PATH Crisis Center
All resource seminars have been canceled for the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19. If you have already registered for a resource seminar this year, you can save a spot for or a future seminar or contact the Database Department for more information (309) 828-1022.

Chestnut Family Health Center Welcomes Dr. Daniel Cunningham
A Bloomington-Normal native, Dr. Cunningham went to Loyola University Chicago for his undergraduate degree and completed medical school training at ATSU Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
 
Dr. Cunningham returned to Bloomington-Normal to complete his residency in Family Medicine at BroMenn Hospital. After that he worked in private practice for two years before joining Chestnut Health Systems. He is board certified in Family Medicine. His interests include preventive medicine, sports medicine, chronic care, acute care, psychiatric care, and addiction medicine.
 
Dr. Cunningham is accepting new patients and appointments can be scheduled by calling 309-557-1400.
 
The Salvation Army of Bloomington - Resuming Personal Items Distribution
The Salvation Army of Bloomington will be resuming its Personal Items Distribution on October 5th. In order to be eligible one must obtain a referral from a partner agency, commonly DHS Public Aid Office or the Family Community Resource Center. Items distributed could include: toilet paper, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, razors, deodorant, baby care items, feminine hygiene products, detergent, dish soap, and other personal hygiene items. Please note that items available are dependent on donations and may vary. Households are eligible to fill a referral for Personal Items once every 90 days.
 
Personal Items Distribution is available on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm and on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. This program will be run in conjunction with the Food Pantry Program. If a household is needing both services, they can complete both visits at the same time. For distribution, we are currently are using a drive-thru/walk-thru system to limit person-to-person interaction. Please enter from Oak Street. 
 
Any questions, call (309) 829-9476.
 
Dreams Are Possible
Dreams Are Possible is a free program geared toward preparing women for economically sustainable employment by creating skill-based workers, helping them transition from jobs to careers and preparing them to advocate for a living wage.
 
Upcoming classes begin October 13, 2020 at 1311W. Olive. Bloomington, IL. 61701. Classes are one day a week from 5:30-8pm. Anyone interested in attending classes or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 309-287-5109 or email at Dreamsarepossible2@gmail.com
 
YouthBuild McLean County
YouthBuild McLean County is accepting applications for the mid-fall enrollment through October 21st, 2020.  The next enrollment will be in February 2021.  YouthBuild McLean County is a youth development program designed to serve at risk youth between ages 16 and 24 in the areas of secondary education completion, vocational training and credentialing, career and postsecondary readiness and leadership development.  YBMC hosts two ISBE accredited high schools; YouthBuild McLean County Charter School and YouthBuild Academy which provide previously unsuccessful youth the opportunity to complete their high school diploma in a nontraditional education setting.  Youth can earn certificates in residential construction, early childhood education, information technology, certified nursing, OSHA and many other industry areas.  Additionally, youth can earn scholarships for postsecondary education and a bi-weekly stipend for meeting goals.  Fall 2020 return to school learning options are hybrid (a combination of remote and in person), 100% remote that include daily conferencing with instructors and scheduled in person small group.  All options will adhere to social distancing and PPE guidelines provided by ISBE and other state governing entities.  Classes begin November 4^th with a mandatory orientation on October 22^nd.  To apply please visit https://www.youthbuildmcleancounty.org/get-involved.  Birth certificate, government issued identification and social security card needed for applicants.  Assistance with obtaining documents is provided if documents are unavailable.  For more information contact 309.454.3898 or Stacy Van at svan@ybmc.org.  YouthBuild McLean County is an equal opportunity/service provider. Auxiliary aids available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Master of Social Work (MSW) at ISU

• Applications for fall 2021 enrollment are being accepted until March 1
• Two areas of specialization: Child & Family Practice or School Social Work
• Applications require:
  • Resume
  • 2 professional letters of reference
  • Statement of interest
  • Transcripts
• Visit the School of Social Work website to learn more about the program and begin an application
• For questions or more information, contact Amy Dennison at asdenni@ilstu.edu or (309) 438-5005

Eastview's Food Pantry
Last day serving at Saint Vincent DePaul will be Wednesday, September 16th.
 
New locations:
Tuesdays
1:00-2:30 pm and 6:00-7:30 pm
Eastview Christian Church-Normal Campus, 1500 Airport Rd, Normal 
 
Wednesdays
10:00-11:30 am and 6:00-7:30 pm 
Eastview Christian Church-Bloomington Campus
401 Union St, Bloomington 
 
Any questions, call 309-451-5000.
  
Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) Events:
“Collaborating to Build and Empower Communities of Recovery”
 
Improving health, wellness, and recovery for individuals and families, with or at risk of substance use/mental health afflictions, to promote healthy and safe communities.

The ROSC’s mission is to organize addiction and/or co-occurring disorders treatment that involve the community. ROSC also seeks to de-stigmatize addiction and co-occurring disorders. If the community agrees that addiction is a problem, hopefully, the community as a whole (not just the recovery community) is willing to be part of the solution. From this standpoint, a ROSC builds on the philosophy that “recovery happens within the community”. Recoverees stand a greater chance at sobriety, health, and quality of life when a community forges together to provide and make accessible its abundance of services and supports (e.g. healthcare, psychiatric services, sober living, childcare, sober recreation, and much more). The more tools that recoverees have in their proverbial toolbox, the grander a recovery structure they can build.
 
Join us for the ROSC Council Meetings. They are open to all members of the community and on the third Tuesday of the month: 3:30-4:30 https://zoom.us/j/3729798714
  
ROSC Sub-Committees
 The ROSC sub-committees allow ROSC members to take more ownership and bring us closer to one of ultimate goals of becoming a RCO (Recovery Community Organization) in McLean County. These groups also serve an easy way for ROSC newcomers to become involved or for those unable to normally attend the council meetings to help serve the ROSC.
 
Behavioral Health & Wellness – Mondays at 11:00 am. Please reach out to Angi Chasensky: acchasensky@chestnut.org to become involved.

Sober Recreation – Wednesdays at 2pm. Please reach out to Angi Chasensky: acchasensky@chestnut.org or Dan Sokulski: dasokulski@chestnut.org to become involved.

Next Event:
Sober Recreation Subcommittee
Paint Night – 9/18
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rosc-presents-sober-paint-night-tickets-113814125112
 
Spirituality – Fridays at 10am. Please reach out to Dan Sokulski: dasokulski@chestnut.org to become involved.

Mid Central Community Action- MCCA 

We are in this together!
 
For LIHEAP applications, please contact Cassie at 309-834-9203 or Fini at 309-834-9200.
 
For essential needs and resources, please contact Laura at 309-834-9227 or Jerri at 309-834-9226.
 
Our Countering Domestic Violence services for emergency shelter, Orders of Protection, counseling, and support can be accessed through our 24-hour hotline at 309-827-7070.
 
Our Financial Opportunity Center services for employment coaching, financial coaching, housing counseling, and support can be accessed by contacting Kathy at 309-834-9242.
 
We are not accepting guests at Mayors Manor, Bloomington Corporate office, or Pontiac Satellite office at this time.
 
We will resume our in-house weatherization services as soon as we can through September 30, 2020.
 
We are present for and with our community while we take measures for the health and safety of our staff.
 

IPCF OFFERS WOMEN, YOUTH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2021
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation will accept applications for grants in two categories from October 1 to October 30, 2020. Grant applicants will find links to the online application forms on the IPCF website at https://ilprairiecf.org/fall-grants.
 
These grants provide support to programs that benefit residents in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties. The Women to Women Giving Circle has $38,712 available to award in grants and Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) has $11,680 available for grants. Funding for the Women to Women and Youth Engaged in Philanthropy grants comes from endowments held at IPCF, designated gifts and individual donors.
 
The Women to Women Giving Circle seeks to improve the lives of women and children in Central Illinois and is focusing its grants for 2021 on programs that support resiliency (capacity to recover quickly from difficulties) for children in our communities from birth to third grade and their support networks (families, teachers, caregivers). In addition, the Women to Women grant requires applicants to collaborate on the grant program with another nonprofit organization. Youth Engaged in Philanthropy grants are for youth-focused programs, with priority given to organizations that include youth in the application process, are awarded by the 13 area high school students who are members of YEP.
 
“The number and quality of applications increases each year,” said Michele Evans, Grants & Communications Director at IPCF. “While not all grants are able to be fully funded, those that are selected generally receive between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on the program. That can make a huge difference to the organizations that receive them.”
 
Successful applicants will receive funding starting in January 2021.
 
Applicants must represent a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, a local unit of municipal, county, state or federal government, a school or college/university, or a tax-exempt religious organization or place of worship. Programs must be available to residents of McLean, DeWitt, Livingston or Logan counties, but do not have to serve all four counties.
 
For additional information and questions, grant applicants may contact Michele Evans at mevans@ilprairiecf.org or 309-662-4477.
 

No submissions were received for this issue of the POG.

 

McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
YOU can help change a child’s story by becoming a CASA volunteer!
 
McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children residing in foster care. McLean County research indicates that children who have a CASA volunteer achieve a safe and permanent home sooner than those who do not.
 
Our next CASA training is scheduled to begin October 27th- November 17th. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-7:00 pm virtually via the Zoom platform. Please contact Eric Hansen at 309-888-5855 or eric.hansen@mcleancountyil.gov for an application or more information regarding the role and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer. Applications for the next training session should be received no later than October 15th.
 

 

Employment Opportunities

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Illinois Wesleyan University
IWU currently has the following employment opportunities posted: 

• Custodian
• Temporary Part-time Registered Nurse
• Director of Health and Counseling Services 

For more information please see their website at: https://www.iwu.edu/human-resources/job-openings/ or contact Kristi Hammons at 556-3536 or email khammons@iwu.edu.
Bloomington Housing Authority
The Bloomington Housing Authority is seeking candidates for the following position:
 

• Property Manager – This full-time position is responsible for rent calculations, leasing, compliance with program regulations and policies, and management of unit turnaround. The Property Manager is responsible for 280 units of public housing at seven locations in Bloomington. Requires a bachelor’s degree with coursework in business administration, social science, human services or a related field and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience with affordable housing or other housing related programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.  Anticipated starting salary range is $35,500 to $42,000/year with excellent benefits. A full job posting with application instructions is available at www.bloomingtonha.com.

 
The Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Prairie State Legal Services
Prairie State Legal Services is excited to offer assistance to McLean County residents with Criminal Records Relief to help them find employment.  Prairie State Legal Services can advise eligible clients on expunging/sealing their criminal records and can assist clients with filing the necessary petitions.  Questions about this project? Contact us at 309-433-0061.
 
Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) assists people with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. Many people with disabilities of working age (16-64) are eligible for VR services. To be eligible an individual must have a significant physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to go to work. Our staff work closely with employers, community partners, educators and service providers offering individualized placement services that bring employers and qualified employees together.  DRS vocational program provides individual assessment, evaluation, career guidance & counseling, financial support for training including certification programs & academic degree programs for all state supported colleges and universities.  Assistive technology evaluations & equipment can also be provided to those individuals who require such supports for employment or training programs. In addition, DRS can provide FREE direct job placement and follow-up services, consultation with the DRS Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program to help people who receive SSDI/SSI benefits understand how working will affect their benefits and Supported Employment Program (SEP) services for eligible people.  Other specialized vocational rehabilitation services for people: Blind or visually impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, Hispanic or Latino with disabilities.  Please contact DRS at toll free- (800) 843-6154 to find a local office and see how DRS can help you today!
 
East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (ECIAAA)
East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging is a fast, multi-faceted work environment. We are seeking applicants to fill this important position.
 
Be a part of the Area Agency on Aging team and receive competitive pay, excellent benefits, insurance, vacation, holidays, retirement, etc., and the satisfaction of helping older persons.
 
Service Compliance Coordinator
As a key person in the management of grant funded services, accuracy, time management, efficient and effective reporting, and critical thinking are essential. The position is responsible for monitoring, compiling information, reporting, grant reviews, conducting administrative reviews, technical assistance and interpretation of policies relative to the rules and regulations governing federally funded programs.
 
Competencies: Experience in Microsoft Outlook. Excellent Problem Solving/Analysis, Critical Evaluation, Strategic Thinking, Ethical Conduct, Communication, Performance Management, Time Management, Organization Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Team Player.
 
Requirements: 4 Year College/University Degree in a Human Services field, Valid Driver’s License, Availability to Travel Days/Evenings, Passage of Background Check, 3 years’ experience of grant writing or grants management and community-based program
 
Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
ECIAAA is an Equal Opportunity Employers.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $38,500.00 to $45,000.00 /year
 
Send resume and cover letter to humanresources@eciaaa.org
 

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Holiday Edition PATH-O-GRAM Submission Format:
Please follow these guidelines when sending your submission:

Format of Submission:

• Ariel Font, Size 12.
• Bolded and underlined title (typically agency name/event name).
• Short paragraph containing essential information such as description, dates, times, addresses, and who to contact for more information

 
Other Information Needed:
 

• Which Category you would like your listing under? ( Assistance for individuals and families, or  Volunteers and Donations needed)

Regular PATH-O-GRAM Submission Format:
Please follow these guidelines when sending your submission:

Format of Submission:

• Ariel Font, Size 12.
• Bolded and underlined title (typically agency name/event name).
• Short paragraph containing essential information such as description, dates, times, addresses, and who to contact for more information.

 
Other Information Needed:

• Which category you would like your listing to be under (Covid-19, Announcements, Support Groups, Conferences and Workshops, Grant & Scholarship Opportunities, Fundraising Opportunities, Volunteer Opportunities, or Employment Opportunities)
• How long you would like your listing in the PATH-O-GRAM. Submissions in the POG will only be posted once, unless otherwise stated or resubmitted.

 
NOTE: Because submissions should be able to be copied and pasted in the above format, flyers will not be a sufficient POG submission.