LIFE Center for Independent Living

11/13/2025

Sharing the Alliance for Community Services post.

Join us in Normal, Illinois to protest against ongoing SNAP delays and cuts made by the Trump administration. 11/17, 1215-1245PM, Uptown Circle, Normal, Illinois. Have questions? Contact: danellew@allianceforcommunityservices.org

11/13/2025

image is LIFE CIL's logo at the top and then says:

OUR PONTIAC OFFICE IS CLOSED TODAY

Please contact our Bloomington office for assistance:

Phone: (309) 663-5433
Email: lifecil@lifecil.org

11/12/2025

REMINDER: our Pontiac office will be CLOSED tomorrow due to a scheduling conflict.

You could contact our Bloomington office at 309-663-5433 or email us lifecil@lifecil.org.

image is a yellow diamond-shaped road sign. Across the top is a black rectangular sign with yellow letters that says "IMPORTANT" and then in black letters on the yellow sign, it says "SCHEDULE CHANGE AHEAD".

11/12/2025

Since yesterday was Veterans Day, it’s a great time to remind everyone that LIFE CIL is working with the McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission to support Veterans with disabilities in our community.

We also have a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) available in our office every Friday to help. The flyer below shares more details about how the VSO can assist you.

image is the flyer with the following information:

Are you a Veteran? Do you have a Veteran in your household?
LIFE CIL has partnered with the McLean County Veteran’s Assistance Commission (VAC) and has a Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) at our Bloomington office one day a week.
The VSO assists Veterans and their families understand and access Veteran benefits such as compensation, pension, healthcare, education, and housing.

The VSO can:
• Provide guidance and support to Veterans
• Answer questions about benefits, eligibility, and procedures
• Represent Veterans in VA hearings and appeals, ensuring their claims are heard and understood
• Help Veterans gather necessary documentation, prepare and submit claims, and track their progress
• Connect Veterans with resources for additional support

Contact the VSO to schedule a time to meet:

Conan Calhoun
Phone: (309) 888-4750
Email: conan.calhoun@mcleancountyil.gov

In the top left-hand corner is an image of American Flag with the word "VETERAN" underneath. At the bottom of the flyer it has the logos and contact information for both LIFE CIL and McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission.

LIFE CIL - 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1; Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 309-663-5433; Email: lifecil@lifecil.org

McLean County VAC - 200 W. Front Street, Suite 400D; Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 309-888-5140

11/11/2025

LIFE CIL offices are CLOSED today in observance of Veterans Day.

The Board of Directors and Staff of LIFE CIL proudly extend our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans for their service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country. Today and every day, we honor you.

Learn more about Veterans Day by visiting the Military.com website: https://www.military.com/veterans-day

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.

11/07/2025

A friendly reminder, our Pontiac office is CLOSED on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11.

Our Bloomington office could assist on Monday, but both offices will be closed on Tuesday for the Veterans Day holiday.

Bloomington office: 309-663-5433
Email: lifecil@lifecil.org

image is a yellow diamond-shaped road sign. Across the top is a black rectangular sign with yellow letters that says "IMPORTANT" and then in black letters on the yellow sign, it says "SCHEDULE CHANGE AHEAD".

11/07/2025

Sharing news from Illinois Department of Human Services, JB Pritzker, Governor · Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary

Customers:

On Nov. 6, the federal court in Rhode Island ordered the federal government to pay full SNAP benefits. The Trump Administration has already filed an appeal. We await further guidance from the federal government and the courts. Illinois stands ready to issue full benefit payments.

In the meantime, this month, the Trump Administration has decided to provide significantly reduced November SNAP benefits. Illinois SNAP customers will begin receiving partial November benefits Nov. 7 through Nov. 20. Those who are regularly scheduled to receive benefits Nov.1 through Nov. 6 will receive partial benefits over the next six days, with Nov. 1 benefits loading on Nov. 7, Nov. 2 benefits loading on Nov. 8, etc. Customers who ordinarily would receive their SNAP benefits on Nov. 7 or later will receive a partial benefit on their regular date. Due to the USDA changing their guidance on partial benefits late on Nov. 5, some customers may receive an additional partial benefit payment after their first, scheduled dates.

NOTE: For some customers, the federal administration's requirements will leave them with no benefit for November.
Benefits left on cards from previous months can still be used.
IDHS will keep customers updated on this evolving situation.

SNAP information and food resources are available here:

On Nov. 6, the federal court in Rhode Island ordered the federal government to pay full SNAP benefits. The Trump Administration has already filed an appeal. We await further guidance from the federal government and the courts. Illinois stands ready to issue full benefit payments.

11/06/2025

City of Bloomington Township emergency food benefit program is now taking applications via email or phone.

In response to the postponement of SNAP availability, the City of Bloomington Township has established the Emergency Food Benefit Program to provide assistance to eligible residents of the city of Bloomington, Illinois.

Applicants may apply via email at townshipoffice@cityblm.org, in person at the Township Office or by calling Township directly at 309-434-2730.

To complete the application, individuals must submit the following:

State ID/Driver’s License

Social Security Cards (s) for each member of the household

Proof of residency

Proof of prior SNAP eligibility

Proof of Income

Disclosure of benefits received in the last month

11/05/2025

Just a reminder, our Pontiac office will be CLOSED tomorrow due to scheduling conflicts.

You are welcome to call our Bloomington office for assistance: 309-663-5433 or email us lifecil@lifecil.org.

image is a yellow diamond-shaped road sign. Across the top is a black rectangular sign with yellow letters that says "IMPORTANT" and then in black letters on the yellow sign, it says "SCHEDULE CHANGE AHEAD".

11/01/2025

LIFE CIL is fundraising with Donny B's Popcorn!

Bags of popcorn are $6 each. Flavors available:
Caramel & Cheese
Jalapeno Cheddar
Caramel
White Cheddar
Extra Butter
Cheese
Kettlecorn

Orders can be placed with Board members, by contacting LIFE CIL at 309/663-5433 or email lifecil@lifecil.org

Popcorn will be ready November 24.
We appreciate your support!

(Photo description: Red Donny B's gourmet Donny B's Gourmet Popcorn and Gifts logo of a bucket of popcorn)