June 12, 2024

Mark Wylie introduced Kayla Arnolts, Regional Homeless Services & Program Support Specialist for the Regional Office of Education and Julie Burke, Irving School Social Worker and Homeless Liaison Specialist for District 87. 
 
Kayla & Julie shared information on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The act ensures eligible children have the right to: 
  • Choice of school
  • Immediate enrollment
  • Transportation
  • Preschool
  • Free lunch & fee waivers
  • Supplemental tutoring
Eligible children include:
  • Doubled-up children: those living with another family due to lack of permanent residence
  • Children living in shelters
  • Children living in motels
  • Migratory children
  • Runaways
  • Lockouts 
Currently there are 1.2 million children in the US categorized as homeless. The McKinney Vento Act is focused on removing barriers to enrollment in school, but the largest barrier is the support can't be provided unless parents/guardians identify themselves and indicate their need for support.
 
In District 87 alone, they had over 175 children who qualified as homeless. Julie shared what basic items she brings to these families on visits to help support them (socks, underwear, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.) and how critical these items are in addition to connecting these families with other local organizations, food pantries, etc. for support. 
 
For additional information, visit: isbe.net/homeless 
 

Announcements

Mike Laffey: Since we don't have a scheduled meeting on June 17th, the Program Committee has arranged an opportunity to visit/tour the Prairie Aviation Museum at 12:00pm. (no lunch provided) If you'd like to attend, please let Mike know. Members are encouraged to bring kids and/or grandkids with as well!
Dean Messinger: Thanks to everyone who signed up to purchase camp t-shirts. Please give payments to Dean (cash or check payable to Kiwanis Club of Bloomington).
 
Upcoming Events
ISU Football Coach Brock Spack
Eastland Suites Conference Center
Jun 24, 2024
 
NO MEETING - Fourth of July Week
Jul 01, 2024
 
Camp Limberlost onsite meeting
Timber Pointe Outdoor Center
Jul 08, 2024
 
Illinois Elementary School Association
Jul 15, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
 
Bloomington Public Library Program and Tour
Bloomington Public Library
Aug 05, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
 
View entire list

Club Officers

President: Matt Hawkins
President-Elect: Scott Seibring
Vice-President: Kathleen Lorenz
Immediate Past President: Paula Pratt
Treasurer: Scott Davis
Secretary: Gail Dobbins
Asst. Secretary: Andrea Raycraft
2022-2024 Directors: Rick Mehall, Dean Messinger, Ben Mitzelfelt, Cathy Oloffson,
Steve Timmerman
2023-2025 Directors: Alyx Merritt, Sonya Weber, Bob Freitag, Paul Lawrence

Kiwanis Links

Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
ClubRunner
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7