Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University

    The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is a federally funded center providing elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Clerc Center Online Community provides best-practice videos, research, toolkits and resources for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and the professionals who work with them.

    Clerc Center resources include:

    • The Language First Parent Guide, a step-by-step roadmap for parents with children who are deaf and hard of hearing
    • Family-focused activities such as American Sign Language (ASL) classes, bilingual storybooks and more

  • The Little Resource Center in Carbondale

    The Little Resource Center (TLRC) provides free health, safety, and well-being services to strengthen and empower families, parents, and caregivers. TLRC services and programs are free. Help includes infant and postpartum care items, classes and webinars on various wellness topics, and referrals to other needed services. The Little Resource Center’s support includes:

    • Short-term diaper and ​formula assistance
    • Events, classes and ​support groups for ​families, caregivers and ​expecting parents
    • Referrals to healthcare ​providers, social service ​agencies and community-based ​agencies for resources

  • The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County

    The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County provides a wide range of programs and services to area families and individuals to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The Salvation Army can help with bills, child care, employment, housing and emergencies.  It also works to connect individuals to outside resources that can benefit personal growth and support.

    The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County is at 524 West Stephenson Street in Freeport. For more information, please call (815) 235-7638.
    Freeport, IL

  • The Salvation Army St. Clair County

    The Salvation Army St. Clair County provides a variety of programs and services to help individuals and families remove barriers, build job skills, find childcare and remain in their homes. It offers:

    • After-school programs where youth and teens have a safe place to complete homework, learn new skills and relax with friends
    • Pathway to Hope program that helps families identify barriers and address them by connecting with community support organizations and more
    • Homelessness prevention services
    • Emergency help with rent/mortgage, utility bills and other needs to keep families in their homes

  • The Southwest Collective Resources for Families in Chicago

    The Southwest Collective is an open forum for southwest side residents to voice their concerns, learn about resources and connect with opportunities and fun specific to the southwest side of Chicago. Resources include “Freebies for Families” events, small business support, providing food to people in high-need areas, weekly free art classes at De Colores Ice Cream & Coffee Shop in Archer Heights, little free libraries and more.​

    These resources are specific to the southwest side of Chicago.

  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation

    The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

    ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

  • United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter

    The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC)  is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:

    • Virtual and in person peer support groups
    • The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
    • “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
    • Advocacy and more

  • Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) in Enfield

    Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is a Community Action Agency serving Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Wabash, Wayne, White and Saline counties. WADI provides emergency help for homeless and low-income families and individuals. It also offers education, housing, homeless prevention and job training programs to empower people to become more self-sufficient. WADI services and programs include:

    • Energy assistance
    • Emergency transitional housing
    • Head Start/Early Head Start
    • Rental housing support
    • Work experience,  on-the-job training and employment assistance
    • Education scholarship opportunities

  • Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington

    Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) offers programs for youth and seniors, interpretation and translation services, and a food program. WACC programs are open to anyone in the community. Its programs include:

    • Interpretation and translation services in French and Spanish for medical, legal, educational and other general documents
    • Mentoring and after-school programs
    • Adult education and GED classes
    • The Mamás Hogareñas Group to educate and support all moms in the community
    • Food program for the Bloomington-Normal community
    • Fitness programs

  • YWCA La Voz Latina

    YWCA La Voz Latina‘s services include:

    • Information and referral services
    • One-on-one parenting classes and adult education workshops
    • Advocacy for at-risk families
    • Immigrant and refugee assistance, information, orientation and referral to services
    • Language proficiency assessments and services for businesses and offices
    • Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) classes for men in both English and Spanish

    These programs are not limited to the Latino/Hispanic population. The organization serves Boone, Jo Daviess, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.