Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance

    The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance is focused on educating communities, improving access to in-home support and supplies, helping with out-of-pocket medical expenses, and providing a network of support from both caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance website includes:

    • Frequently asked questions and terms about tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
    • Annual caregiver grants
    • A list of resources by state

  • Citizens Utility Board Help Center

    The Citizens Utility Board (CUB)’s Help Center provides information and helpful resources for Illinois utility customers.  with more information.

    CUB provides information, including:

    • Financial resources and where to find help with utility bills
    • Disconnection rights
    • Efficiency and safety tips
    • Solar and efficiency programs

     

  • City of Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights

    The City of Chicago Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) partners with community organizations, academic institutions and the private sector to provide a wide range of information, resources and services. IMMR’s website resources include:

    • A Know Your Rights Guide (Translations are available in Spanish, French, Simplified Chinese, Ukrainian and Haitian Creole)
    • A Resource Guide for New Arrivals in Chicago (Translations are available in Spanish, French, Arabic, Haitian Creole and Portuguese)
    • Citizenship requirements and how to apply for citizenship
    • Information and resources for new Americans
    • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligibility and resources
    • Legal Protection Fund information and more

  • Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

    Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.

    CHYP resources include:

    • Information on the science of pain
    • Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
    • On-demand webinars for youth and parents
    • Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
    • Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
    • Summer camp

  • Disability Belongs™ LGBTQ+ Resources for the Disability Community

    The LGBTQ+ community and the disability community intersect in significant ways. Disability Belongs, formerly known as RespectAbility, works to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. RespectAbility offers articles, books, and other resources on disability and LGBTQ+ issues.

  • Do It for the Love

    Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself or your child or nominate someone for a live music wish.

  • Easterseals Support for Caregivers

    Easterseals offers a variety of programs and resources to provide support and care for caregivers, including respite care, a step-by-step caregiving guide and more.

  • El Mercadito (Nourishing Hope)

    El Mercadito is a partnership between La Casa Norte and Nourishing Hope. This partnership provides Chicago residents fresh food, benefits assistance, job search training, mental health counseling, and access to housing information and referral services. Assistance is available in multiple languages.

    Nourishing Hope also offers a free, monthly Online Market service where individuals can:

    • Place a grocery order using any computer or smartphone
    • Order frozen meats, canned goods, cereal, milk, eggs, and fresh produce each month
    • Pick up from the warehouse, The Hub or Sheridan Market
    • Skip waiting in line
    • Continue access to the physical pantry/market

  • FacingDisability

    FacingDisability provides stories, hundreds of paralysis resources and up-to-date information on spinal cord injury. The organization works with medical experts from major hospitals, universities and rehabilitation institutions nationwide to provide insight and inspiration. FacingDisability resource topics include:

    • Disability advocates
    • Family and caregiver support
    • Assistive technology
    • Financial assistance and government programs
    • Education and employment

  • Family Economic Mobility Toolkit

    The “Family Economic Mobility: Taking Charge of Your Future” toolkit offers families help to set financial goals and create action plans for tracking progress. The toolkit includes a series of videos and an online resource guide with links to agencies and support programs.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families provides the toolkit.