Pantagraph Article

Posted on 6th September 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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IWU to host forum on immigration reform

By Michele Steinbacher | msteinbacher@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — Illinois Wesleyan University will host a forum on immigration reform Thursday as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

A range of events — from academic explorations to community celebrations — are planned in the Twin Cities for the month, which officially runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Some of those are a Mexican celebration at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, salsa dancing lessons and a Puerto Rican dinner at IWU and a festival celebrating Latino culture at Illinois State University.

Full Article

WJBC en Español

Posted on 6th September 2010 by Alex Cardona in Interviews, News

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Beneficios de hacer sus impuestos. Conozca a Lety y su negocio. 9/5/2010

Conozca sobre todos los servicios que ofrece la Agencia Hispana, notario, casos civiles, inmigración y sobre todo, impuestos. Lety McCloud nos cuenta su historia y cómo comienza su propia compañía de limpieza. Para Mas

Job Opening – YWCA

Posted on 31st August 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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Creative, Energetic and Motivated Leader Wanted!!!

Interested in joining a team focused on providing McLean County with a quality volunteer program for older adults? YWCA RSVP is looking for an organized individual who enjoys working with volunteers and community organizations to provide quality, mission-based service. For more information click here: RSVP Program Specialist

Pantagraph Article

Posted on 25th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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Student resource group helps kick off new school

BLOOMINGTON — Opening a new school, said Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton, is “like opening a birthday gift.”

“Somebody put a lot of thought into the gift they gave you,” Stockton told the 500 students at Cedar Ridge Elementary, one of two new Unit 5 elementary schools to open this fall.

They also were applauded — for 12 minutes! — by more than 100 community members invited by the Cedar Ridge Promise Council, which helps with academic supplies, mentors and volunteers…The Promise Council helps schools get resources to children, said chairman George Galindo, a member of Unit 5’s diversity committee and a State Farm Insurance Cos. Hispanic resource group. The council works with the school parent-teacher group, the Rocket Boosters, on barriers caused by language, poverty and other obstacles.

About 70 percent of Cedar Ridge students come from low-income families and about 30 percent are Hispanic. Most previously attended Brigham Elementary School, which now houses the district’s early childhood education program…

Full Article

Mexican Consulate

Posted on 24th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in Events, News

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The Mexican Consulate will be at the Friendship House (800 NE Madison Peoria, IL 61603) in Peoria on August 31 and September 1, 2 and 3.

Western Ave Community Center

Posted on 18th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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Western Avenue Community Center - Meijer Food Store is holding a “Simply Give Food Pantry Campaign for 2010”.  This campaign runs from August 1st through September 25th.  They are selling $10.00 “Simply Give” donation cards in their store.  You simply purchase a donation card for $10.00.  Purchased donation cards then turn into $10.00 Meijer Gift Cards which will benefit Western Avenue Community Centers’ Food Pantry.  100 percent of your donation will benefit the needy and at-risk families in our community.  Meijer will also match your donation!

Essay Contest

Posted on 18th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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Hispanic Heritage Organization Hosts 20th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest 

The Hispanic Heritage Organization is hosting its annual Hispanic Heritage 2010 Essay Contest.  The Hispanic Heritage Organization, founded in 1994 to enhance education and cultural awareness for Hispanics and non-Hispanics each year celebrates Hispanic Heritage month (September 15th through October 15th) by hosting a variety of events.

This year’s essay topic is “The importance of education for Latino children and adults.”  Essays may be written in English or Spanish.  The contest is open to all students in the State of Illinois from grades 4 through 12 as well as college and adult education students.  17 winners will be selected.  Entries must be submitted with an entry form on or before Tuesday, August 31, 2010.  Winners will be announced on Friday, September 17, 2010, during the Opening Ceremony.  For more information or an entry form, please call At Your Service Personnel Consulting, Inc. at (312) 819-1502.

 This year’s sponsors are:  Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago History Museum, College of DuPage, Dominick’s, Extra, The Field Museum, Prudential, Shedd Aquarium and Target.

 The essay contest is open to all students in Illinois.  The Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010 and we are expecting more than 1,200.  This is an excellent opportunity for those students seeking additional school funds to continue their education.

 TOPIC:  “THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION FOR LATINO CHILDREN AND ADULTS.”

Requirements:

Write an essay

  • 200-300 Words (Grades 4-5)
  • 300-400 Words  (Grades 6, 7, 8 )
  • 500-600 Words (Grades 9-10)
  • 600-700 Words (Grades 11-12)
  1. Essays may be written English or in Spanish,
  2. Essays will be judged on:
    1. Originality and creativity
    2. Cultural knowledge and research
    3. Organizational structure and clarit
    4. Spelling and grammar
  3. All essays must be accompanied by an “Entry Identification Form”.
  4. All Illinois students in grades 4-12 are eligible to enter the essay.
  5. 12 winners will be selected by a panel of bilingual judges.
  6. All essays become the property of the HISPANIC HERITAGE ORGANIZATION.
  7. Essay winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 17, 2010 at the Opening Ceremony of Hispanic Heritage Month.
  8. Typed essays must be in a legible 12-point font, no bold letters, and on blank white paper.  Essays may be written in cursive or printed, but they must be legible.

Entries must be submitted on or before Tuesday, August 31, 2010 to: 

            HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ESSAY CONTEST

           P.O. Box 81230

            Chicago, Illinois 60681

            Attention:  MANUEL J. MEDINA, ESSAY CHAIR

Job Opening

Posted on 17th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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Recycling Furniture for Families, a local Christian ministry (Bloomington-Normal, IL) assisting families in need obtain furniture and household necessities, has an immediate opening for a full-time Operations Manager.

This position consists of a combination of office and warehouse work. As a Christian ministry they seek individuals who, as an expression of their Christian faith, are capable of working with clients, staff, board members, volunteers and donors in a compassionate and encouraging way and who have a positive and professional attitude.

They seek individuals who possess the following qualifications:
1. A minimum of a high school diploma, however some college or college degree is preferred.
2. Experience in organization and supervision is preferred.
3. Experience with computer data entry and Microsoft Office programs.
4. Experience with basic bookkeeping and the use of Quickbooks preferred.
5. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds
6. Valid Illinois driver’s license with good driving record.
7. A faith in Jesus Christ that is reflective of the values of Recycling Furniture for Families.

Interested candidates may reply to this posting via email director@recyclingfurnitureforfamilies.org or regular mail to the address below. No phone calls please. All replies should include a letter of interest and resume.

Keith A. Skinner, Director of Operations
Recycling Furniture for Families
515 North Center Street
Bloomington, IL 61701

Pantagraph Article

Posted on 13th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in Interviews, News

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Hundreds attend Back to School Party at ISU

By Michele Steinbacher (msteinbacher@pantagraph.com)

NORMAL — Hundreds of children and their parents braved the heat Thursday, standing in line and waiting for the doors to open at the annual Back to School Party at Illinois State University.

Once inside, it still was warm, but nearly 150 Back To School Alliance volunteers helped give the school-supply giveaway event a party atmosphere. Children who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs received new backpacks filled with supplies.

Full Article

Citizenship Dream Fund

Posted on 13th August 2010 by Alex Cardona in News

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For only a limited time, you may be eligible for 80% of the Naturalization (or Citizenship Application) fees paid for by the Citizenship Dream Fund, which means instead of $675 you will only pay $145.

If you or a friend will be eligible to apply for citizenship by September 30, 2010, and if you have a minor child living in the home, or are between 18 and 21 and live at home, AND your income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may be eligible for a 30-day program that will allow you to apply for Naturalization at a greatly reduced amount.  The Dream Fund provides for 80% of the  to USCIS if you are eligible.  (So, instead of having to pay a $675.00 filing fee, you pay a $145.00 filing fee.)  In order to determine whether you are eligible for this spectacular discount, you need to call the Immigration Project for an appointment and have ready the following documents:

  1. Proof of Household income for the last 30 days, including unemployment benefits and including the income for each person in the household.
  2. Proof of who lives in the household, particularly including minor children.
  3. A copy of your TANF card or EBT/Foodstamps card.
  4. A copy of your 2009 Federal Income Tax Report.
  5. Money order for $145 payable to “The Immigration Project”.

This offer has not yet been announced but when it is it will only be available for about 30 days.  Please call them as soon as possible to ask for a consultation in one of the regional clinics nearest to you. If you have any questions, please call (309) 829-8703, ext. 104 or email jbillington@immigrationproject.org.

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