PATH’s Community Resource Seminars – 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 upcoming half-day seminar is scheduled for: Thursday, November 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 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 834-0580or nd order a directory printed fresh for you.
GARY S. JOHNSON DENTAL CLINIC - In memory of a loyal volunteer dentist, the Scott Commission voted on July 9, 2008 to name all future dental clinics the “Gary S. Johnson Dental Clinics”.
Saturday, November 14, 2015- Registration begins at 7 am
Limit: 120 patients - *** NO APPOINTMENTS TAKEN ***
All others will be referred to the McLean County Health Department Adult Dental Clinic.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Residents of McLean County. Adults with low income and no health insurance.
Adults with dental pain, needing 1 or 2 teeth extracted.
WHAT WILL BE DONE? It will be an “extraction clinic.”
Limited to extractions of 1 or 2 teeth. This is not for multiple extractions. This is not for other dental care.
WHAT WILL IT COST? There will be no charges to participants.
All services are provided by volunteers, who are donating their time and services to address the dental pain of persons lacking access to care.
WHERE WILL THIS TAKE PLACE? At the office of Oral Surgeons: Dr.'s Doran, Capodice, Efaw & Ocheltree
109 N. Regency Drive, Bloomington
WHO ARE THE DENTISTS? The above oral surgeons and several other local dentists will all volunteer their time and services at this free clinic.
ALL PATIENTS WILL COMPLETE HEALTH HISTORY FORMS WHEN THEY ARRIVE ON THE DAY OF THE FREE CLINIC. SPANISH INTERPRETERS WILL BE AT THE CLINIC.
Pursue your dream of becoming an American citizen- The Immigration Project is conducting monthly workshops for Legal Permanent Residents who are ready to naturalize (become a U.S. citizen) on November 12th and December 17th. Call 309-829-8703any Monday or Wednesday between 10am and 4pm for more information and to schedule an appointment!
2015-2016 Warm Neighbors/Cool Friends Ameren Assistance Program -
Eligibility requirements:
- 150-300% of poverty level (this is above the LiHeap income requirements)
- Must be: a senior or disabled or have a temporary documentable crisis
(Mitsubishi closing counts as a crisis)
- Bill cannot be over $750
- Must have active service in their home (cannot be shut-off)
- Income must be from an adult (cannot count child’s disability as their income)
- This is a matching program (we can match one payment up to $350)
- If the client qualified for LiHeap they will NOT qualify for WN/CF
Notes:
- Eligible clients can be helped once each heating/cooling season per calendar year.
- Cooling program runs from June - September
- Heating program runs from October - May
In McLean County, call Cathy Beck at PATH 309-834-0507.
Warm Neighbors 30 Day Income Guidelines 2015 - 2016(Income outside the bracket disqualifies client –
there are minimum and maximum incomes for this program)
Family Size / 30 Day Income / Annual Income
1 / $1,471-$2,943 / $17,652-$35,316
2 / $1,991-$3,983 / $23,892-$47,796
3 / $2,511-$5,023 / $30,132-$60,276
4 / $3,031-$6,063 / $36,372-$72,756
5 / $3,551-$7,103 / $42,612-$85.236
6 / $4,071-$8,143 / $48,852-$97,716
7 / $4,591-$9,183 / $55,092-$110,196
8 / $5,111-$10,223 / $61,332-$122,676
Imagine is Eastview’s Holiday Assistance Program and the 2015 Distribution Day is Saturday, December 5th. Walk in shopping begins at 2:00 pm but guests may arrive as early as 10:00 am on December 5th. We ask that you bring a photo ID and a piece of mail from your current address.
Only the registered guest will be able to shop at the appointment time.
If you are registered and have an appointment time that you’re unable to attend, please call 309-451-5008 and leave your name and appointment time as well as a contact phone number on the voicemail indicating you want Personal Shopping. We will have an IMAGINE team member shop for you using our Personal Shopping option at your appointed time. All orders are filled based on availability of items. Your items will be available for pick up on Monday, December 7th between 6:00 & 8:00 pm at the Eastview Food Pantry. When items are picked up a photo ID and piece of mail will be required.
Do you need assistance obtaining your prescription medications?
Are you in the Medicare Part D Donut Hole?If so, Scott Health Resources may be able to help. Please call Scott Health Resources at (309) 823-4224 to see if you qualify.
University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator, Jenna Smith, has multiple programs coming up in Livingston and McLean Counties!
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 November 4 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and November 6 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 .
I on Diabetes- This is a series of four 3 hour sessions designed for anyone interested in managing or preventing diabetes. The program provides information on treatment goals and self-monitoring, managing carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol and fat portions, planning meals, reading food labels, and using artificial sweeteners, low-fat products, and herbs and spices. In each session participants receive recipes, watch cooking demonstrations, and taste foods to meet their dietary needs. I on Diabetes will meet November 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Livingston County Extension Office, 1412 S. Locust, Pontiac. There is a cost of $25 for an individual or $35 for a couple (one set of materials). This fee is for the cost of food and materials. No products will be sold at the classes. You can register by calling (815) 842-1776 or online at
Fresh Fare: Pizza Pizzazz!- Pizza is the ultimate American food. You’ll learn how to create a dynamite pizza crust and a variety of sauces and toppers, while taking home a booklet of recipes. The program will be presented in a pleasant dining room setting with tables set just for you! Food demonstrations and tastings will be provided. Fresh Fare: Pizza Pizzazz! will be held November 11 at Evenglow Inn, 1303 E. Indiana Eve., Pontiac from 6-7 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation that goes to Evenglow Inn. To register, call Evenglow at (815) 842- 9040.
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation Nonprofit Workshop – November 18
IPCF and United Way McLean County are hosting a workshop for staff, board members, volunteers and friends of nonprofit organizations on November 18 at the Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Check-in begins at 8:00 am with the workshop running from 8:30 – 11:30. The workshop is entitled “Purposeful Collaboration: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Collaboration to Conserve Community Assets.”
The workshop will highlight:
-Examining the organization’s core mission and core needs
-Defining collaboration and evaluating its benefits and challenges
-Understanding that one size does not fit all; examples of four local collaborations
-Hearing funders’ perspectives of collaboration
Presenters include: David Taylor, United Way of McLean County; Kelli Hill, Heartland Community College; Jerome Maddox, State Farm; Ed Quijano, State Farm; Carrie Corson, COUNTRY Financial; Adrian Barr, Prairie State Legal Services; Deborah Halperin, IWU Action Research Center; Kathleen Lorenz, Normal City Council Member; Joni Painter, Bloomington Alderwoman; Grant Anderson, Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal; Matt Burgess, Home Sweet Home Ministries; Mary Campbell, Labyrinth Outreach Services to Women; Dontae Latson, YWCA McLean County; Angie McLaughlin, Community Healthcare Clinic; Joe Prosser, Community Cancer Center; and B.J. Wilken, Bloomington-Normal YMCA.
Celebrating Local Philanthropy Luncheon
The annual Celebrating Local Philanthropy Luncheon will be held at noon following the workshop. John and Marilyn Freese will be honored as 2015 Philanthropists of the Year. Vasu Pinnamaraju, Executive Director of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission, will deliver the keynote address, “One Community, One Goal: Collaborating for Future Success.”
Reservations are required for both the workshop and luncheon by November 13 at or by calling 309-662-4477. The workshop cost is $25 per person. Two people from the same organization may attend for the price of one; the cost of the luncheon is $35 per person.
HSCI is having a Low Income Spay/Neuter Clinic for Cats/Kittens only on Thursday, December 10. The Spay/Neuter Clinic fee is $30 for each Cat or Kitten. Individuals receiving Governmental Aid such as WIC, LINK, Medical Card, SSI, or unemployment benefits qualify. Families facing other hardships, please call the office at (309)451-1000 during regular business hours to determine if you qualify. Kittens must be at least eight weeks of age and two pounds to receive surgery.
Appointments are required and space is limited. Please visit the Low Income Spay/Neuter Clinic Registration webpage ( to register and pay online, or call our office at (309)451-1000 to sign-up and register for this clinic. Payment in advance is required.
Cats are dropped off on Wednesday, December 9 between 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the Pet Adoption Center, 423 Kays Drive in Normal. Cats must be in a hard sided carrier with a towel in the bottom. One cat per carrier. If you need to borrow a carrier(s), please call the office in advance to make arrangements for pick-up.
Cats are to be picked up from the Pet Adoption Center on Thursday, December 10 between 3:00 - 4:00 pm.
To speed up the check-in process, please print the Animal Surgery Consent Form for Spay/Neuter ( and bring a completed form, for each cat, with you at the time of check-in.
Business Builders is taking non-profit organizations “Under Our Wing”
Under Our Wing is Business Builders’ community outreach program that offers free marketing services such as video, website, and design to local, non-profit organizations in an effort to further their impact within McLean County. Two grants are awarded each year. Applications can be found online at and must be received by 11/16/15 to be considered.
Business Builders’ Community Counts Program extends a 10% discount on project work for all non-profit organizations throughout our entire service area. Services offered include fundraising support, event videos, social media marketing and management, content marketing, and more!
For more information on both programs, please visit:
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 January 28th. If interested, the volunteer application is available on-line at Classroom training meets on Thursdays from 6 to 9 pm. Questions? Call Kevin at PATH at 309-834-0541.
The YWCA Smart Sprouts volunteer tutoring program has begun for the 2015-2016 school year and is in need of additional tutors for two locations. Please contact Deborah Sheppard at (309) 662-0461 ext. 281 for more information.
Cedar Ridge Elementary School
Lunchtime reading program Monday -Thursday 11 a.m. to Noon
Oakland Elementary School
Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Smart Sprouts is a program designed to help elementary-age children develop life skills and improve their academic performance. The program's goal is to increase the students’ reading capacity and academic performance, while developing safe relationships with adult volunteers. Smart Sprouts is coordinated through the RSVP office at the YWCA McLean County.
The David Davis Mansion is seeking volunteers for various duties at the Historic Home. Volunteers serve as tour guides, receptionists, special events and board members. All education programs and costumed events are staffed by volunteers. Guides and receptionists are asked to serve one 4 hour time period per month (WednesdaythroughSaturday). Special events volunteers participate in costumed events, as well as the annual Glorious Gardens Walk. Training in Davis Family history, period furnishings, social and cultural history and other relevant topics will be provided.
An informational gathering will be held onNovember 3, 6:30pmat the Visitor Center for those interested in learning more about this opportunity. For more information, email or call 828-1084.
How can I get involved with Meadows?! - Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Meadows, IL (off Rt. 24 between Chenoa and Gridley – a short 20 min. beautiful drive) and Meadows @Mercy Creek – (right off Raab Rd. in Normal, IL). We are in need of volunteers for both our campuses. There are a variety of ways in which you can volunteer and become a special part of a very fulfilling mission – while enriching the lives of our residents. We have a number of indoor and outdoor volunteer openings as well as “internship” needs. Right now our most urgent needs are:
·Finding volunteers who love to plan events or help on the sidelines (we have several events coming up; including B’day parties!)
·Greeting and meeting our guests and family members at our Information desks during the day, (short shifts)
·Clerks/sales within the Gift Shop of Meadows @Mercy Creek
·Help with games and activities for our residents to include chaperoning outings, reading to and visiting with residents
We can use your help for one hour a day, one hour a week or one hour a year! We are always looking for volunteers and leaders who love to benefit from “giving!” Volunteering with Meadows is rewarding for both you and for our residents and their families. Please consider these opportunities and give us a call!
Call 309.747.3628 or .
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR READING TO END RACISM- Reading to End Racism is a racial justice program that uses trained volunteers to read to children in the classroom and, through books and personal stories, stimulate an insightful conversation about discrimination. Opening this dialogue with students and teachers empowers individuals to work to eliminate racism in their lives, schools, and communities.
A two-hour training will be required for all Reading to End Racism volunteers.
If you are interested in learning more or volunteering, please contact Norene Ball at(309) 662-0461 or se visit more information.
Fundraising Opportunities:
Flourish Where You’re Planted Luncheon Fundraiser- Tuesday, November 10th, Second Presbyterian Church, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join The Immigration Project in celebrating 20 years of providing affordable and quality legal assistance to immigrants in all of central and southern Illinois! Judge James A. Knecht, Appellate Judge of the Fourth Circuit, will be the keynote speaker and Cristina Deutsch, a long-term immigrant legal advocate, will be awarded with the first annual Immigration Hero Award. Tickets are available here until November 4th. You won’t want to miss it so hurry and get your tickets now!
PURCHASE BLOOMINGTON THUNDER TICKETS THROUGH YWCA MCLEAN COUNTY!- Through a generous donation from State Farm Bank and the Bloomington Thunder,YWCA McLean County is selling Thunder ticket vouchers at a discounted price. Adult ticket vouchers cost $15 and children under 12 years old cost $7. You can purchase an unlimited number of vouchers to be used at any Bloomington Thunder regular season game! All funds from tickets purchased through YWCA McLean County will benefit YWCA programs. Purchase your ticket vouchers at
REGISTER YOUR TEAM FOR STEPPING STONES TRIVIA NIGHT!- The second annual Trivia Night fundraiser will be Friday, November 6. Teams of up to 6 members are eligible to compete for cash prizes! The night will include a 50/50 raffle, cash bar, and all you can eat pizza at the Park Regency Hotel & Conference Center. All proceeds will benefit YWCA McLean County Stepping Stones, which provides free, confidential services to sexual assault survivors and their families. The cost for a table of up to 6 team members is $200, which can be fundraised before the event. For more information, please visit
SAVE THE DATE FOR CIRCLE OF WOMEN - YWCA McLean County will host Circle of Women on Friday, February 26, 2016. This annual philanthropic luncheon will be held from 11:30 am-1 pm at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, with a social hour before the event beginning at 11 am. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please .
Faith in Action "Ten of Hearts" Gala Auction
Help Faith in Action have a Full House for their 10th Anniversary! Since 2006, Faith in Action has been providing services to seniors to help them stay independent in their homes such as rides to medical appointments, friendly visits, and assistance with grocery shopping. Tickets are $65 for a fun evening of silent and live auctions, dinner, games, and raising funds for a great cause.
When: Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Where: Parke Regency Hotel and Conference Center, Bloomington, IL
Contact r 309-827-7780 for more information or to RSVP.
Employment Opportunities:
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.On Site Supervisors coordinate all safety related issues including vehicle maintenance, fire and tornado drills and hazard communication. Supervisors schedule all Direct Support Professionals for training and ensure proper documentation is completed, and manage all communications through medical books, and computer software programs. Supervisors assist in managing financial resources with individual’s supported including menu planning, budgeting, shopping and ordering medications. This position is benefit eligible. Hours vary including days, weekends, evening, overnights, and on-call rotation. 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. Apply online now at .