LIFE Center for Independent Living

10/22/2025

REMINDER: Our 40th Anniversary Open House is coming up next Tuesday!

image is the invite with the information below:

Across the top is a box with a red circle that says "Celebrating 40 Years 1985-2025" and LIFE CIL's logo that says "Assisting persons with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent lives."

Help us celebrate four decades
of independence and inclusion!

40th Anniversary Open House

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

LIFE CIL
2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1
Bloomington, IL 61704

Stop in to take a trip down memory lane
and celebrate our accomplishments!

Light refreshments served.

Sign language interpreter provided.

10/22/2025

Did you know that 80 million people worldwide, including more than 3 million Americans live with stuttering?

Today is International Stuttering Awareness Day.

According to the Stuttering Foundation, stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables.

Fun Fact - James Earl Jones, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Carly Simon, and Bob Love all are a few famous people who stuttered and are successful.

Find all of this and more at https://www.stutteringhelp.org/faq

F.A.Q. Stuttering Facts and Information What is stuttering? Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. There may also be unusual facial and bod...

10/20/2025

We will be collecting stories through October 28.

If you would like to share your story, please either send a private message here on the LIFE CIL page, or email Brianne at brianne@lifecil.org.

We are preparing for our 40th Anniversary celebration coming up on Tuesday, October 28 from 3 - 6 p.m. at our Bloomington office.

One thing we would like to showcase is how LIFE CIL has helped members of our community along the way.

If LIFE CIL has made a difference in your life, please send us a private message here on Facebook or email brianne@lifecil.org with your story.

Please let us know if you want to share your name or not, either way works for us!

Thank you! We look forward to reading your stories and sharing them with our guests on the 28th.

image is a yellow half-sheet of paper that says "LIFE CIL has helped me:" with lines to write in how LIFE CIL has helped. (If you send us your story, we will fill this out for you.)

10/20/2025

Epilepsy Advocacy Network (Member Organization of Epilepsy Alliance America) now has an Epilepsy Support Group in Bloomington!

Image is their flyer with the following information:

Epilepsy Support Group

Details:
October 28th
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Bloomington Public Library
205 E. Olive Street, Bloomington, IL

What to Expect:
*A chance to meet others living with epilepsy and their families
*Sharing experiences, resources, and encouragement
*Building a supportive community together

Join our epilepsy support group - a safe, supportive, and friendly space for anyone in the community affected by epilepsy. Whether you're living with epilepsy, supporting someone with epilepsy, or just want to learn more, you're welcome here!

Questions?
Contact: peoria@epilepsyadvocacynetwork.org or call 815-846-0881.

10/17/2025

Earlier we posted about the federal government shut down and how it will soon effect families receiving SNAP benefits.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) explains more about the government shut down and what it means for not only SNAP benefits, but also WIC and disability programs.

On Wednesday, October 1, at 12:01 AM, part of the federal government shut down because Congress could not agree on a funding plan. As of now, the government has been shut down for two weeks. Congress and the White House are still working to reach a deal to reopen it. What Happens During a Government...

10/17/2025

We received this message yesterday from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) regarding SNAP Benefits and want to make sure everyone is informed:

Federal officials with the Trump Administration have notified all states that it will not fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the Republican federal government shutdown continues.

As a result, SNAP customers will not receive November food benefits – unless there is further action from the Trump administration to reopen the government.

In previous government shutdowns, Congress and the President have come to a resolution before families were affected. The situation is evolving, and the State of Illinois is sharing the latest information in the interest of being transparent and helping those who rely on food benefits make the best plan for their families.

Illinois is awaiting further guidance from the federal government.

The press release regarding this announcement can be found at: https://idhs.prezly.com/trumps-administration-snap-benefits-slated-to-be-cut-off-on-november-1

For updates, you can visit: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=174038

image is a red background with a clipart image of a hand holding a megaphone and in white letters it says "ATTENTION IMPORTANT INFORMATION"

10/15/2025

Sharing information - Coming up on Saturday, October 25:

The Links Incorporated - Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service Central Illinois (IL) Chapter presents

Serving our communities for 50 years

17th Annual Taking STEPS TOWARDS TOTAL HEALTH LITERACY

Saturday, October 25, 2025
9am - Noon

Bloomington Housing Authority
Woodhill Towers
Community Room
104 East Wood

Everyone is invited to attend this free event and obtain important information regarding your health and well being. Use the QR code (on the flyer in the image attached) to register. If you have any questions, please call 309-212-2303

Get Free Screenings and Information
Breast Health
Cholesterol
Blood pressure
Diabetes
Women's health
Behavioral health
Weight control

Image is the flyer with the above information. On the flyer is The Links Incorporated logo in the upper right-hand corner. There is a blurred photo of individuals with white coats and stethoscopes across the top in the background and then under the logo is a photo of a black woman in blue scrubs with a stethoscope in her ears with a smile on her face. In the bottom right-hand corner of the flyer is the QR code mentioned to register.

10/13/2025

We are preparing for our 40th Anniversary celebration coming up on Tuesday, October 28 from 3 - 6 p.m. at our Bloomington office.

One thing we would like to showcase is how LIFE CIL has helped members of our community along the way.

If LIFE CIL has made a difference in your life, please send us a private message here on Facebook or email brianne@lifecil.org with your story.

Please let us know if you want to share your name or not, either way works for us!

Thank you! We look forward to reading your stories and sharing them with our guests on the 28th.

image is a yellow half-sheet of paper that says "LIFE CIL has helped me:" with lines to write in how LIFE CIL has helped. (If you send us your story, we will fill this out for you.)

10/13/2025

This week is OCD Awareness Week

OCD is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which according to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD is uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive and excessive behaviors (compulsions), or both. OCD symptoms can begin any time but usually start between late childhood and young adulthood.

The National Institute of Mental Health has more information and many resources to learn more:

Learn about NIMH research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Find resources on the signs and symptoms of OCD and potential treatments and therapies.

10/06/2025

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week.

As the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) points out, mental health affects everyone.

While one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually, the impact extends to the friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them. Mental health is something we all experience, manage, and need support with. No one should have to face these challenges alone.

Learn more about this week by visiting NAMI's website https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/

October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and we're excited to celebrate! We'll also be honoring World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year, NAMI's highlighting My Mental Health at Work - check out our resources and download graphics to share!

10/05/2025

Today is the American Veterans Disabled For Life Awareness Day. It is on October 5, as that is the anniversary of the Memorial's dedication - October 5, 2014.

This memorial is dedicated to both living and deceased disabled veterans.

It is located just west of the United States Capitol Building and the United States Botanical Gardens in Washington, D.C.

Some interesting facts about the Memorial and how it's made:

1. The American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial features 48 etched glass panels displaying soldier's stories through quotations and paragraphs. Each panel weighs about 1,800 pounds.

2. The centerpiece of the Memorial is a star-shaped fountain and a triangular reflecting pool. The quiet flow of water is intended to remind us of how disabled veterans can overcome personal obstacles and find new meaning and purpose to their lives.

3. There is a ceremonial flame at the core of the Memorial that honors the sacrifice of the nation's soldiers. The flame is an eternal tribute to the strength and sacrifice of veterans.

4. White granite walls have the words of President George Washington and Dwight D. Eisenhower, both military leaders and veterans create the Memorial's mission.

5. There is a memorial tree grove of 69 ginkgo and 23 cypress trees that form the backdrop of the memorial and signify hope and growth.

The Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation raises all the funds necessary for construction, maintenance and preservation of the memorial.

All of this and more can be found at

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10/02/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and an additional 59,080 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. provides help and support to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services.

Learn more on their website

National Breast Cancer Foundation provides early detection screenings, including mammograms, breast health education, and a supportive community.