FREE Youth/Family Behavioral Health Resource Fair. McLean County is encouraging area families to connect with more than a dozen Bloomington-Normal behavioral health providers at its Youth/Family Resource Fair from 4 to 6 p.m. this Wednesday (11-6) at Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington.
Stations will discuss resources for topics, including behavioral health, physical health, education, and at-home care.
Requests for registration appointments for the 2024 Christmas Food Box have begun at the Salvation Army. Clients looking for assistance should call (309) 829-9476 ext 299 and leave a message with name and contact telephone number. The scheduler will return the call as soon as possible to schedule the in-person registration in November.
Domestic violence is often called the silent epidemic. RAS staff wore purple to bring attention to National Domestic Violence Awareness Day. If you or someone you know is in an unsafe relationship, please contact 1-800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.
Are you or someone you know facing an eviction? There is help! The Illinois Housing Development Authority has restarted its rental assistance program for tenants facing an eviction due to nonpayment. You can contact the state housing authority's call center at
866-454-3571 to connect with an agent.
As we wrap up our Fall Student-Led Conferences, we would like to thank First Christian Church for providing dinner and breakfast. We enjoyed a taco bar and a nice breakfast spread! Our partnership with FCC is strong and we look forward to continuing to expand our reciprocal support for one another.
🗣️Attention RAS Students and Families! 🗣️
Please check your emails for important information regarding Skyward Family Access + Parent Academy videos.
Thank you!
Reminder! There is no school for students tomorrow, Friday 9/27. Stay safe and enjoy the long weekend!
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. A month that serves as a powerful and very personal reminder that there are steps we all must take in looking out for loved ones, the people in our community, and those who have been impacted by this leading cause of death.
RAS students were encouraged to create a “Wall of Hope” to identify positive aspects in their lives that highlight what gives them hope. RAS staff wore purple/teal in support of suicide prevention awareness.
Together, we can make a difference and prioritize suicide prevention, ensuring everyone gets the help they need. #StartTheConversation
Believe it or not, the weather will soon be changing. The Salvation Army of McLean County will begin taking calls for the 2024 Winter Programs on October 1st.
New winter coats are available to McLean County residents 18 and older or under 5 years old who did not receive a coat in 2023. Requests for coats for school-age children should be directed to the school the child attends. Interested clients should call (309) 829-9476 ext 289 to leave a message including name and contact telephone number. A staff member will return the call to conduct the intake interview and schedule the pick up.
“Out of the Darkness” Community Walk
Date: 10/05/2024
On-Site Registration Starts: 10:00 am
Program Starts: 11:00 am
Location: Tipton Park North Shelter, Bloomington, IL
Contact: Leslie Adams
Contact Phone: 309-660-5473
Contact Email: lovelyles13@hotmail.com
Pre-registration is preferred but not required, and there is no fee to register. Join others in your community to spread hope, bring awareness, and honor loved ones gone too soon.
RAS had the privilege of hosting over 50 Unit5 Future Educators program from NCW and NCHS. Future Educators were given a facility tour, reviewed programming options for students, and engaged in Q and A sessions with staff. The future is bright for these caring and capable Future Educators!
FREE BUS RIDES with your library card for the month of September. In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up month, Connect Transit is partnering with the Bloomington/Normal Public Libraries to offer free bus rides to library cardholders throughout September.
Any rider who shows their valid Bloomington/Normal library card when boarding a Connect Transit bus can enjoy free transportation on any fixed route or mobility vehicle.
If you don't have a library card, now is the perfect time to sign up!
✨GOOD VIBES ONLY✨ We're ready for the 2024-25 school year!
Does your child need a school physical? Chestnut Family Health Center at 702 W. Chestnut Street, Bloomington, IL an help you! Walk-ins are available at the times listed below, or you can call 888.924.3786 to make an appointment. You must bring a parent/guardian I.D., the child's immunization records, and insurance card(s). Medicaid and private insurance companies are accepted, and uninsured patients are welcome!
Monday, August 19: 8 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, August 20: 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21: 1 - 4 p.m.
Thursday, August 22: 8 -11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m.
Friday, August 23: 8 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m.
RAS Staff returned today for the 2024-25 school year and lived up to our theme: Good vibes only...positive energy + positive people = positive results. We had the opportunity to be outdoors and in nature at Moraine View, while getting to know our new staff and working together as teams. It was a fantastic way to kick off the new school year and it was hard to be anything but POSITIVE with fresh air and hands-on fun!
Please read the flyer for information regarding Chestnut's Wellness Fair on Wednesday, August 7th from 1-5pm @ 702 W Chestnut in Bloomington.
Illinois High School Association is partnering with Planet Fitness to offer FREE access to any of the state's Planet Fitness locations for students ages 14 to 19. The program will run June 1 through August 31, 2024. Registration can be done in person at any Planet Fitness club or at www.planetfitness.com/summerpass. Planet Fitness in Bloomington is located at Eastland Mall.
FREE lunch to anyone age 18 years old and under. Each weekday from June 3 - August 9, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library.
RAS has a strong appreciation for the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (IPCF) and their Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) group. In recent years, IPCF and YEP have helped fund a number of projects for our Bloomington campus. From the mural in our parking lot (done in partnership with the one and only Joel Bergner), to first aid training and an AED machine, to vocational and art opportunities for our students, the contributions are far-reaching and recognized by RAS staff, students, and families on a daily basis.
Through YEP grant funds received last year for FCS opportunities, we were able to purchase $2,000 worth of equipment and supplies to help students become more sustainable and creative. We are excited to kick off some fun sewing and Cricut projects during the coming school years!
Do you know what are the best kinds of dessert? Besides "All of them!", SURPRISE desserts are a huge win! We have been the beneficiary of a multiple year partnership with a small group from Eastview that is very intentional in encouraging our staff with support and tasty treats.
Today, they surprised us with ice cream 🍨, brownies 🍫, chocolate chip cookies 🍪, and small tokens of appreciation in the form of a card and gift card to Orange Leaf! Thank you for your continued partnership and support of RAS!
