Current and Upcoming Events

The Tax Counseling Project and its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) workers offer FREE tax preparation service for: a) families with incomes of $55,000 or less and individuals with incomes of $30,000 or less; b) non-English speaking residents; c) those who have special needs; and d) older taxpayers. Beginning Jan 24, these B-N sites will offer VITA assistance:
    Bloomington Housing Authority, 104 E. Wood, Blm. Mon through Thurs, 5:30-8:00 pm and Sat, 9:30 am-12 pm. Closed Tues & Thurs after Feb 28.
    Mid Central Community Action, 1301 W. Washington, Blm. Mondays, 9 am-2 pm.
    Normal Senior Center, 1 Normal Plaza. Fridays, 9:30 am-2:30 pm*.  *Appointments served first; walk-ins welcome, Call 888-9099 to schedule.
    Heartland Community College, 1500 W. Raab Rd, Workforce Development Bldg, Room 3003. Thursdays, 5:00-7:30 pm.

Taxpayers should inquire about Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit which are tax benefits for people who work.

What to bring: 1) All W-2 and 1099 forms; 2) Social Security Card or ITIN Number for all household members; 3) a copy of their 2008 tax return; 4) Photo ID.

LOVE AND LOGIC FOR PARENTS - Raise children who are self-confident, motivated, and ready for the real world with this win-win approach to parenting. Your children will learn to solve their own problems while gaining the confidence they need to meet life’s challenges. You will establish healthy control without resorting to anger, threats, nagging or power struggles. Puts the fun back into parenting! This parenting method is highly effective with children with challenging temperaments and behaviors as well the average child. Love and Logic will be presented by Kathy Case, MSW, LCSW, on Sat, Jan 31, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (lunch on your own), at Baby Fold’s Centennial Training Center, 612 Oglesby, Normal. Pre-register by Jan 26. Call Gerry Power at the Baby Fold, 557-1068.

ISU AUTISM CLINIC IS MOVING and is also starting a new early childhood program called “Sprouts.” The new ISU Autism Clinic is scheduled to open Jan 20, 2009, at their new location -- 706 Oglesby Avenue, Normal (old Soldiers & Sailors Home). The clinic will be offering many things, but are in need of donations, as well. If you have toys, software, books, children’s furniture, assistive devices, etc. that are in good condition, they would love to have them. The clinic will be opening the doors for a tour and donation drop off on Sat, Jan 10, from 8 am to 2 pm, and on Wed, Jan 14, from 4 to 7 pm. “Sprouts” is a program designed to provide intensive individual and group services to young children with ASD with a focus on increasing communication, independent functioning (especially in group settings), and social skills. The goal is to provide additional support to children and families and more thoroughly prepare young children for a successful transition into elementary school. Sprouts is a supplement to early childhood education programs -- not a replacement. Sprouts will be available M-F, 8:30 to 11:30 am, beginning Jan 20 and ending May 10. Any child between the ages of 3-6, currently enrolled in ECE, who has a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, is eligible for Sprouts. There is no cost to families (program is funded through The Autism Program of Illinois). For more information, and questions about enrollment, call 438-05629 and ask to speak to Kate Gioia about Sprouts.

B.A.S.I.C. OUTREACH AND ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES have come together to provide restaurant quality groceries at a substantially reduced price to everyone interested in participating. There are NO income requirements, qualifications, or applications. Each “unit” provides one meal per day for a family of four for one week or an individual for one month. In addition, monthly “specials” are offered as an added bonus. Groceries are sold as a unit and there is no limit on the number of units a person can purchase. Payment is required at the time of purchase. To see the monthly menus (also available in Spanish), and information on ordering options, go to www.BasicOutreach.com.

PROJECT OZ, in collaboration with the Bloomington Fire Department, will join more than 144 youth service agencies in across the nation offering a Safe Place Program to their community. Safe Place provides young people access to immediate help and safety if they find themselves in a crisis. Young people in our community can now access a Project Oz Crisis Worker 24/7 by walking into any Bloomington Fire Station and asking for Safe Place help. Project Oz will respond to youth at all Safe Place locations with crisis counseling, and shelter services when necessary. For more information, or to schedule a presentation on Safe Place at your agency, please contact Lisa Thompson or Jeff Ehrmantraut at 309-827-0377.
    Safe Place sites are located at: The Project Oz office, 1105 West Front Street
    Bloomington Fire Department stations at:
        Headquarters Station, 310 N Lee Street
        No. 2 Station House, 1911 E. Hamilton Road
        No. 3 Station House, 2301 E Empire Street
        No. 4 Station House, 1705 S. Morris Avenue
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