Brightpoint

The Head Start program is a federally funded U.S. program that provides free early childhood education, health, nutrition and family support services to low-income children and their families. After more than six decades, it is again under threat as proposed changes focus on shifting the program to individual states.

Two childcare providers described an industry where good intentions run into real financial and bureaucratic walls. At least for now, some left standing in McLean County seem more interested in propping each other up than fighting over what's left.

The "Taking Steps to End Child Abuse Color Run" is in its 16th year this April. It is held in the memory of Duncan and Jack Leichtenberg of LeRoy, the 2009 victims of childhood domestic violence.

An advisory committee that helps direct funding for mental health and public safety programs in McLean County is signaling support for two court programs that lost federal funding. But how they will be funded in the long term remains unclear.

Brightpoint's Bloomington Crisis Nursery is working to fill its pantry through the annual Stuff the Bus event, which runs through Saturday. The event focuses on collecting food donations and supplies for children up to 6 years old.

The Bloomington nonprofit Brightpoint is launching a weekly support group for Hispanic mothers.

Brightpoint's free doula program has seen a sharp uptick in demand from Hispanic women. They're raising funds for interpretation services and Spanish-language education materials by hosting a pickleball fundraiser Friday in Bloomington.

Fathers and father figures enjoyed a fun day of fishing at Miller Park, hosted by a McLean County coalition aimed at strengthening dads' relationships with their kids.

The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal have launched a website that wants to make it easier to help the unhoused in the Twin Cities. The campaign has two goals in mind.

Brightpoint is working to broaden the population it serves by providing tools that make the agency's services more accessible to non-English speaking families.