The Career Readiness program has been putting geometry knowledge into practical use this week. Students have designed and constructed a new bench for the RAS Community Garden plot!
A HUGE thank you to the US Navy for an amazing visit to Regional Alternative School in Bloomington! Students enjoyed learning about the opportunities and benefits the Navy has to offer available after graduation.
We had a great day hosting the Bloomington Normal Barber College at RAS! Cassius and his students spoke with our students about the process of becoming a licensed barber. Cassius advised RAS students to follow their passion so their chosen career path does not feel like work and they get to do something they truly enjoy every day. We appreciate you all taking the time to come in and speak with our students AND for providing free cuts! 💈💇🏾♂️💇🏻♂️💇🏼♂️💈
We had a great day hosting the Bloomington Normal Barber College at RAS! Cassius and his students spoke with our students about the process of becoming a licensed barber. Cassius advised RAS students to follow their passion so their chosen career path does not feel like work and they get to do something they truly enjoy every day. We appreciate you all taking the time to come in and speak with our students AND for providing free cuts! 💈💇🏾♂️💇🏻♂️💇🏼♂️💈
Exciting news – MCCA now has two new HUD-Certified Housing Counselors!
They're here to help McLean and Livingston County residents with everything housing – from budgeting and homeownership to preventing foreclosures and navigating rentals.
Did you know that we're the ONLY agency in McLean and Livingston Counties with these certified pros, making MCCA your go-to for top-notch housing advice and support. Ready to make your housing journey smoother? Learn more on our Homeownership Services page. See our Workshops page for more information and upcoming dates or call 309-834-9242.
Due to inclement weather, RAS Bloomington Campus will facilitate Remote Learning with students on Monday, January 22nd. Please check your email and Google Classroom for LIVE check in times with staff.
8-Week Support Groups
February 8, One Hope Project will begin their 8-week adult support groups. Topics include but are not limited to positive self talk, intuitive eating, coping skills, body acceptance, navigating relapse & other challenges. Our teen support groups are to be determined depending on sign ups.
Dates: February 8 - March 28
Location: 2422 E. Washington St. Suite 204 Bloomington, IL 61704
Contact: Sierra, counselor@onehopeproject.org
Due to inclement weather, RAS Bloomington Campus will facilitate Remote Learning with students on Tuesday, January 16th. Please check your email and Google Classroom for LIVE check in times with staff.
Birthright of Bloomington has a monthly Distribution Day for the general public on the first Saturday of each month. Diapers, wipes and baby clothes (0-24 months) are distributed from 10 a.m. to noon.
2024 distribution days: 1/6, 2/3, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4, 6/1, 7/6, 8/3, 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7.
505 N. Center Street, Ste. 1, Bloomington, IL
🎓🥳⭐️ RAS provided services to 1️⃣1️⃣ December graduates this semester! Some graduates were with us for a few months, some for a few semesters, some for a few years, and one was with us since their middle school days! We are proud and hopeful for these students to go on and find success, however that looks for them! Congratulations!
Eastern Illinois Foodbank Announces “Foodmobile” Food Giveaway in Normal & McLean County
Contact: Sophie Becker, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, 217-328-3663
Normal, IL – Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) is distributing food to area families facing food insecurity. The distribution will be held at Normal Community West High School (501 N. Parkside Rd) in Normal, Illinois on 12/16/2023 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM and is open to residents of McLean County. Those attending are asked to bring boxes or bags to transport food.
When: 12/16/2023 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Where: Normal Community West High School, 501 N. Parkside Rd, Normal, IL
RAS students had the opportunity to help a community neighbor this week. Thursday was a perfect afternoon to help St. Mary's with landscaping and learn valuable skills. Two of our students had the opportunity to help back in the spring and were thrilled to go back and help this week!
Parents Care & Share offers free parent support groups to anyone in a parenting role. Groups bring parents together to learn, listen, understand, and encourage one another as they navigate the challenges of parenting. Groups are also a great place for parents to hear about other resources and services available in the community.
The Butterfly Project: For Caregivers parenting children who have been exposed to Domestic Violence (agarcia@brightpoint.org).
Kids Turn Parents & Divorce: An ongoing class for families going through divorce or separation.
Contact Bethany McCormick (bmccormick@childrenshomeandaid.org)
Hyped Up: Helping Parents handle stress and daily pressures in a welcoming environment.
Contact Bethany McCormick (bmccormick@childrenshomeandaid.org)
S.O.S. (Strike Out Stress): For parents to discuss parent-related stress and learn how to manage the everyday pressures of parenthood. Conducted in Spanish.
Contact Silvia Aguilar Huerta (saguilar@childrenshomeandaid.org)
Pregnancy and Beyond: A prenatal group for pregnant and new mothers.
Contact Jasmine Martin (jmartin@childrenshomeandaid.org)
R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Children's Kids): For grandparents and other relatives raising the kids or relatives.
Contact Dorothy Davis (ddavis@childrenshomeandaid.org)
Dads Uplifting Dads: A group to give Dads a safe place to meet and learn from other Dads.
Contact David Lewis (dlewis@childrenshomeandaid.org)
Black Moms Together: A group where moms can build connections and work through the layers of motherhood together.
Contact Kiowna Brown (ctcdeepimpact@gmail.com)
Questions? Please email Dorothy Davis at ddavis@childrenshomeandaid.org.
Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal is hosting our annual Holiday Shopping Spree for Club families and a limited number of community families, on Saturday, December 16th .
Families walk through our shopping area, where new donated items are available (toys, winter wear, etc).
To be considered, please leave your name, and contact information via Leslie Adams, Family & Volunteer Coordinator, at 309-829-3034 ext. 112 or ladams@bgcbn.org.
Follow up information will be communicated to each participant as it is available.
Home Sweet Home Ministries, Midwest Food Bank, and Thrivent will be distributing meal boxes complete with turkeys!!
Meal box distribution day:
Saturday, November 18th
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Midwest Food Bank
2031 Warehouse Drive, Normal, IL
We will be using a drive-thru style system. Individuals picking up are asked to bring a photo I.D. to receive a turkey and meal box. The boxes will be available to the first 2,000 families.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding pick up, please contact Leslie Bunge at 309-319-2820 or lbunge@hshministires.org.
November is National Runaway Prevention Month. Project Oz is the only local runaway and homeless youth provider in McLean & Livingston Counties. If you are in need of services or know someone who is at risk, please contact Project Oz at 309-827-0377.
Our amazing artists at RAS have been developing line control in this silhouette project. Students created silhouettes of one another, then used pattern to create movement throughout the image. Here are just a few of the works the RAS artists have developed.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. If you or someone you know is in an abuse relationship, please seek help. Local resources are available to assist you. Please call the free & confidential 24/hour domestic violence hotline at 309-827-7070 or call PATH at 211 or TXT211.
Salvation Army Winter Coat Program 2023
The 2023 Salvation Army New Winter Coat program is now available to adults (over 18) and children under the age of 5. Individuals who did not receive a coat in 2022 are eligible for a new coat in 2023. Individuals wishing to request a new coat should call (309)829-9476, extension 289 and leave a message with their name and telephone number clearly stated. A member of our team will return the call within seven business days to complete an over-the-phone intake and schedule the November distribution.
RAS Bloomington Campus was lucky enough to host the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) on Tuesday, October 10th. Our middle school and high school students had the opportunity to participate in the Civil Rights Workshop offered by the MMOT, which explored "civil rights in a historic and contemporary context". Thank you, ROE 17, for this excellent learning experience!
