How does the Easter Bunny stay in shape? .......................................... He eggs-ercises.
How does the Easter Bunny keep his fur looking so good?.................... Hare spray.
Upcoming dates: Next POG: 4/16/2021 - Interested in submitting a listing in the POG? Please scroll to the bottom to see instructions!
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine
McLean County will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
McLean County is currently in Phase 1B Plus.
Illinois will be applying a phased Approach to COVID-19 Vaccination:
Phase 1:
- Limited and/or scarce supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses are available.
- Vaccine administration strategies in Phase 1 are divided into three sub-phases:
Phase 1a
- Healthcare Personnel.
- Long-term care facility residents and staff.
Phase 1b/1b Plus
- Persons aged 65 years and older.
- Frontline essential workers (as defined by ACIP and directed by the State of Illinois).
- Additional groups eligible beginning March 22
Higher education staff
Government workers
Media
- Additional groups eligible beginning March 29
Food and beverage workers
Construction trade workers
Religious Leaders
- Sheltered population, homeless/day programs, and inmates.
- Persons aged 16 to 64 years old with high-risk medical conditions.
Eligible Conditions
Obesity
Diabetes
Pulmonary Diseases
Smoking
Heart Conditions
Chronic Kidney Disease
Cancer
Solid Organ Transplant
Sickle Cell Disease
Pregnancy
- Additional individuals eligible beginning April 12 - any resident age 16 and up.
To learn more about local and state vaccine information please see information below:
United Way of McLean County
Volunteers from the United Way of McLean County are standing ready to assist Seniors/Individuals who need help in securing their COVID-19 Vaccine appointments because they do not have access to a computer or they are not computer savvy. Those individuals should contact Gloria Spinks with the United Way at 309-828-7383 or gspinks@uwaymc.org
Illinois Department of Public Health
COVID-19 HOTLINE. Any questions about Coronavirus - such as what one should do if they are feeling sick – or any other concerns –call the Illinois Department of Public Health Hotline at:
(800) 889-3931. For more information, visit their website at www.dph.illinois.gov
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For global and national questions about COVID-19, visit the CDC website. This website has accurate updates, what you need to know, and resources for the community.
www.cdc.gov
Path Crisis Center
For information about health and human services in McLean County please call our 24/7 hotline by dialing 2-1-1, or view our online database at www.Findhelp211.org
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site Located in Bloomington
Reditus Laboratories from Pekin, IL operates the drive-thru COVID-19 Community Based Testing Site at the Interstate Center. Reditus processes the tests and transmits the results to a state call center. A self-swab test is used; each person swabbing is instructed and monitored by on-site staff.
Testing at this site is not limited to McLean County Residents.
Additional clarification on changes has been received from the state:
The Community Based Testing Sites are all now required by the State of Illinois to collect health insurance information either during online pre-registration or on-site. People with health insurance are not billed for co-pays or costs not covered by health insurance and people without insurance will continue to be covered by the state or Cares Act. Testing is still free of cost to all individuals.
Pre-Registration:
Go to www.testdirectly.com/mclean, create a new account (or login if you have one). Note: Every person being tested has to use a separate email account or results will be overridden. If registering multiple persons it works best to use a tablet, computer, or separate smartphones. Following account set-up, a confirmation email will be sent, click that link and begin registering. Answer the applicable questions; when you get to Payment Source - select Free.; then click Place Order. A confirmation screen will pop-up and will also be emailed to you. You will need this document when you check-in at the site to test. Electronic registration is available on-site but will take longer.
On-Site Procedure:
Please wear a mask and follow the directions of the testing staff. Patients arriving by public transportation will be directed inside the building. When it is safe (moving vehicles) staff will work with people that are on foot. The Connect Transit Shuttle Bus operates from the West Side Walmart to the testing site on: Tues, Thurs, & Sat, 10:00 am - 11:30 am and 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm.
Location and NEW Hours!!:
The drive thru testing site is located at the Interstate Center/McLean County Fair Grounds, 1106 Interstate Dr, Bloomington. Now open:Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. They will be closed on holidays and will close early or open late in the event of severe weather.
Results:
You will receive a sticker after testing with an Order ID (top number) and a Key. You can go to www.testdirectly.com, select the results tab at the top of the page, and enter this information to see your results when they become available, usually a
couple days. You can also log into your account, view them, and screen print them if needed. All individuals tested will also receive a call from the state contracted call center with their results in 3-7 days, that number is 1-888-297-7208. If you receive your results online and the COVID virus was detected please stay home and isolate until you receive further instructions from the call center or another medical professional.
Note: First responders, medical personnel, long term care staff, and people that are being tested for upcoming medical procedures need to tell the staff at both check-in and the testing station that they are in one of these categories so their results can be marked stat.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
COVID-19 Testing Site Shuttle
COVID-19 Testing Site Shuttle departs from the Connect Transit bus stop located outside of the Bloomington Walmart.
The shuttle will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Follow the McLean County Emergency Management Agency on Facebook for schedule information: https://www.facebook.com/McLeanCountyEMA
The Town of Normal COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance Program
The Town of Normal and Mid Central Community Action (MCCA) have partnered in the creation of an assistance program for residents suffering from income or job loss due to the pandemic. The program uses dollars the Town received as part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (C.A.R.E.S.) Act.
The COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance Program is available to any household (individuals or families) residing within the municipal limits of the Town of Normal that has a documented job or income loss occurring as a result of the present pandemic AND that meets certain income qualifications. The program will assist income-qualified residents for up to three months, or $3,000 total in a single year.
The amount of funding currently available to the housing program is roughly $240,000. The Town of Normal’s COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance Program is just one of several local programs designed to assist residents in need. Those needing assistance can call PATH at 2-1-1 to begin the referral process.
Please contact Associate Planner Taylor Long at (309) 454-9642 or via email at tlong@normal.org with any questions.
Announcements
Youth Engaged In Philanthropy Participants Sought
High school students in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties are sought to participate in Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) during the 2021-2022 school year. An initiative of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, YEP is a program in which high school students learn about philanthropy by allocating grant funds to local nonprofits.
YEP provides opportunities to build leadership and teamwork skills while engaging participants in a unique, philanthropic experience. A nonprofit group, YEP funds local youth-run and/or youth-oriented programs. Members will be responsible for developing grant guidelines and awarding a total of $10,000 to selected youth-focused programs.
The 2021-2022 school year will be the 9th for YEP. The group will be limited to 20-25 participants.
Individuals selected to be a part of the 2021-2022 YEP group will be notified in May.
For more information, contact Amanda Cole, YEP Program Mentor, at amandal.cole@yahoo.com or through the IPCF office at 309-662-4477.
Eastview Food Pantry NEW HOURS!
New Food Pantry hours as of 4/6/21.
We will no longer have Tuesday evening hours.
The new hours will be Tuesdays from 1-3pm, Wednesdays from 10-12pm and 5:30-7:30 pm
The Eastview Food Pantry is a local ministry providing food, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and personal care items to residents of McLean County.
Special Covid distancing and safety measures are in place which allows guests to safely shop indoors.
- Guests may use the pantry every other week.
- Only one resident at each address can use the pantry. Children, spouses, family members, and friends may not shop with resident.
- MUST bring documents required.
Two separate items are required:
(1) A photo ID.
(2) A piece of mail within last 60 days showing household address.
For more information call: (309) 451-5056 – Recording of Food Pantry Hours or (309) 451-5000.
Heartland Head Start
You Are Invited! Join us for Heartland Head Start’s Virtual Recruitment Week held April 12th – 16th, 2021. Virtual Recruitment Week is a weeklong experience for both interested families and the community to get an inside look at HHS. Throughout the week, various areas of the program will be showcased, and the week will finish off with a live Q&A session. Please visit our Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/heartlandheadstart.
Spots Still Remain for Foster Youth to Join FREE College Prep Program (First Star ISU Academy)
First Star ISU Academy is a free college preparation program for high school youth in foster care that ensures they have the life skills and academic supports needed to successfully transition to higher education and adulthood. Watch this video to see the program in action. First Star is open to 9th, 10th, and 11th graders with an open foster case that live within 75 miles of Illinois State University. First Star ISU includes monthly Saturday academies featuring life skills and academic lessons and culminates in an immersive summer experience. Applications will be accepted until the program is full - so apply as soon as possible! To download the application and for more information visit https://adoptionresearch.illinoisstate.edu/projects/first-star-academy/ or contact Joel McReynolds at (612) 440-2035, jamcrey@ilstu.edu
Please help spread the word and share with any students, caseworkers, or caregivers who may be interested!
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.
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 Workgroups
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.
PATH Crisis Center
All resource seminars have been canceled until further notice due to COVID-19. Please contact the Database Department for more information (309) 828-1022.
Mid Central Community Action- MCCA
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 Jennifer 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.
ROSC Workgroups
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.
Children’s Home & Aid - Parents Care & Share Support For parents
HYPED-UP GROUP (Parenting & Stress)
For parents with children 0-5 years old.
Socialize with other parents.
Group discussions on current parenting issues.
Activities for the Children.
Tuesdays 5:30 PM on Zoom.
Contact Aurbree Hart at
auhart@childrenshomeandaid.org
HEART – 2 – HEART (Domestic Violence)
Learn how to protect yourself and your family from domestic violence.
Learn solutions for you and your children. Tuesdays at 11:30 am on Zoom Contact Stephanie Neumann at sneumann@childrenshomeandaid.org
FROM GENERATION TO LEGACY GRANDPARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
For grandparents raising their grandchildren.
The group focuses on financial, school, and
parenting grandchildren. Run by the
Bloomington Housing Authority. Every other Thursday at 11:30 on Zoom Contact Lakeesha James at lakeeshaj@bloomingtonha.com
PREGNANCY & BEYOND (ParentingNewborns)
For all expectant Moms. (partners welcome)
Socialize with other Moms.
Learn to advocate for you and your baby. Begins again in May Contact Stephanie Neumann at sneumann@childrenshomeandaid.org
ROCK (Raising Our Children’s Kids)
For grandparents or other relatives raising the
children of relatives 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 5:30 pm on Zoom Contact Angie Raymer at Angie.raymer@ccsicares.com
SOS (Strike out Stress)
For parents to discuss parenting-related stress and
learn how to manage the everyday pressures of
parenthood.
Conducted in Spanish.
Activities for Children and Parents Thursdays 5:00 pm on Zoom Contact Silvia Aguilar at saguilar@childrenshomeandaid.org
DADS UPLIFTING DADS (Fathers Only)
For dads to meet with other dads and learn from
each other. Special speakers for dad-specific topics. Tuesdays at 5:30 pm on Zoom Contact Jay Skibbens at jskibbens@childrenshomeandaid.org
P.A.L (Play and Learn)
For families with children who have developmental
needs. Children and Parent groups meet separately. 1st & 3rd Mondays & 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 6:00 pm on Zoom Contact Mary Lehman at marylehman@marcfirst.org
No conferences & workshops submissions for this week's POG.
Grant & Scholarship Opportunities
Pratt Music Foundation Scholarships: Do you know a young person who could benefit from private music lessons but who is restricted by finances?
The Pratt Music Foundation’s mission is to provide talented youth an opportunity to enhance their musical ability through private lessons. Music lessons are expensive and simply not an option for some children and families: this is where the Pratt Music Foundation comes in. The Foundation grants full music lesson scholarships through the Illinois Wesleyan University Music Preparatory Program.
Instruction is available in piano or strings (violin, viola, cello).
Our scholarships are awarded to area children in grades 2 through 12, and are based on financial need, motivation, and talent.
Applications are due by May 1.
Each scholarship covers one school year of instruction, starting in the fall (2021-2022) and includes summer lessons (2022).
Free music books are supplied by the Music Shoppe in Normal.
Red Cross Blood Driver
Like to cruise around town? Save lives while doing so. Hit the road as a volunteer driver!!
The Red Cross of Central Illinois is looking for individuals interested in transporting blood and blood product throughout our region. You’ll be able to make your own hours, have the use of a Red Cross vehicle and all training needed for this position is provided.
Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador
Do you like to help people and save lives?
If so, the Donor Ambassador role is for you! As a Donor Ambassador, you help to provide excellent customer service at local blood drives to enhance the donor experience.
Greet donors, explain the donation process as necessary and assist with initial intake and hand offs through the blood donation process.
Manage donor flow at temp taking station to ensure only donors passing temp screen are permitted access.
Explain purpose of temperature screen to donors and ensure they understand reason for deferral if applicable.
Direct donor to next step of donation or options for future donations if deferred.
Model excellent customer service behaviors.
Ensure blood donors have relevant information and that questions are answered appropriately while creating a favorable impression of the blood donation process.
Learn and share the Red Cross story, including the mission, vision, and values.
Provide customer service to donors in the Hospitality Area by ensuring that each donor is recognized for his/her contribution. Report possible adverse post-donation physical reactions to the collections staff.
Set up and maintain cleanliness in Reception and Hospitality Areas, and Donor Areas/Beds as requested
Work with collections team supervisor or charge staff to match donor’s blood type with the best product for maximum impact.
Responsible to inform donors of current and upcoming donation promotions.
May make reminder/cancellation calls, re-schedule donor appointments, and perform follow up activities as directed.
To sign up please visit www.redcross.org/volunteer or contact
Sasha Welch-Moore @ (309)322-0566 or Sasha.Welch-Moore@redcross.org.
Integrity Counseling
Front Desk Volunteers Needed at INtegRIty Counseling - Looking to become a volunteer? INtegRIty Counseling is in need of Front Desk Volunteers, including Spanish speaking volunteers, to help coordinate scheduling and answering phones. If interested or would like more information, please email info@integrityhelps.org.
Employment Opportunities
The City of Bloomington is Hiring!
Patron Services Manager - $49,060.00 - $61,320.00 annually
Deadline to apply: 04/29/2021
Applicants interested can click here to APPLY NOW! Illinois Extension is currently seeking candidates for the following position:
Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Science (SNAP-Ed) - to provide educational leadership for program delivery in Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties. Master’s degree in public health, community health, nutrition, dietetics or field related to subject matter emphasis is required. This position is responsible for organizing and conducting programs using policy, system, and environmental changes targeted for limited resource families and communities with the goal of obesity prevention. Position requires developing partnerships with community organizations, providing technical assistance and working collaboratively with community partners, and providing professional development for organizations in communities within the target area. Knowledge of how to initiate community and systems changes using evidence based strategies for obesity prevention are essential for this position. View complete job description and apply, visit https://go.illinois.edu/144084. Closing date is April 27, 2021.
Contact Erin Estes with any questions at 309-663-8306 or by email at edestes@illinois.edu. University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
High Road School of Bloomington
Overview
The paraprofessional works within the context of the classroom teacher’s lesson plans and daily structure, guiding and supporting the student(s)’ participation in classroom activities as needed.
Responsibilities
Facilitates the implementation of academic instructional programs, class work and assessments for students.
Interacts daily with students and staff to conduct attendance and program tracking and reports.
Maintains positive classroom environment and monitors student behavior to keep them on task.
Monitors students usage of the computer.
Maintains program instructional materials and computer lab components for student usage.
Maintains confidentiality of co-workers, children, and families.
Qualifications EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High school diploma and knowledge of computer software required. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. 2 years or 30 hrs of college experience preferred.
Candidates can apply with resume to Lindsey Singla Please use the following link to apply. https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Catapult&l=Bloomington%2C%20IL&radius=50&from=sug&vjk=492e265892221561 EEO Statement At Catapult Learning, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Catapult believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success 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!
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
PATH-O-GRAM Submission Format:
Please follow these guidelines when sending your submission:
Format of Submission:
Arial 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
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.
Please submit all POG listings the Wednesday before the upcoming POG broadcast date by 4:30 pm.
Send submission to vpavlik@pathcrisis.org
Example submission: Path Crisis Center
For information about health and human services in McLean County please call our 24/7 hotline by dialing 211, or view our online database at www.Findhelp211.org
I would like this to be placed in the Announcements section.
I would like it to remain in the PATH-O-GRAM until 6/1/2021
