PATH’s Community Resource Seminars – 2017. 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 last half-day seminar of the yearis Thursday, November 9th, from 8:30am-12:30pm.
To register, contact Ethan at 309-834-0580 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 Ethanat 309-834-0580 or and order a directory printed fresh for you.
Central Illinois Volunteer Association (CIVA) provides professional development and continuing education opportunities for people concerned with the advancement of volunteerism.
The next meeting will take place on Friday, September 22nd at the ISU Alumni Center, 1101 N Main St., Normal. The topic of the meeting is Learning the “Ins & Outs of Planning Big Events presented by Lauren Lacy of the McLean County Museum of History. Refreshments and introductions take place at 8:30 am with training starting at 8:45 am.
For more information please contact Linda Merrill, President of CIVA at or 309-828-7356 ext. 217.
WOMEN TO WOMEN TO HOST COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SEPT. 19
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation’s Women to Women Giving Circle will host a Community Conversation on Early Intervention from 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Illinois State University Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal.
Women to Women is looking to add new voices and foster collaboration within our community to help address this issue. Nonprofit organizations in Central Illinois and others interested in improving the lives of women and girls are invited to attend.
Admission is free and no reservation is required.
The event also introduces Women to Women’s grant focus for 2018 – programs that seek to offer early intervention to children ages 0-5 and their parents to pave the way for girls to achieve their highest potential. W2W encourages interested nonprofits to work each other to address a need and submit a grant together. The grant application window will be open for one month starting in early October.
Threshold to Hope, Inc. is a new nonprofit dedicated to offering hope and healing through the power of art to those who can least afford it. They are currently offering free art classes or open art on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Prairie315, 315 N Prairie St, Bloomington (on the corner of Monroe and Prairie). Donations are accepted but never expected. No one ever turned away due to lack of funds. This is a drop in program designed for adults.
Threshold to Hope will be having their Grand Opening and Benefit Sale on September 30th from 10:00am – 5:00pm at Prairie315, 315 N Prairie St, Bloomington (on the corner of Monroe and Prairie).Everyone is welcome to attend.
ISU ALUMNI CENTER
1101 North Main St. Normal Tuesday, September 26, 2017 7:00 PM
Sponsored by Compassion & Choices of McLean County
“WHAT WOULD YOU DO?”
Young at Heartland Theatre’s Acting Troupe will present FOUR scenarios that illustrate dilemmas that families may face as end of life decisions become important for loved ones. Audience interaction and participation is welcomed.Having to make healthcare decisions can be unexpected at any time during our lives. Such decisions may involve candidly discussing end of life wishes with the relevant family member(s), completing an Advance Directive if desired, and identifying the person to be your advocate for making medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
Examples of these type of situations will be presented by the Young at Heartland troupe. Please join us with your friends and family.
This is a free community program and no advanced registration is required.More information is available by calling 309-452-3021. Jana Edge
Townships of Illinois Day
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Learn how the City of Bloomington Township works for you and meet those who serve your community every day.
City of Bloomington Township office
607 S. Gridley Bloomington, IL 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join us for the dedication of the Maxine E. Schultz Memorial Butterfly Garden at 12:30.
COBT butterfly garden was created to support Illinois Milkweed for Monarchs
A free packet of Common Milkweed seeds, Available while supplies last
Free Carl’s ice cream and popcorn
Thanks to our sponsors:
IL Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones, City of Bloomington, Morris Granite, Growing Grounds, Evergreen Cemetery
And The Township Workfare Team
Join Habitat for Humanity at the BLUEPRINT BREAKFAST!
Thursday, October 12, 7:00am – 8:30am
Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center
All proceeds from the Blueprint Breakfast support partnerships with local families who build their own homes and pay an affordable, no-interest mortgage. Strong and stable homes give them the strength, stability and independence they need to create better lives – join us and help families in need of a decent place to live!
RSVP at
For questions or sponsorship information email
Creating Healthy Campus-Community Partnerships
Illinois State University’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is proud to bring renowned service-learning scholar and practitioner, Dr. Barbara Jacoby, to campus on Friday, October 13. We hope you will join us for an exciting day, including a special lunch for community organizations where we will share more about our new department and the role we can play on campus and for community organizations.
Schedule of Events
8:45 AM Welcome by President Larry Dietz
9:00 AM Plenary Session – Developing and Sustaining Campus-Community Partnerships for Service-Learning (Open to the public)
10:30 AM Integrating Service-Learning into the Curriculum (Primary Audience: faculty, community partners)
11:30 AM Community Partner Lunch – Introduction of Illinois State University’s new Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (Community partners and invited guests only)
1:00 PM Designing and Implementing Co-curricular Service-Learning (Primary Audience: student affairs staff, student organization advisors, community partners)
More information and event registration is online. The event is free, but registration is required.
Please direct questions to Harriett Steinbach at (309) 438-1100 or .
Eastview Food Pantry will be closed during the morning shifts only (10:00-11:30 am) on Wednesday, November 1st; Thursday, November 2nd; Wednesday, November 8th & Thursday, November 9th.
Imagine is Eastview Christian Church’s Holiday Assistance Program and the 2017 Distribution Day is Saturday, December 2nd. If you are in need of assistance you are invited to register at one of these sites.
On Tuesday, October 17th at Vale Community Church, 1304 Morrissey Dr, Bloomington OR Calvary Baptist Church, 1017 N School St, Normal from 6:00-8:30 pm.
On Wednesday, October 18th at Eastview Christian Church Food Pantry, 1500 Airport Rd, Normal from 5:00-8:00 pm.
On Thursday, October 19th at Western Avenue Community Center, 600 N Western Ave, Bloomington OR Christian Faith Center, 502 W Front St, Bloomington from 6:00-8:30 pm.
The final day to register is Saturday, October 21st at Northwest Neighborhood Community Center, 400 Union St, Bloomington from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Please bring a photo ID and a piece of mail from your current address.
Anyone who is unable to register at one of these times may come as a walk in. Arrival times for walk-ins is between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm on December 2nd. Shopping will begin at 2:00 pm.
There are no phone in registrations.
Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills?
Ignite your career? Gain the confidence to speak up?
Voices for Service toastmasters is the place for you.
We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We have a new venue:
First State Bank
202 N Prospect Road
2nd floor conference room
Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with more than 332,000 members in over 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. This network of clubs and their learn-by-doing program are sure to help you improve. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to express yourself effectively in any situation. Whether you are a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retired, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills.
Don't delay! Become the speaker and leader you want to be.
GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
Visit our next meeting -– bring a friend – bring your lunch. You won't regret it!
For more information: VP Membership Mike Guaderrama 309.706.8476
Direct Support Professional (DSP): Empowering people with disabilities
Marcfirst is seeking motivated and caring individuals to work with adults with developmental disabilities in residential and community settings in the Bloomington-Normal area. Assist in areas of daily living, recreation, work, and community involvement. Flexible scheduling and benefit eligible positions are available. Opportunities include advancement and entry level management positions. Required qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, a valid Illinois Driver’s License with a driving record in good standing, current proof of automobile insurance, and a successful background check. Please apply online at For questions contact Beth at (309) 451-8888 Ext: 229.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Marcfirst is currently seeking a Talent Acquisition Specialist to drive ongoing hiring needs throughout the organization. The Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for sourcing, attracting, and recruiting employment candidates for all positions throughout Marcfirst. This position will develop community connections and relationships through event attendance, presentations, professional and social memberships, and hiring events. The Talent Acquisition Specialist will provide support through the employee onboarding process and will be responsible for the coordination of internships and volunteers at Marcfirst. This position is full time and benefit eligible. Some evening and weekend availability will be required. Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree, a valid Illinois Driver's License with a driving record in good standing, current proof of automobile insurance, and a successful background check. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal communication skills. Experience in recruitment or talent acquisition is preferred. Please apply online at For questions contact Amber at (309) 451-8888 Ext: 221.
Brick by Brick Duplo Story Time
Tuesdays, September 19 & 26
- 10-11am; Story Room
- Birth to age 5 with a caregiver
Let’s read, build, and play together! Attendees will listen to a story, build specific elements of the story with Duplo bricks, and play together with others beginning at 10am in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room. Block play encourages children to describe their actions to retell their own story about their creations. Taking pictures of your child’s projects is encouraged since blocks will not go home. This program is intended to be a child and adult shared experience. Note: This program is not suitable for groups. Please leave your own blocks at home.
Evening Itty Bitty Lapsit
Tuesdays, September 19 & 26
- 6:30pm; Story Room
- Birth to 18 months old and caregiver
Join us for this shared story time geared for our itty-bitty library users and their caregivers. Bring a comfy blanket and your baby’s favorite stuffed toy. This 6:30pm program in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room encourages the development of your baby’s pre-literacy skills with songs, rhymes, educational items, and movement! Please make arrangements for older siblings.
Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays, September 20 & 27
- 10am; Story Room
- For ages 3-5 years
Help your child build independent listening skills while learning and having fun! This 10am story time meets in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room and features longer stories, flannel boards, music, puppets, and interactive activities which help get your pre-readers ready for school. Recommended for ages 3-5 years old.
Tales for Tails @ Bloomington Library
Wednesdays, September 20 & 27
- 6-7pm; Story Room
Tales for Tails pairs trained and certified therapy dogs with children who want to practice reading aloud. If your child is in grades K-5 and is interested in this program, come to the Bloomington Public Library Children’s Desk between 6pm and 7pm the day of the program. Upon arrival, children will be assigned a 10-minute session with one of the dogs.
Toddler Time @ Bloomington Library
Thursdays, September 21 & 28
- 10am & 10:30am; Story Room
- Ages 19-35 months
Toddlers are always on the go! This interactive story time will encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music, and lots of movement activities. For toddlers and their caregivers. This program is recommended for those age 19-35 months old and will meet at both 10am and 10:30am in the Story Room.
Due to limited space in the story time room, groups interested in story times need to make arrangements by contacting Melissa Robinson by phone at 557-8960 or e-mail at .
Move & Learn
Friday, September 22 & 29
- 10am; Story Room
- Ages 19 months-5 years
Kids ages 19 months-5 years old will listen to stories, sing, and dance. A parent or caregiver needs to accompany children to this 10am program in the Bloomington Public Library Story Room.
Due to limited space in the story time room, groups interested in story times need to make arrangements by contacting Melissa Robinson by phone at 557-8960 or e-mail at .
University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Coordinator, Jenna Smith, has a program coming up in Livingston County!
Dave’s Supermarket Tour: Meatless Meals
The University of Illinois Extension is bringing you Dave’s Supermarket Tours: Meatless Meals. This program will be held on September 19, 2017 from 6-7 p.m. at Dave’s Supermarket, 120 S. 3rd St., Fairbury, Ill. The tour will meet in the deli area. The program is free of charge and no registration is necessary. The first steps to eating healthier is buying healthy foods at the grocery store. Discover a variety of delicious meatless options that satisfies taste and nutrition. You’ll take home a reusable grocery bag full of goodies, including a packet of meatless recipes. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact us at (815) 842-1776.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Faith in Action, a local nonprofit working to help seniors remain independent, is looking for volunteers to provide transportation assistance to seniors in Bloomington-Normal. There is no minimum time commitment to volunteer with Faith in Action. We offer flexible, rewarding ways to help seniors in our community stay active, independent, and in their own homes. Visit our website at for more information about how easy it is to make a lasting difference in someone’s life. Next Volunteer Orientations: Thursday, Oct. 19, 10:30 am-noon, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1-2:30 pm, and Wednesday, Dec. 13, 10:30-noon. Contact or 309-827-7780 for information or to sign up for a volunteer orientation.
Fundraiser Opportunities:
Just A Call Away Path 5K
October 14th, 2017
Location: Destihl Brewery 1200 Greenbriar Drive, Normal, IL 61761
Register using Link below. Registering in September guarantees a shirt in your size!
The proceeds from this event will go to The Adult Protective Service program in aiding the investigation and prevention of abuse of older adults, ages 60+ and adults with disabilities, ages 18-59.
Find on us Facebook
Or email Samantha Herrell with questions at
Sterile Feral Foundation 3rd Annual Fall Dinner Fundraiser - Sunday, October 8, 2017, 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 potato 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.
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 The Sterile Feral Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
For more information, to help (volunteers are needed for a variety of activities!), or to join the newsletter mailing list, call (309) 663-4406 or email .
You are invited to breakfast!Have you ever thought about how challenging it would be if you couldn’t drive?Come learn more about Faith in Action - what we do and why we do it.Listen to a volunteer and a care receiver share their experience.
As senior services in McLean County disappear, we need your help more than ever. Last month alone, FIA volunteers gave over 1,000 rides to and from doctor's appointments!Consider attending our breakfast and learning how you can make a difference in the lives of our senior neighbors.Please share this invitation. There is no charge for the breakfast, but donations will be accepted. RSVP is required.
What:"Take Action" breakfast
Where:Double Tree by Hilton, Bloomington
When:October 3,6:30 am check-in, 7-8:00 am breakfast
Why:Educate the community of the importance of caring for our seniors and Faith in Action's role in this mission
Cost:FREE
RSVP: or (309) 827-7780
Learn about Public Transit through a FREE Orientation, or FREE 1-to-1 bus training.