Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

    Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. The program determines annual eligibility levels based on available funding and may not exceed 200 percent of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

    See the How to Apply for LIHEAP page for more information. To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.

    For more program information, check out the LIHEAP frequently asked questions or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at (833) 711-0374.

  • Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) – DuPage County

    The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a one-time water and wastewater payment assistance program to help households that are facing the threat of disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due balances over $250 for their water and wastewater services combined. Customers may apply one time for water and one time for wastewater for the life of the program, which is Feb. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023.

    DuPage County applications are taken by appointment only by calling (630) 407-6500 or emailing CSprograms@dupageco.org.

  • Luella’s Lodge

    Luella’s Lodge provides resources, retreats, support groups and non-traditional holistic therapies for families grieving the death of a child.

    The non-profit includes a secluded log cabin on 10 acres in Oakwood, Ill., offering a private lake, hiking and biking trails, and other amenities to help families connect with one another through grief and healing.

  • Lyft Wheelchair-Accessible Ride Share Service in Chicago

    In Chicago, Lyft can provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that will fit a fixed-frame wheelchair. Through the Lyft app, riders can choose the ride type called “Wheelchair.” This option will pair riders with available drivers who can accommodate a non-folding or motorized wheelchair or scooter. Pickup and drop-off locations must be within Chicago city limits.

    Wheelchair rides aren’t available in every market yet. Please visit Lyft’s website to learn more about using their app and wheelchair service areas.

  • Magic Wheelchair

    Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds costumes for children and youth in wheelchairs at no cost to families.

    To be eligible for a Magic Wheelchair costume, a child must be between the ages of 5 and 17 and primarily use a wheelchair for mobility.

  • Margaret Hackett Family Program

    Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are birth defects of the physical structure of the brain or spinal cord that occur during fetal intrauterine growth such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions. The Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) at the University of Chicago provides individuals and families help with diagnosing, understanding, caring for and addressing the challenges of living with CNS congenital anomalies. MHFP also provides research and research grants.

    The Margaret Hacker Family Program also offers:

    • A monthly, virtual “Connect Group” for individuals and families affected by CNS anomalies
    • In-person quarterly socials
    • In-person events twice a year featuring food, giveaways, fun activities and resources
    • Help with finding resources and medical care

  • Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Digital Library

    The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Digital Library serves the MCH community by providing a wide array of evidence-based information and resources to help strengthen and support State Title V programs, community agencies, educators, students, researchers, policymakers and families. The MCH Digital Library provides quick access to evidence-based/informed resources and programs to support states in developing, implementing, and evaluating Evidence-based Strategic Measures (ESMs) in support of their National Performance Measure (NPM) efforts.

    MCH Digital Library resources include:

    • Seminal and historic materials from federal, state and local programs
    • Resource guides
    • Professional resources
    • School and family resources
    • Title V toolkits

    Visit MCH Digital Library’s FAQ page to learn more about how to use the website.

  • Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) – City of Chicago

    The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) provides education and training, benefits counseling, information and referral, direct services and more to help foster accessibility, full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

    MOPD services and programs include:

  • McLean County Functional Needs Registry

    The McLean County Functional Needs Registry helps individuals with special needs during an emergency situation. The registration form documents the needs of people with physical, mental or medical limitations due to impaired vision, hearing or mobility, and language barriers. The program seeks to ensure that residents with functional needs get the assistance they need during a weather disaster or some other local emergency.

    Registration for the program is free, voluntary and confidential. You can fill out an online form or print out a hardcopy registration form in English or Spanish on the registry website.

  • Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Training Modules

    The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) National Training Center has developed free, easy-to-read online learning modules for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members and their supporters to learn more about mental health. They also have modules designed for mental health professionals and clinicians. 

    These training modules are available at www.mhddcenter.org/learn-now.

    The training topics include anxiety, bipolar disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, preparing for a mental health assessment, supported decision-making and what to expect in a mental health therapy session.