NEWS YOU CAN USE... East Central Illinois Community Action Agency’s— Staff Bi-Monthly Journal

ISSUE 10 - January /February 2018

Year!Year!Year! NewNewNew

HappyHappyHappy

Message from the Chief Executive Officer Community Action Team:

Happy New Year! I hope this edition of News You Can Use (NYCU) finds you well rested and ener-gized from the holiday season. I cannot believe it is already time for the Agency’s Annual Din-ner. I hope each and every one of you will attend the dinner and join me in celebrating the Agency’s fifty-three years of service to the citizens of Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion County. Your work each and every day truly impacts lives. In many instances your work has changed a family’s socioeconomic trajectory for generations to come. You have collectively broken many families’ cycles of genera-tional poverty, while helping other families recover from tragic and unexpected situational pov-erty. Your work matters!

Please read about the Agency’s Financial Fitness and First Time Homeownership course. I re-member participating in a course like this during the early 1990s. The information I learned was in-formative and empowering. Please share this opportunity with customers and any one else in the community who wants buy a house, raise their credit score, and or just live a more comfortable life.

January also means its VITA time! Calling all VITA volunteers! Please consider becoming a VITA volunteer. This issue of NYCU also includes all the details on how to become a VITA volunteer or schedule a tax preparation appointment. I need your help in making sure individuals and families throughout our service area do not miss out on this high quality, cost saving op-portunity. Income tax return checks are deposited directly into your bank account. Make sure everyone you know avoids predatory tax preparation practices that are administered by self-serving organizations; such as originating loans out against your anticipated income tax check which may include hidden fees, and interest charged against your own money. Thank you for your continued service and dedication to “helping people, changing lives.”

Best Regards,

Angéle Angéle Thibodeaux Burns, Ph.D., CCAP

Chief Executive Officer

CAA Team Celebrations and

SUPER Shout Outs! November

Kathy Schnebly 11/03

Cynthia Cloutier 11/10

Chad Ramsey 11/14

Janet Hamilton 11/16

Betty Holmes 11/18

Nicole Kovell 11/22

Teena Alpers 11/28

Jessica Morse 11/29

December

Jakalya Daniels 12/03

Cicely Dowell 12/04

Sharon Parker 12/04

Whitney Cramer 12/08

Lolita Collier 12/11

Glennie Watson 12/13

Edna Bryant 12/17

Monique Aris 12/22

Quianna Brown 12/23

Cheyenne Eisenberg 12/27

January

Marla Dye 01/02

Bessie Nelson 01/03

Danyell Finkley 01/10

Kea Cunningham 01/12

Michael Young 01/15

Sheila Burton 01/18

Wenrong Zhang 01/20

Consuelo Shelato 01/22

Gloria Westhoff 01/25

February

Lucie Mills 02/04

Monica Beasley 02/07

Irene Brooks 02/11

Chelsea Thomas 02/12

Krystal Banks 02/15

Beth English Amos 02/15

Erin Ragsdale 02/25

Gabriel Ramirez 02/28

Your date of

birth is a symbol

of your exist-

ence. Enjoy every

moment of your

life. May every-

day bring some-

thing new and

exciting for you!!

Classroom/Teacher Aide

Krystal Banks

Teacher II

NaJaya Dye - Cheri Cambridge

Classroom/Teacher Aide (Sub)

Nicole Kovell

Teacher I

Amy Iverson

Service Support Specialist

Classroom/Teacher Aide

Quianna Brown

Human Resource Specialist

Tameka K. Hall

Finance Specialist

Sean Duckworth

Energy Coordinator Northern Sites

Charles Robinson

Energy Coordinator Vermilion County

Talicia Duckworth - Promotion

If you want to have a life that is worth living, a life that expresses your deepest feelings ,emotions ,cares and dreams, you have to fight for it. Alice Walker

2017 NIGHT OF LIGHTS ANNUAL PARADE...

Special Hot Cocoa √... Gloves √… Hats √... Warm Hearts √ √√… East Central Illinois Community Action Agency’s staff members participated in the City’s Annual Night of Lights Parade hosted by The Presence Festival of Trees and Downtown Danville, Inc. on Novem-ber 11, 2017. The theme of the event was “Honoring All Who Served.” ECICAA’s staff members served hot cocoa and holiday cookies and played holiday music while the Agency lobby served as a warming station. The staff greeted and served parade spectators while provid-ing Community Action Service information to over 200 visitors from the community.

Motivational Moment

Discovering The Super Hero In Ourselves

The ECICAA’s Head Start Program intentionally

utilizes teaching strategies which increase a

child’s social emotional health. These methods

improve a child’s individual behavior which leads

to a child’s ability to be an active and engaged

learner. The Agency’s Head Start teachers provide

instruction in creative ways that encourages early

learners to harness their energy and curiosity.

The teachers also introduce fun and exciting ways

to get along with their peers in a classroom set-

ting. The Hoopeston Head Start Center teach-

ers introduced the social-emotional concept of

aspiration. During this week, the teacher intro-

duced a "Superheroes" classroom theme where

the teachers helped students to develop a positive vision for themselves. Children were able to explore their

super powers of "being kind, being safe and being a helper" with their peers. The photo above shows our little

superheroes at the Hoopeston Head Start Center. Additionally, the photo represents how children will learn to

use their super powers to listen, observe, think, take turns, share, explore and gain lots of kindergarten readi-

ness skills. Teachers constantly aspire to connect our Head Start students to positive feelings and memories

during their early learning years which provides a strong foundation for future success.

The Gilman Head

Start teaching

team is on FIRE! The Gilman Head Start teachers intro-

duced the theme “Community Helpers”

to their Head Start students. The chil-

dren learned about firefighters and the

ways in which these community helpers

keep our communities and families safe.

The Gilman Firefighters visited the stu-

dents and allowed the children to expe-

rience the parts and sounds of an actual fire truck while learning about fire safety. In the classroom, the Head

Start teachers expanded the “Community Helpers” theme by weaving math concepts into the “Community

Helpers” lesson plan. The teachers used the classroom sensory table to display illustrations of flames with num-

bers and dots. The children used pretend “fire extinguisher-spray bottles” to spray the flames according to the

number of dots and or number that were written on the flame. In just one week, the Gilman Head Start chil-

dren learned number sense by counting the number of dots on a flame image and using math language by

naming numbers on a flame and by expressing comparisons of more dots on one flame and less dots on anoth-

er flame. The Gilman Head Start students experienced a week full of rich school readiness learning activities.

Gilman Head Start Dads Make Veterans Day Cards… There are absolutely no limits to what a Head Start Dad can do. These photos capture our Head Start dads at the Gilman Head Start Center engaging their children in school readiness activities. Through the years, the Agency has learned when Head Start Dads visit their children’s classrooms they like to have a specific task and purpose for their visit. Teachers simply watch in awe as the Dads en-gage the children in accomplishing their learning activities. Community Action welcomes and encour-ages Head Start Dads to visit classrooms on a regular basis. Community Action is incredibly proud of the many Head Start Dads’ contributions and commitment to ensuring their children are ready for Kin-dergarten and beyond.

Educational Talent Search

The Educational Talent Search Program has the awesome task of

leading students towards the next step of their educational endeav-

ors. One very important and key part of deciding which college to

attend is selecting a good fit. The Agency’s ETS Team provides

students with a great opportunity to find their “college fit” by vis-

iting several colleges and universities. ETS students are able to get

first-hand information about various colleges’ admission require-

ments, financial aid packages, campus life and fields of study re-

lated to their interests.

During the month of October 2017, ETS students toured the

University of Illinois (U of I) Urbana Campus. Students were

able to meet with TRIO students and university faculty. This

visit helped the ETS students learn more about

what is necessary to be accepted, enroll, and re-

main academically successful at the U of I.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

ECICAA Celebrates 53 Years of Service!

March 9, 2018 Turtle Run and Golf Banquet Center

CSBG…East Central’s Cornerstone

CSBG offers $2500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors who desire to pursue post-secondary educa-

tion. These scholarships are available for attendance at any accredited institution of higher learning in Illinois

including vocational/trade schools. Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the Agency’s website at

www.comaction.org or picked up at the Administrative Office or any of the Agency’s Head Start sites. Applica-

tions are due March 31, 2018. Finalists must meet program and income eligibility guidelines, plan to attend a col-

lege, university, or vocational school in Illinois, and reside in Ford, Iroquois, or Vermilion County.

If any team member knows of a family that may benefit from any of CSBG services, GED tutoring, adult educa-

tion, job skills training, financial wellness education, Employment Readiness Assistance, or Gateway to

Homeownership and Economic Empowerment workshops, send them CSBG’s way.

Contact CSBG and Development Coordinator: Cicely M. Dowell at 217-554-9128/email - cdowell@comaction.org .

GATEWAY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT!

This programs includes:

D For additional information, please contact Cicely M. Dowell, CSBG and Development Coordinator at 217-554-9128 or cdowell@comaction.org.

Next Workshop Schedule

March 22, 2018 April 5, 2018 April 19, 2018

May 3, 2018, May 17, 2018, May 31, 2018

An Individual Development Savings Program with a three to one match. For every $1 participants save, the Agency will match by $3; up to $900. $100.00 savings award is also given to all individuals who successfully complete the entire course.

A Down Payment Assistance Award for eligible participants

NEW YEAR,

NEW YOU!

Developing New Habits...

New Year, New You! 2018 is here. Creating healthy habits can be challenging. Regular visits for yearly physi-

cal exams, regular exercise and healthy eating habits work together for a healthier body. The Department

of Health and Human Services recommends moderate aerobic activities of your choice into your daily

schedule for at least 30 minutes each day. Physical exercise can be fun and does not have to be complicated.

Begin the new year by committing to taking a brisk walk, light jog, or participate in an Yoga class for at

least 30 minutes per day. This time can be divided into 10 minute sessions. Regular walking helps to main-

tain a healthy weight, trims your waistline, improves blood pressure, lifts your mood, prevents chronic con-

ditions and strengthens your bones. Incorporate strength training twice a week to maximize your new

goals. Make your moves strategic! While walking, consider your technique; keep your head up, look for-

ward, keep your shoulders back and neck relaxed, slightly bend your elbows and swing your arms, tighten

your stomach muscles, and walk smoothly and roll your feet heel to toe. A slow start is permitted, the objec-

tive is to get started. In your quest to be your best, keep a record of your new fitness habits, set goals, make

variations in your routine, don’t give up if you miss a routine and remember to enjoy the journey.

Here are a few exercise tips to make your

exercise experience enjoyable:

Wear Loose Clothing

Warm Up

Stretch Before and After

Cool Down

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-

depth/walking/art-20046261

CALENDAR OF EVENTS!

January

3rd First Day Back to School

5th PAYDAY!!!!

8th Head Start Dollar per Child Campaign Begins

12th Head Start Recruitment Day

15th Agency Closed- Dr. Martin Luther King Day

18th Socialization:

B-3 at Danville - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

B-3 at Paxton- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

B-3 at Watseka- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

19th PAYDAY!!!!

23rd CSBG Scholarship Applications Available

26th Head Start Staff Institute Day

***********************************************************************************************************************

February 2nd PAYDAY!!!!

9th All Agency Professional Development:

8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Head Start Dollar per Child Campaign Ends

14th Head Start Friendship Celebrations

16th PAYDAY!!!!

Head Start Staff Institute Day

19th Agency Closed- President’s Day

21st Head Start Policy Council Meeting

22nd Socialization:

B-3 at Danville- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

B-3 at Paxton - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

B-3 at Watseka- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

23rd Head Start Recruitment Day

HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE…

All vacancies are posted on our website. If you are

interested in applying, please download an employ-

ment application, submit the application in its en-

tirety, a Letter of Interest (cover letter), and resume

to Tameka K. Hall, Human Resource Specialist in

person or as an attachment via email to Hrspecial-

ist@comaction.org.

**Open Enrollment

Please contact Tameka K. Hall for open enrollment details

at 217 554-9136 or HRspecialist.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Educational Talent Search Supervisor

Head Start Teachers/ Substitute Teachers

Head Start Teacher Assistance

Head Start Substitute Teachers

MIECHV Home Visitor

Housing Counselor/Property Manager

VITA Update… Beginning January 22, 2017, customers

should call (217) 443-8559 to make an appointment. The actual tax

preparation service will begin on January 29, 2017. We are looking for-

ward to another successful VITA program.

MISSION

To provide information, training, education, and other services that engage and empower families

and communities to become self-sufficient.

East Central Illinois

Community Action Agency 56 N. Vermilion Street

Danville, IL 61832

217-554-9110 - ph

217-431-0725 - fax

www.comaction.org - website

comaction@comaction.org email

Serving—Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties

Visit us, send a “Friend Request” and like us at:

Facebook.com/eastcentralilinoiscommunityactionagency

Don’t Forget

W

e Nee

d

You!!

VITA VOLUNTEERS

INCENTIVE PROGRAM

INITIAL PREMIUM

***Upon taking and successfully completing the requisite tests***

• Greeter’s Certification will receive a one-time merit of $75.00.

• Tax Preparer’s Certification will receive a one-time merit of $150.00.

END OF PROGRAM PREMIUM***Earn Administrative Leave Days***

• Greeters will earn eight (8) hours of Administrative Leave for every five (5) volunteer days.*

• Tax Preparers will earn eight (8) hours of Administrative Leave for every three (3) volunteer days. *

VITA Sessions last approximately four (4) hours per evening.* In accordance with Agency policy, all leave will only be granted with prior approval from your

direct supervisor.

VITA is a valuable services offered to individuals and families in the Agency’s Tri-County Service Area of Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion

counties as well as Champaign (IL) and Fountain (IN) counties. IRS-Certified Tax Preparers prepare tax returns to the community’s most vulnerable citizens at no cost; enabling them to maximize their tax

refund and improve their economic condition. Last year, through the VITA initiative, a total of 1,230 Federal Returns were submitted and

approved; yielding more than $880,000 in tax refunds.

With Your Help, We Can Further Increase Our Stellar Outcomes Even More! Contact Cicely M. Dowell at cdowell@comaction.org to sign up to volunteer