Olivia Jacobs, Pantagraph Journalist Profile

Articles

Expanded outpatient services provide 'welcoming' space for mental health care in McLean County

6 days ago | bnd.com | Olivia Jacobs

NORMAL - While inpatient behavioral health services are a necessity everywhere, they are often considered a last resort, as there are many local outpatient resources available. Earlier this year, Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal launched a Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program, a daytime program in which patients can participate in educational and counseling groups, meet with a licensed therapist and develop a Wellness Recovery Activity Plan, or WRAP.
Expanded outpatient services provide 'welcoming' space for mental health care in McLean County

1 week ago | pantagraph.com | Olivia Jacobs

NORMAL — While inpatient behavioral health services are a necessity everywhere, they are often considered a last resort, as there are many local outpatient resources available. Earlier this year, Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal launched a Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program, a daytime program in which patients can participate in educational and counseling groups, meet with a licensed therapist and develop a Wellness Recovery Activity Plan, or WRAP.
With less than 2% of beds available at state centers, Central Illinois doctors work to fill gap in mental health resources

1 week ago | pantagraph.com | Olivia Jacobs |Analisa Trofimuk

NORMAL — Central Illinois health care providers are working to improve mental health treatment and accessibility to keep up with the growing demand of resources throughout the region. Local doctors and health experts say while there is comprehensive mental health care available within the Bloomington-Normal community and neighboring areas, there is evidence of an ongoing need for behavioral health services throughout the region.
Victory Church sets grand reopening celebration June 21-22

1 week ago | pantagraph.com | Olivia Jacobs

BLOOMINGTON — Victory Church will host a two-day grand reopening event and building dedication celebration at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 22. These events come more than three and a half years after a fire on Jan. 10, 2022, destroyed the original church building at 18180 U.S. Highway 150. The congregation was able to move back into the restored building in November.
Dream Cabin Coffee of Fairbury picked for Eats of the Week

1 week ago | pantagraph.com | Olivia Jacobs

FAIRBURY — Coffee and family is at the heart of the Bachmans' Fairbury-based business at 130 E. Locust St. The family includes Fairbury natives Adrian and Shawna Bachman, their adult son Micah, and two young children Brynlee and Treyson Bachman. They started Dream Cabin Coffee in 2019 as a coffee roasting company and had wanted to open a coffee shop for years. The younger kids, 12-year-old Brynlee and 7-year-old Treyson help out behind the counter.
Books to Benefit sale planned June 12-14 in Normal

2 weeks ago | pantagraph.com | Olivia Jacobs

NORMAL — Books to Benefit will host its semi-annual book sale from June 12-14 at 360 Wylie Drive, Suite 700, Normal. The sale will be open 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, June 13; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 14. A $10 admission is required on Thursday. Over 25,000 donated books will be available for sale. Hardbacks are $2, or $1 for children's, and all paperbacks are 50 cents.
Bloomington Parks & Rec to host info meeting for Dolphins swim team

2 weeks ago | bnd.com | Olivia Jacobs

BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Parks & Recreation department will host an informational meeting for the Dolphins swim team from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28. The meeting will take place at the O'Neil Aquatics Center, 1515 W. Chestnut St., Bloomington. Bloomington bringing back Free Lunchtime ConcertsFree Lunchtime Concerts will return to downtown Bloomington on May 28 and will run through June. The program is led by head coach Robby Pratt and is for both beginners and experienced swimmers.
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois names 2 Bloomington-Normal women to board of directors

2 weeks ago | bnd.com | Olivia Jacobs

SPRINGFIELD - Girl Scouts of Central Illinois recently added Sherrilyn Thomas and Shomari Caffrey to its board of directors during its annual meeting on April 29. Thomas and Caffrey will each serve two-year terms. Thomas of Bloomington serves as the assistant superintendent of human resources for Bloomington District 87 and has 28 years of teaching and administrative experience.
Eastern Illinois Foodbank plans June distributions

2 weeks ago | bnd.com | Olivia Jacobs

NORMAL - Eastern Illinois Foodbank next month will distribute food to local families facing food insecurity in Normal, Farmer City and throughout McLean County. Eastern Illinois Foodbank ending Normal West food distributions this summerEIF's Foodmobile will continue to serve its two routes in rural McLean County, as well as its monthly distributions in nearby Farmer City. The Normal distribution will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Normal West High School, 501 N.
Memorial Day parades, ceremonies and more planned in Central Illinois

2 weeks ago | pantagraph.com | Olivia Jacobs

Looking for a way to honor local veterans or spend time with family this weekend? Check out these events planned in observance of the holiday in Central Illinois. Bloomington-Normal VFW Post 454 placing flags on veterans' graves; 8 a.m. May 22, East Lawn Cemetery; 8:30 a.m. Park Hill Cemetery; 8 a.m. St. Mary's Cemetery, followed by St. Joseph's and Holy Cross cemeteries; rain date is May 23 at same time and locations; flags to be collected at 8 a.m. May 27.