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 $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 Thursdays, May 19th, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm.

To register, contact Amanda at 834-0580 or download the registration brochure from our web site

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.

2nd Helping Educational Workshop Series - Have you ever enjoyed a good meal and wanted to come back for seconds? Through the 2nd Helping Educational Program, Center for Hope Outreach Programs offers a satisfying answer to the hunger that may persist even after someone is helped through our traditional programs such as the food pantry or clothing distribution center. On the “menu” is a wide variety of educational workshops, informative classes and interesting hand-on activities that help individuals avoid or reduce time spent in hardship and crisis. While these workshops are open to the general public, there is limited seating available and classes may fill quickly. To register or to receive more information call 309-808-3742.

Registration is open for the following workshops (all held at Center for Hope Outreach Programs@ 1308 E Empire St., Bloomington):

“Avoiding Credit Traps” - Saturday April 2nd - 10:00 am-12:00pm
Materials and Refreshments ProvidedCost: Free!

“Re-Think Your Drink” - MondayApril 4th - 10:00 am-12:00pm
Materials and Refreshments ProvidedCost: Free!

“Grow Your Health” - (A hands on workshop on container gardening) - MondayApril 18th - 10 am-12pm
Materials and Refreshments ProvidedCost: 7.00 Material Fee

Prairie State Legal Services - Legal Advice Fair

April 30, 2016 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM @ Mid Central Community Action, 1301 W. Washington St. Bloomington

The McLean County Bar Association (MCBA), Mid Central Community Action, State Farm, Immigration Project, Prairie State Legal Services and PILI will be hosting a Legal Advice Fair for the community. This event will be staffed by attorneys and paralegals from State Farm and from the MCBA. At the event Prairie State will conduct an initial financial qualification interview. Qualified people will then be paired with a volunteer attorney and paralegal who can answer that person'scivillegal questions and provide the person with helpful publications or forms from Illinois Legal Aid Online. This is an advice clinic so the service will be limited to the legal advice and assistance that peoplereceiveat the fair and representation in court will not be offered.

Please encourage people to attend for a no-cost legal consultation. We have flyers so please call if you would like some to distribute at your office. Please call Kathy Boyle at(309) 827-5021 Ext. 6802for flyers or with any questions.

PUBLIC NOTICESUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTTO THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTONFY 41

(MAY 1, 2015-APRIL 30, 2016) ACTION PLAN

The City of Bloomington, Community Development Department is providing notice of a change in the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds which were described in the 2015-2016 Action Plan. The following projects amended from the original Action Plan.

(1) An additional $85,047 was added to the Rehabilitation Loan line item. These funds will support additional rehabilitation loans and grants to low-mod income families as originally intended.

(2) An additional $18,591 was budgeted for under the Demolition of Deteriorating Structures program activities. Additional funding was necessary in order to complete the current projects for FY41. The additional funding brings the budgeted amount for the program to $116,409.

(3) An additional $5,000 was budgeted for HUD-required Section 3 training.

(4) An additional $2,500 was budgeted for the WBRP Tool Library.

(5) An additional $7,500 was budgeted for the WBRP Façade Program.

(6) An additional $2,025 was budgeted for Rehabilitation Service Delivery Costs related to the additional Rehabilitation Loan increase.

Reprogrammed funds are a result of additional Program Income received, more carry-forward funding than anticipated and a reduction of the budget line for the Infrastructure and Public Facilities project.

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at 12:00 p.m., in the Community Development Department’s Hepperly Conference Room, 2nd floor of the Government Center at 115 East Washington Street, Bloomington.

Public comments will be accepted beginning Friday, March 25, 2016 and ending Wednesday, April 26, 2016 at 4:30 pm. Written comments should be submitted to:

Jennifer Toney, Grant Coordinator, Community Development Department

P.O. Box 3157, Bloomington, IL 61702-3157

Phone: 309-434-2342FAX: 309-434-2801Email:

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 309-434-2342, of their intent to participate so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Membership Application Now Available

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) is seeking applicants.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) at Illinois Prairie Community Foundation is accepting applications until April 30, for 2016-2017. Currently in its fourth year, YEP provides 20-25 students the opportunity to learn about the important role of the nonprofit sector and the impact that philanthropy has in creating a vibrant, inclusive community.

Applicants must currently be in 8th-10th grade and live in McLean, Logan, Livingston, or DeWitt Counties. The program is seeking a diverse, enthusiastic group of students to be a part of this philanthropic opportunity.

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.

Application information is available at and at or by calling Kathi Davis, IPCF Program Associate Director, at (309)662-4477.

Pratt Music Foundation Music Lesson Scholarships: Do you know a student who would benefit from privatemusic lessons for piano and strings but who is restricted by finances?

The Pratt Music Foundation’s mission is to providetalented youth an opportunity to enhance their musical ability through privatelessons. Musiclessons are expensive and simply not an option for some childrenand families: this is where the Pratt Music Foundation comes in.TheFoundation grants full music lesson scholarshipsto the Illinois Wesleyan University Music Preparatory Program.

Instruction is available in piano or strings (violin,viola, cello).

Music scholarships are awarded to area students ingrades 2nd through 12th each spring, and are based on financial need, motivation,and talent.

Applications are due by June 1. Eachscholarship covers one school year of instruction, starting in thefall (2016-2017) and includes summerlessons (2017). Free musicbooks are supplied from the Music Shoppe.

Downloadableapplications are available: Go to

For questions or to request an application, call309-827-5534, or .

Powerless Children need Powerful Voices! Become a CASA volunteer and give a voice to a child in foster care. “CASA” stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. We will train you and stand by your side as you advocate for your child.

Children in foster care who have a CASA volunteer, like you, have a much brighter future. They do better in school, get better health care, and find a permanent loving home faster than those children without an advocate.

The CASA program is offering an alternative to traditional training. The next training session will utilize a hybrid method combining on-line course work with classroom participation. This hybrid session will be offered 6/13/16 through 7/25/16. Applications will be due by 4/15/16.

If your preference is for traditional training, our fall training will be held 9/12 – 10/31/16. Training occurs on Monday and Wednesdays from 4 – 7 pm. Applications are due by 7/15/16. Please contact Margie Jordan, CASA Program Director, at 309/888-5852 or for an application or more information regarding the role and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer.

The CCRRN has some office furniture for sale. If interested in any item please contact Lisa at .

  • Metal Bookshelf - $35 (78h x 35w x 13.5d)
  • Wooden Credenza - $40 (29h x 72w x 24d)
  • Wooden 2-drawer Cabinet - $30 (30h x 31.5w x 20.5d)
  • “L” Shaped Desk w/ Hutch - $150 (Have 2 available)
  • Desk: 42 x 24 and 66 x 30
  • Hutch: 37h x 66w x 13.5d
  • Has 2 file drawers, 2 smaller drawers, pencil drawer and keyboard drawer
  • Green Hanging File Folders – 10 for $1

Bloomington Public Library Upcoming Events:

Home Delivery - Bloomington Public Library provides home delivery to Bloomington residents who are either temporarily or permanently homebound. If you are interested in signing up for home delivery, please call 828-6092 or email .

Examples of those who use this service include but are not limited to: pregnant women on bedrest, homebound individuals, senior citizens who can't get out in the winter, those undergoing treatment for cancer or other illness, etc.

Tax Assistance - Tax assistance is available on Mondays and Thursdays through Monday, April 18. On dates when assistance is available, volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will assist people from 9:15am-1pm with the last return each day started no later than 12:15pm. Help is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 neither age nor income restrictions to receive aid.

Computer Class: Social Media - Wednesday, April 6 - Participants will learn how to share and connect with others using social media accounts and how to receive up-to-date news from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Meet in the Community Room at 2pm.

Registration opens Monday, March 21, at 10am. Class is limited to 10 people. Register in person at the Library, by phone at 309-828-6093, or online at BloomingtonLibrary.org.

Google Cardboard - Wednesday, April 6 - More and more, smartphones are being adapted to suit many purposes. The combination of powerful electronics and high-resolution screens makes them perfect for use in virtual reality. Join us as we help you assemble your own Google Cardboard, a kit for turning your smartphone into a virtual reality headset! Participants must be between the ages of 12 and 18 and must have a smartphone which is running Android version 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or later and less is less than 5.7 inches in size diagonal. We’ll meet from 6-8pm in the Community Room.

Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Computer Class: There’s an App for That! - Monday, April 11 - Did you know that there are thousands of eBooks and audiobooks, dozens of the most popular magazines, and learn-at-your-own-pace online language courses available to you as a BPL cardholder? Join us in this informal session from 5-6:30pm in the Community Room as we cover all the apps for those library freebies available for your mobile device. No registration required.

Computer Class: Internet Personal Privacy and Safety - Wednesday, April 13 - Much of today's communication takes place via the Internet, so how do you maintain privacy in the virtual world and why is it important? Jennifer Flaig, Information Technology Senior Research Analyst at Heartland Community College, will provide tips for protecting your privacy online including how to surf the Internet safely, choose passwords, and deciding what and how much to share on social media. Join us in the Community Room at 7pm to learn more. No registration is required.

Make Your Own Outdoor Planter - Saturday, April 16 - At this 10am Community Room workshop with The Tool Library, we’ll create an outdoor planter for your porch or patio. Supplies will be provided. Due to the tools we’ll be using, participants will need to sign a liability waiver.

Registration opens Monday, April 4, at 10am. Class is limited to 10 people. Register in person at the Library, by phone at 309-828-6093, or online at BloomingtonLibrary.org.

Global Story Time - Saturday, April 16 - Join Illinois Wesleyan University international students at 11am in the Children’s Department as they read stories about their home countries and provide cultural lessons that highlight the diversity of the world in which we live. A different country and book will be featured each week. There will also be fun activities such as simple songs, dances, and games!

Prom Hairstyles and Makeup for Teens - Monday, April 18 - Hairmasters Institute of Cosmetology, Inc. will demonstrate fun and easy up-do hairstyles and makeup tricks that teens can recreate for prom or any other special occasion. We’ll meet from 6:30-8pm in the Community Room.

El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros - Saturday, April 30 - Join us in the Children’s Department from 11am to 1pm for our 9th annual El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros celebration. Attendees will enjoy music, crafts, special guests, and fun throughout the Library.

Día Activities

11am-12pm / Community Room

  • The Wonderful Magic of Mr. Illusion

11am-1pm / Children’s Department

  • Mini Spanish Lessons with the IWU Language School for Kids
  • Make-it-Take-it Crafts:
  • Paper Ristras and Egg Shaker Maracas
  • Roving Clothespin Puppets
  • Face painting by the Zoo Lady (first 150 children age 2+)
  • Visits from Dora the Explorer and Corny the CornBelter
  • Bilingual Community Exhibitors:
  • McLean County Museum of History
  • Community Cancer Center
  • Normal CornBelters
  • Axel Jimenez State Farm Agency
  • The Tool Library
  • Conexiones Latinas de McLean County
  • Community Health Care Clinic
  • IWU Language School for Kids

11am-1pm / Patio

  • Oogies food on Wheels (selling Hispanic food)

12-1pm / Patio

  • Multicultural music of Frontera

Family Fun Night - FREE EVENT for the family on Tuesday, April 19 from 4:30-6:30 at Children’s Home + Aid’s, Scott Early Learning Center, 1119 Taylor Street in Bloomington. You could not, would not, should not miss out on a celebration like this. Join us for a Dr. Seuss themed evening of fun, creativity and good food. For more information please contact, Darci Thompson or 309/834-5240.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION You are more likely to encounter someone experiencing an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. The Mental Health First Aid course teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or crisis, then connect them with the appropriate care. Mental Health First Aid is for anyone. This course will focus upon — nurses, health care providers, first responders, and nursing/health care students. 7 hours of Continuing Education credits for Nurses have been applied for.

Join the Mental Health First Aid Collaborative for Mental Health First Aid Training for Health Care Providers. Date: Friday, May 13th from 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. Location: McLean County Health Department, 200 West Front Street, Room 324, Bloomington IL

Fee: $10.00 (includes course materials, lunch, and RN Continuing Education Credits, if approved)

Course materials provided by a grant from the Women to Women Giving Circle of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

Course instructors provided courtesy of McLean County Center for Human Services.

To Register: Call 1.800.3.Advocate [(800) 323-8622] Mention Code 6M16

Or register on line at Course Code 6M16

Mayors Manor, permanent support housing for single individuals, is taking applications for housing at this time. Applicants must meet all three criteria: (1) currently homeless or chronically homeless by HUD definition, (2) documented disability (physical, mental health, completed substance abuse treatment), and (3) low income but have enough income to pay rent which ranges from $332-$450, with some rents being subsidized and lower in amount. Please stop in Monday through Friday between 8am–4pm to pick up an application. Office is closed on Thursdays between 11:45am-1:15pm.

LIFE Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) offers class for youth with disabilities:

Eligibility: Youth with disabilities, age 14 -22, who have an eagerness to experience new things!

Particulars:Program involves five (2 hour) classes at LIFE CIL in Bloomington, and one day trip to Springfield to visit the Capitol. Learn about self-empowerment, advocacy, the Disability Rights Movement, Independent Living Philosophy, and a bit about the legislative process.

Classes:Tuesdays: April 26 through May 24

Times:4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Springfield: Thursday, May 12th

Cost:FREE: All transportation, materials, and accommodations provided.

Anyone interested in this opportunity may contact Rickielee at LIFE Center for Independent Living:

Phone: 309-663-5433email:

Deadline to register is April 12th.

University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator, Jenna Smith, has multiple programs coming up in Livingston and McLean Counties!

No Guilt Desserts- Delicious desserts don’t have to be filled with high-calorie, high-fat ingredients. Learn ways to make the last course of the meal an unforgettable experience without all the guilt. Menu includes: Carrot Date Truffles, Warm Berry Cobbler, Unforgettable Chocolate Mousse, and Chocolate Mint Thin Cookies. This program will be held April 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. at OSF St. Joseph Center for Healthy Lifestyles. There is a cost of $20 per person. To register, visit or call toll-free1-888-627-5673.

IllinoisFood 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 April 13 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and April 15 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 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 (309) 268-8160 or online at .