Registration, which covers the cost of lunch, is $25 per person