[FEB. 18, 2000]  Help is available for those in need in Logan County. Lincoln provides many of the services that are needed by its residents. Some services are offered by providers in Lincoln, others are contracted with providers in neighboring towns, while still others are included under a regional umbrella that includes several counties. One thing is clear: service is Lincoln’s business.

Lincoln’s Capstone survey has generated a lot of interest in what is available in Lincoln. In the area of service, the following is an overview of places residents can go for help. Some of the available services are fee for service while others are income based or free. Crime was an area that concerned many residents, specifically in the areas of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Although the people responding to the survey hoped that the number of these crimes could be reduced, victims currently need support.

The Logan County Domestic Violence Council is comprised of police agencies, social service agencies and the Logan County state’s attorney, circuit clerk and adult probation agencies that work together to protect victims from further abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Sojourn Shelter and Service is the part of this council that provides a safe place for women and children who are abused, abandoned or undergoing crisis.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Alnon services are part of Lincoln’s "Recovery Community." Although there are not any inpatient treatment centers for drug and alcohol abuse in the county, there are some inpatient treatment centers in Springfield, such as the Triangle Center, Gateway, and Libertas at St. John’s Hospital that will accommodate Logan County residents.

Lincoln and Logan County offer a wide array of services. Individual agency brochures are available at the Logan County Health Department, the Department of Human Services and the Lincoln Public Library. Some of the agency’s telephone numbers are listed on the chart below.

The Rural Health Partnership of Logan County was established to improve the health and wellness of residents of rural Logan County. It includes youth prevention programs that address alcohol and drug use among rural Logan County youth. It offers a wide range of health, wellness and safety issues through mini-seminars for children and adults. A 36-foot mobile, handicapped-accessible health unit staffed by a nurse practitioner and public health nurse brings medical care directly into rural communities.

The Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation (CIEDC) offers adult day care programs that provide services in social recreational and health monitoring, as well as respite services for family members. It offers a Head Start program, energy assistance, loan and other community programs for residents who meet their criteria.

For parents in need of support, the Lincoln Parents’ Center is available for parents to share in the joys and challenges of parenthood. They provide direct services to parents and school personnel in Lincoln

United Cerebral Palsy of Land of Lincoln is a local organization dedicated to advancing the independence of people with disabilities. These individuals are encouraged to become as independent as they can be.

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. provides free legal representation to low-income persons in certain types of civil cases involving five main areas of law housing, family law, public benefits, consumer and special education.

More than one provider or agency offers the same service in some instances. But most providers work with other agencies to avoid duplication and to offer the most comprehensive assistance to residents.

Editor’s Note: Over the next month LDN will take a closer look at each agency that offers assistance to residents of Logan County. If you have special knowledge of a specific organization or if you would like to share a success story, email LDN at ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com with your information, complete with your name, address and phone number where you can be reached.

[Kym C. Ammons-Scott]

[Literature available at the Logan County Health Department at 109 3rd St., Lincoln]

Central Compromise

[FEB. 17, 2000]  Last night the Lincoln District 27 grade school board voted 4-3 to renovate the existing Central Elementary School building and add an additional wing to the school for a new cafeteria and gymnasium. In this same vote the board agreed to construct a new school building on Ralph Gayle Field.

Superintendent Robert Kidd stated this morning that he is thankful a decision has been made so plans can move forward. "It’s good we got a decision made so we can start the process to do what the board has directed," he said.

Kidd continued, saying this plan "is contingent upon moving a major sewer line." The board received assurance from sewage treatment plant superintendent Grant Eaton that it would cost no more than $500,000 to move the sewer line away from the new building site.

The next step is to prepare the proper grant funding to replace or renovate old schools by the April 1 deadline. According to Kidd, the best case scenario to get a referendum on the ballot would be on November 7. However, it could be as late as April. "If it passes we can get started," Kidd stated.

Board president Bill Bates believes the proposal offered something for residents on both sides of the issue, those interested in historical preservation and teachers, students, administrators, and parents in favor of building a new building.

The board did not specify how the renovated Central School and Lincoln Junior High School buildings would be used nor did the proposal specify which grades would be housed in the new building.

[Natalie Jeckel]

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