Lifelong Access

Several service providers in Bloomington-Normal say proposed Medicaid cuts threaten health care locally. The U.S. House recently passed a measure that would slice $880 billion over the next decade.

The event featured many volunteers and more than a dozen community organizations offering information and resources for people with autism.

A $21.7 million state grant is helping area organizations fulfill a promise to get wraparound services for youth in McLean County.

Nonprofit partners, including Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education, will work with Lifelong Access to provide wrap-around support for youth and teens.

A brief statement from the nonprofit's board of directors did not indicate why former CEO Brian Wipperman was replaced earlier this week.

Chestnut Health Systems in Bloomington, Lifelong Access in Normal and the Regional Office of Education [ROE] plan to open a space in downtown Bloomington by 2026 that will offer services like dental hygiene, food support and counseling — all primarily for youth.

The Normal-based Marcfirst is now Lifelong Access. It's a deliberate rebrand for the nonprofit that has served families, children and people with disabilities since its Bloomington-Normal founding in 1955.