Social Services

McLean County is getting more legal marijuana tax money than just the amounts going to Bloomington and Normal. The YWCA of McLean County will receive more than $282,000 for its Labyrinth Outreach Services that helps women coming out of prison reintegrate into the community.

Inflation is hitting people with low incomes in Bloomington-Normal, and the social service agencies that support them.

More than two thirds of adult Illinoisans gambled last year (68%), and almost 4% have a gambling problem, according to a study done for the state Department of Human Services. DHS said the study showed 3.8% of residents of the states have a gambling problem. That's 383,000 people. An additional 7.7%, approximately 761,000 people, are at risk for developing a gambling problem .

$500,000 in pandemic relief money from the Town of Normal will help a not-for-profit agency that offers service to those with disabilities get a new facility and expand programs.

A lack of institutional support, statutorily imposed legal barriers, stigmas, low wages — they all mean prison sentences can effectively be for life, especially for residents of black and brown communities.

A Bloomington City Council member is calling for the formation of a special commission to address gun violence in the community.

The Salvation Army in Bloomington-Normal said Wednesday it fell short of its holiday fundraising campaign goal.

The incoming public guardian for McLean County said the demand on his office has grown significantly in recent years. Current guardian Dan Deneen passes off to Robert Porter next month. Deneen had done the work for 18 years. Porter said the guardian is critical for those who live at the margins.

In less than a month the temperatures will begin consistently falling below freezing overnight. The Salvation Army in Bloomington will open its warming center when that happens so people without homes are not at risk.

Central Illinois health providers will receive a $5 million chunk of $18 million in new state money to transform health care for people on Medicaid and other underserved populations. It's part of the so-called Illinois Healthcare Transformation collaborative.