Family Support Resources
Options & Advocacy for McHenry County
Options & Advocacy is a service coordination agency that provides information and referrals, screening, evaluation and assessment, service plans, community education and more for children and families in McHenry County. Its programs include:
- Child and Family Connections Program, an Early Intervention program
- Autism Resource Center
- Helping Us Grow (HUG), a home visiting program
- All Our Kids (AOK) network
- Sibshops
- Playgroups
For more information, visit www.optionsandadvocacy.org/.
Oracle Health Pediatric Grants
Oracle Health Foundation’s pediatric grants connect children to needed care when finances stand in the way. Applications are accepted from the United States and through select international providers.
The pediatric grants cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel and lodging and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs.
Funding criteria include that the child must be 18 years of age or younger (individuals up to 21 with developmental disabilities may also be considered). You can find more details on the Oracle website on how to request a pediatric grant.
PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation.
Parents can find publications, workshops and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment and other services for their children with disabilities.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources and information regarding the bullying and harassment of students with disabilities.
PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. PADS services include:
- A day resource center
- An emergency shelter
- Homeless prevention and diversion program
- Supportive housing
Parenting Children with Health Issues
Free audio, video, and articles focused on parenting children with health issues.
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization providing training, individual assistance, information and resources about raising a child of any age with any disability or special needs diagnosis.
People’s Resource Center (PRC) serves DuPage County residents. It offers a food pantry, computer access, financial assistance, an art program, a clothes closet and more. Residents need to register to receive services.
Download the PRC flyer for a list of locations, services and times for:
- The food pantry
- The clothes closet
- Empowerment services
- Social services
The flyer is in English and Spanish.
Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance
If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.
Peoria Friendship House/La Familia
The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:
- A parent mentor program
- S.T.E.A.M.S Academy for students focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math
- La Familia healing support across the lifespan
- A financial stability program
- Pantry on the Move to help reduce barriers to receiving food