ELEMENTS
E
Entertainment
Performances from:
*BCAI dancer program
*Whirlwind Perkins from MHA Nation
*Epic Resilience Awards Ceremony with special guest speakers
C
Cuisine
*Indigenous dishes prepared by A to Z Catering, *Coffeehound coffee bar
*Cash bar: 5 alcohol & non-alcoholic drinks
R
Raffles
*Cultural- and Resilience-themed baskets and single items going for silent auction
*table raffle for simplified process
As a native of Bloomington/Normal Andrew Bennett has been a dedicated member of the community for several years. While serving in several positions at City of Refuge Ministries, including Assistant Pastor, Worship Leader and Minister of Music, Andrew has mentored, counseled, and helped to develop several youth; many of whom have gone on to be successful and accomplished adults. He also served as a volunteer advisor to the Interdenominational Youth Choir of Illinois State University, and continues to participate in and support various events. Andrew is currently employed by Project Oz as a Youth Specialist for the Youth Empowered Schools (YES) program (formerly known as Project SAME), which provides in-school support and counseling in order to help at-risk students graduate from high school, reduce truancy and discipline referrals, and increase parental support.
During his six plus years at Project Oz Andrew has impacted hundreds of youth. Those impacts can be observed through his development of an after school mentoring program at PJHS (2012-14); Facilitating an after school boxing club for high school students at Normal Community High School (2015-present); Co-Facilitating a music technology program at NCHS (2018-present);participation in the Learning and Leading program which helps bridge the opportunity gap for low-income students and students from at-risk environments by empowering them with the skills, training, and work experience they need to succeed in college and a professional career (2016-2018). In addition Andrew has spent countless hours counseling, mentoring and providing crisis intervention services to youth within the Bloomington/Normal Community.
I volunteer my time with Central Illinois Friends to assist with "Getting Yourself Tested." Which is hosted at different Peoria High schools to get students confidential testing and add additional sex education to their regular curriculum. I worked with Positive Health Solution when I shared my HIV story at the Artist Alive event/fundraiser. I traveled to Springfield to speak on a panel to students and staff about HIV and sex education. On World AIDS Day I worked with the Pentagraph and shared my HIV story and how any one who is HIV positive can be all they can imagine their life to be, along with speaking at the World AIDS Day Tree Light Vigil in Bloomington.
I took that energy and with the help of my degree in Communication Studies I developed my very own YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwz1Ek8s8uRNcQRvRl82-rQ?view_as=subscriber . I have created/produced my "HOPEFUL In Victory" hoodie line for people to purchase and support people living with HIV or AIDS. The 100% of the funds will go to organizations that help people living with HIV or AIDS.
My channel is to NOT only talk about HIV, BUT to confront the many realities of change we face in today's modern society. From learning about transgender pronouns to speaking with Executives from organizations and Universities about how we all can come together and forger one conversation that has the potential to make the future for the next generation brighter.
I will continue to stride and build paths unwalked, speak stories untold, and embrace all that was feared because I have the support from my peers and community and plan to share that love and light with those who are stuck in the shadows of stigma, discrimination and fear. I hope to take the will of fire and carry a bright future to breaking stigma for the next generation while developing a sense of community. togetherness. one
I am a graduate of Illinois State University where I completed my B.S in Foreign Languages and a M.S. in Politics and Government. While a grad student, I served locally in AmeriCorps and focused on not-for-profit administration. Though a native of Chicago, I have lived in Bloomington-Normal for 32 years.
My heart and service is mostly focused in and around the Midwest, but my love for God and His people extends much further. I have done mission work in Zambia, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. I am active both locally and abroad as a translator in Spanish and American Sign Language.
I am extremely passionate about the word of God and enjoy serving as an associate minister, teacher and missionary at Center for Hope International Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Larry and First Lady Desetra Taylor.
I am thankful that my upbringing, education, civic engagement and ministry work allows me the joy of working with people from all walks of life. I am enriched by others and seek to enrich everyone I meet. I am continually seeking ways to lift and encourage others to overcome any challenges they may face and live to their highest capabilities for the greater good of all.
Center For Hope Outreach Programs:
Food Pantry Network
Financial literacy courses
Nutrition education
Job readiness assistance
Kingdom Closet & Boutique - free shoes, clothes, etc for those in need
Joy of Giving holiday event
Epic
ResilienceAward
ceremony
The Epic Resilience Award is given to local beings and groups that are demonstrating unparalleled bravery and courage in breaking destructive cycles within our community and thru ripple effect, the world. They put in long hours working on themselves, learning the world around us and pushing thru and destroying all systems and barriers that have been attempting to suffocate us for generations. We are honored to share this evening with them and to assist in expanding their reach and mission as it aligns with BCAI's so well. Please join us in awarding these incredible individuals a blink of acknowledgement and celebration in their massive and beautiful journeys.
Time & Place
Saturday
30
3-6
@
March
P.M.
Lafayette Club
107 E Lafayette St
Bloomington, IL