Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • National Federation of Families Home Resources

    The National Federation of Families shares resources for parents and caregivers to use at home.

    These include educational resources, activities and more that can support families of children and youth who have mental health and substance use needs.

  • National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)

    The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for individuals with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS offers books in braille or audio, which can be mailed to your door for free or downloaded instantly.

    NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible individuals with access to reading materials, regardless of age, economic circumstances, or technical expertise.

    For questions, please contact (888) 657-7323 and follow the prompts or email nls@loc.gov.

  • National Paralysis Resource Center

    The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC), operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The NPRC assists people as they navigate through the various stages of their recovery after the diagnosis of paralysis.

    NPRC offers free tips and information on health, costs and insurance, choosing a wheelchair, home and travel, and help for caregivers. NPRC also offers:

    • Information specialists
    • Peer and family support programs
    • Updates on advocacy/policy initiatives
    • A program for veterans and current service members

    If you have questions, please email Peer@ChristopherReeve.org.

  • National PTA Special Education Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers

    National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and Career Readiness resources and more.

     

  • National Runaway Safeline

    The National Runaway Safeline is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis connection line for youth at risk of running away or already have and are looking for help.

    Call: (800) Runaway (786-2929)

    Text: 66008

  • Navigating Financial Health During Difficult Times

    The National Disability Institute (NDI)’s Financial Resilience Center provides resources and assistance to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions navigate financially through difficult times, like the COVID-19 crisis. The website features videos and resources on topics including employment and unemployment, public benefits, housing, managing money and Social Security benefits.

    NDI’s Financial Resilience Center also includes:

    The “Faces of Financial Wellness” video series featuring individuals from Illinois sharing their experiences in Spanish
    A financial wellness toolkit in English and Spanish/ Recursos en Español
    Videos and financial resources designed for individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing

  • New Kingdom Trailriders

    New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT) in Sherrard offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children ages 4 and up and adults with autism, mental illness, disabilities and other challenges. The lessons help promote mental focus, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, social skills and self-confidence. NKT serves residents in the greater Quad City area and surrounding communities. A limited number of scholarships are offered per riding session to individuals with proven financial need.

    For questions, please contact NKT at (309) 764-4220 or info@nktriders.org.

  • New Lenox Transportation Service

    New Lenox Transportation Service provides safe, affordable and reliable transportation for all New Lenox Township residents. Transportation is provided within the New Lenox Township and Village, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rides are also available to the Mokena, Frankfort and Joliet areas for medical and physical therapy appointments or employment for New Lenox Township residents ages 22 years and older with disabilities. You must make reservations by telephone.

    Transportation office hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride, please call transportation services manager Debbie Cunningham at (815) 485-6431.

  • Normal Moments

    Normal Moments supports Chicagoland families with critically ill/medically complex children up to age 17 by providing help with many household and outdoor tasks.  The organization matches volunteers based on the families’ needs, volunteer location and interests. Support includes:

    • In-home help with necessary chores such as house cleaning, laundry, pet care and other errands
    • Outdoor services such as lawn maintenance and snow removal
    • Annual holiday programs

    Note that Normal Moments volunteers may not provide care for dependents. A responsible adult over 18 must be in the house while a volunteer is in the house with children.

  • North Shore Gas Assistance Options

    If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, North Shore Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

    They also include information about these programs:

    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
    • Share the Warmth, company- and customer-funded heating grants