Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • FoodFinder


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    FoodFinder’s free website and app display an interactive food assistance map, helping users find their nearest food pantry or other free food programs anywhere in the United States.

    Website: https://foodfinder.us/
    App: “FoodFinder – Fighting Hunger”
    Email: info@foodfinder.us

  • Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

    The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders.

    Parent resources and programming include:

    Facts about Hearing Loss
    Ages and Stages
    Clinical and Community Outreach
    Music programming

  • Funeral and Burial Benefits Program

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Funeral and Burial Benefits Program pays for funeral and burial expenses when a person’s resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates.

    More information and forms for submitting a claim are available online or at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Use the DHS Office Locator to find your local FCRC.

  • Future Financial Planning for People With Disabilities Video Series – ABLE and Special Needs Trusts

    The Arc’s Center for Future Planning provides a series of videos to help you save money and protect public benefits. Video topics include ABLE accounts and special needs trusts. Each video overs:

    The benefits of each resource
    How they work
    What they can pay for
    How to get started

    The videos are available in English and Spanish.

  • Genetic Task Force of Illinois

    Provides information about genetic services available statewide.  GTFI’s areas of focus include advocacy, networking, and continuing education.

  • Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People With Disabilities

    “Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities” aims to empower patients with disabilities by explaining their rights to accessible care.

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides this resource. It is available in multiple languages, including:

    Arabic
    Chinese
    Haitian Creole
    Korean
    Russian
    Spanish
    Vietnamese

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    Chicago
    Deerfield
    Fox Valley
    Hoffman Estates
    McHenry County
    Quad Cities
    Rockford
    Tinley Park

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance.

  • Global Genes

    Global Genes is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. It aims to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.

    The Global Genes website includes a RARE Portal, which is an online community for patients, caregivers and more to share resources and create discussion groups.

  • Good Samaritan Ministries in Carbondale

    Good Samaritan Ministries provides assistance to families and individuals in need in the Carbondale area. Programs and services include:

    Emergency assistance
    An emergency shelter and transitional housing
    A soup kitchen
    Food pantry