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.
Want to promote your organization or program? Toastmasters speaking clubs can help!
Toastmasters can help you:
- Gain confidence in public speaking
- Give powerful business presentations
- Conduct effective training seminars
- Receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment
- Develop leadership skills
- Make new friends
Voices for Service ToastmastersClub meets at Chestnut Health Systems, 1003 Martin Luther King Dr,Bloomington. We have agreat group of members who are looking for new people to share the fun. The club is an excellent and cost-effective way to learn and practice speaking skills and leadership skills; the skills we use daily at work and at home. We meetonce per month on the first Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.After checking in at reception look for the white Toastmasters signs.
Check out our Voices for Service promotional video to hear from current and former members:
For more information contact: Todd Smith at , or call 820-3518. Hope to see you soon at a meeting!You can find other club meetingsat
Wings & PrayersDifferently Abled- Ecumenical Worship Service, Sunday, June 21, 2015
Wings & Prayers is a differently-abled ecumenical worship service for those with developmental & intellectual disabilities and their families and families who have children with special needs. The Wings & Prayers Ministry has designed and adapted a meaningful worship service aimed to capture the attention and interest of these individuals.
Services are held every 3rd Sunday of the month, at 3:00-3:45 pm with fellowship time following. Services are held at Crossroads Chapel - 1049 JC Parkway, in Bloomington, IL
Volunteers are cherished and much needed. Please contact: Pastor Cheree’ Johnson at or call 309-706-2961 for more information.
FREE SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Free one-on-one tutoring for students and adults who struggle with reading or who need help learning to read.
Dates: June 15 – August 13, Monday – Thursday, 1-2 pm
Location: Calvary Baptist Church, 1017 N. School Street, Normal
Registration: Call Calvary Baptist Church, 309-452-4479
Curriculum: Language Olympics books with equal emphasis on phonics, spelling, and sight words. Bible stories are used for reading practice. For an overview of the program, go to LanguageOlympics.org
Domestic Violence 40 hour Training-Mid Central Community Action’s Countering Domestic Violence Program will be offering its 40 hour Domestic Violence training on July 22 through July 31, 2015 from 12pm-5pm. The training is open to professionals and individuals interested in learning about the dynamics of domestic violence and helping domestic violence survivors. The training will be held at Mid Central Community Action Conference room. Registration fee is $150. There are discounts for students, community partners, and volunteers.
For more information and registration, please go to the MCCA website at You can also contact Senna at or 309-834-9249 to reserve a spot by July 13.
DANGER ASSESSMENT & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING, Thursday, June 25, 2015
Two Sessions Offered: 12:00 – 2:30 pm and 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Join us for a FREE program (meal included) featuring Johns Hopkins specialist, Dr.Jacquelyn Campbell.
Dr. Campbell is a national leader in research and advocacy in the field of domestic violence and a renowned public speaker. She will offer education on domestic violence, along with focused training to medical staff on how to screen and triage patients appropriately. Instruction on the Danger Assessment (DA) tool; its administration; scoring; and resulting safety strategies will also be provided. Participants will be eligible for DA certification upon completion.
RSVP by Friday, June 19th, with Chris Austin at or (309)-661-5023.
The Crisis Nursery at Children’s Home + Aid no longer has funds available for rent and utility assistance. All funds have been used at this time. If you have any questions, please contact Jeannie Higdon at 309.834.5258.
Wishbone Canine Rescue Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic, Saturday, June 20th from 1:30 – 4:30 pm
At the Western Avenue Community Center, 600 N. Western Ave., Bloomington
Click here for more information:
University of Illinois Extension and Evenglow Inn are partnering to bring you Fresh Fare: Outdoor Grilling! Nothing beats the taste of a grilled meal. You’ll learn how to grill a variety of foods, and brush up on grill safety. Jenna Smith, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, will present the program at Evenglow’s beautiful outdoor patio! Tastings of the dishes she prepares will be served to your table. Outdoor Grilling will be held July 8 at Evenglow Inn, 1303 E. Indiana Ave., Pontiac from 6-7:00 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested. You can register for this program by calling Evenglow at (815) 842-9040.
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 July 20th .
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 July 20th .
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.
The Immigration Project has opened a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois! To request a legal consultation, please call 309-829-8703 any Monday or Wednesday from 10am to 4pm.
Children’s Home + Aid Parents Care + Share Updates:
Dads Group – The Dads group is now meeting the first and third Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7pm at Children’s Home + Aid in the Early Learning Center. The group is looking to grow its membership, so if you know any dads who could use some “guy time” and a little extra support, send them our way!
Heart-2-Heart Group – A special summer session of Heart-2-Heart will be starting on Monday, June 15th. The group will meet weekly for 12-14 weeks from 3-4:30pm in Children’s Home + Aid’s Early Learning Center conference room. This group is aimed at young moms and the focus is on healthy relationships. This is a very popular group among teen moms.
Play With a Purpose – We’re back and ready to PLAY! This group meets every Tuesday from 10-11am in the Family Visitation Center at Children’s Home + Aid (use the Crisis Nursery door). Parents and children up to age 6 attend together and learn fun ways to play and learn, using everyday household items. This group is a lot of fun. Snacktime included!
PAL (Play and Learn) – The PAL group is held at SPICE of Marcfirst twice a month. Children with special needs, along with their parents and siblings, are welcome to attend. Parents and children meet separately, giving kids the opportunity to build social skills while parents get a break and some adult time. The group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 5-6:30pm and the fourth Thursday from 11:30am-1pm.
Parents Care + Share groups are free and a meal or snack is provided. Children’s program available for most groups.
If you have questions about Parents Care + Share, please contact Jenn Rients, Regional Coordinator, at (309) 834-5266 or by email at .
Darkness to Light Training is a child sexual abuse prevention and response program for adults offered through the Child Protection Network. This is a national program proven to increase knowledge of child sexual abuse and change the way adults protect children. The program is designed to train professionals and volunteers who work with children in a variety of settings. Participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of child abuse and learn to react responsibly.
Our next training is scheduled for July 15, 2015 and will be held from 2 – 4:30 pm at The Child Protection Network office. The training will be free to the public as the standard $25 fee has been waived. Advance registration is required. Please call the Child Protection Network at309-888-5656 or email to register.
SAVE THE DATE!
In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, WIC invites you to join them for their 1st Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk on Saturday, August 1st beginning at 10:00 a.m. Come out and show your support of breastfeeding mothers by taking this ½ mile stroll through downtown Bloomington with other mothers, fathers, families and friends from the breastfeeding community. There will be water for thirsty walkers and a breastfeeding area for hungry babies; plus a photo booth to capture all the fun. No need for advanced registration. Register the day of the walk at 9:30 a.m. at the McLean County Health Department, 200 West Front Street, Bloomington. For more information call: 309-888-5457.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Join United Way of McLean County on Saturday, June 27 for the 2nd annual Day of Action! Volunteers will be helping agencies spruce up, landscape, and organize their places so that non-profits can better serve their clients. This is a GREAT way to spend some time with family and friends! To view and sign up for projects go to and click “Day of Action.” Email with any questions.
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. You may be surprised at the number of opportunities we have both indoors and outdoors as well as “internship” needs.
Right now our most urgent need is for assistance at our Information desks during the day, (short shifts); clerks/sales within the Gift Shop of Meadows @Mercy Creek; AND we are seeking those of you who love to plan events, including B’day parties!!! Volunteering with Meadows is rewarding for both you and for our residents and their families.
Please call us immediately with your strong desire to help out in one of these areas or learn more about the many additional options; speak with Tracy our Volunteer Coordinator @309.747.3628 or email:.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
Community-Based ProgramMentoring is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters relationship. It’s all about one-to-one time spent with the volunteer and the young person doing things they enjoy out and about. It’s a few hours 2-4 times a month filled with shared interests and activities like shooting hoops, visiting a museum, sharing pizza, taking a walk, fishing, attending a sporting event, or just hanging out and talking. The schedule can be flexible to meet the needs of mentors and young people in different kinds of situations. Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekend or in the evening. Others get together with their Littles right after school. Bigs correspond with the Little’s parent to determine the best days and times to meet. In this program, you are able to expose your Little to new places and experiences, all while forming a positive bond with them.
ThroughSchool-Based ProgramMentoring,volunteers offer children individualized time and attention on a consistent basis, with the venue being the child’s school. Teachers identify those children who can most benefit from an extra caring adult in their lives. Bigs and Littles meet regularly during the school year – once a week, utilizing the resources available within the school: computer labs, the library, the gym, a classroom, or the schoolyard. Activities take place during the school day, over lunch or during the student’s study hall period.They can spend time talking, playing a game, doing a craft project, or any other fun activity within the school setting that will promote the positive development of their relationship. During the summer, they may exchange letters, email messages or phone calls, attend an agency-sponsored event or transition to our community-based program to continue meeting during the summer months.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call(309) 828-1870and ask for Alton Shelvin to talk about the enrollment process!
Employment Opportunities:
PATH - Clinical Follow-Up – Part-time
Provide a tracking system for people who have had contact with crisis services. The work consists of providing continuous assessment of suicide risk, assessment for other services, and documentation of client contacts for up to five weeks. The goal of the program is to be a part of the continuity of care in the mental health arena.
Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Psychology/Social Work. Experience in social service setting with working knowledge of case management systems and planning techniques; knowledge of outreach techniques, related resources and the mental health care system for McLean County. PATH hotline training in the past is preferred, but not required.
Send your resume with three references to .
Direct Support Professional - Marcfirst is seeking motivated and caring individuals to work with developmentally and physically disabled adults in residential settings in the Bloomington-Normal area. Direct Support Professionals assist in providing opportunities and assistance in areas of work, recreation, and community inclusion. Full time and part time positions available. Hours vary including days, evenings, overnights, and weekends. Qualifications include: High School Diploma or GED, good written and verbal communication skills, valid Illinois Driver's License, and good standing driving record. Must pass background check. Apply online now at For more information contact or (309) 451-8888 ext 221.
McLean County Health DepartmentPosition Announcement - The following position is available at the McLean County Health Department located at 200 W. Front Street, Bloomington, Illinois. This announcement is for County employees and the general public.
Communicable Disease Supervisor--This is a full-time position with the McLean County Health Department Community Health Services Division. Classification is a grade 12, with a salary range of $56,905 to $82,510.
Duties include supervising staff and managing communicable disease programs such as TB, Reportable Diseases, STD, and HIV of the county public health department. Work is performed according to OSHA standards, public health, state and federal regulations, county policies and procedures. Considerable knowledge in communicable disease prevention program administration is preferred and staff supervision experience is required. Requires a BS in nursing, public health, community health or a related field, preferably supplemented by a Master’s Degree in public health, and considerable experience (4-6 years) in public or community health, with specialization in communicable disease prevention/treatment. RN preferred.
Applicants should send a resume, cover letter and application to the McLean County Health Department at 200 W. Front Street Bloomington, IL 61701. Application forms are available at Any questions concerning this position should be directed to Donalda Voss at (309) 888-5452, or email resume, cover letter and application to .
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois is looking for an ideal-driven individual to serve with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois beginning in the summer.
As an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), you will focus on capacity building with the agency as well as helping to combat poverty through office work and community outreach. A living allowance will be provided every two weeks and volunteers may opt for either an educational award or stipend at the successful end of service. You must have a bachelor's degree to be eligible for the position.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Casework Supervisor Jourdan Bellgardt at(309) 828-1870.
Employment opportunity with Mid Central Community Action, Inc. - Part-Time Residential Advocate at Neville House - Provides quality services to residential families and hotline callers.
Qualifications include:
- Associate’s Degree or related work/volunteer experience
- Dedication and commitment to victims/survivors of domestic violence
- Ability to educate, equip, and empower adults and youth
- Ability to utilize sound judgment and problem solving skills
- Ability to respond effectively and efficiently in a crisis situation
- Ability to multi-task and attend to detail
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
For consideration:
- Must present 40-hour domestic violence training certificate OR be available to complete 40 hour training upon being hired.
Must be available to work weekend & holidays. Available shifts are (Saturday and Sunday 12am-8am).
THE BABY FOLD - Employment Opportunity - Child Welfare Manager: Provide personnel, fiscal, and program management for foster care and intact family services of The Baby Fold. Master’s degree in social work or related field and direct service and supervisory experience required. Must be have DCFS Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) in good standing, CERAP, Foundations training and be certified in foster home licensure. Requires minimum of three years of experience providing direct service in child welfare related work setting and five years of experience as a supervisor and/or administrator for a related program. LCSW or LCPC strongly preferred. Apply at or 108 E. Willow St. in Normal.