General 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, ILThe 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 September 26th Project focuses on helping families and caregivers of children or adults with cognitive, behavioral and/or physical impairments prepare for wandering and elopement and disasters such as fires floods, or earthquakes.
The September 26th Projects assists and encourages families to do a checkup at least annually and not put emergency preparedness on the back burner. They provide checklists and information on:
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.
The Superhero Project matches children facing serious illnesses, disabilities and complex medical needs with artists to create their superhero alter egos.
The nonprofit interviews kids and teens about their superhero alter egos. Artists then design the characters the children have described, creating a visual representation of their strength, courage and resilience. Families then receive an inspiring poster of their superheroes.
The Superhero Project is free and open to families around the world.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Find Shelter Tool
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Find Shelter tool provides information about housing, shelter, medical clinics, food pantries and clothing resources for someone in need in your community. Visit www.hud.gov/findshelter/.
Thumbuddy Special is a non-profit organization that was started by a group of special education teachers and therapists to raise money to provide adaptive equipment for children with special needs.
Thumbuddy Special supplies equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs, adapted bikes, ramps and computers. In addition, the nonprofit offers scholarships to children to attend local special recreation camps in the summer.
Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson
Timber Pointe Outdoor Center offers specialized lodging, staff and programming modified to accommodate kids and adults of all abilities. The center provides year-round opportunities for individuals with disabilities and illnesses to experience a fun, safe and accessible environment with family and friends.
Owned and operated by Easterseals Central Illinois, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center programs include:
- Day and overnight summer camps
- Partner group camps
- Weekend family retreats
- Facility rentals
Tips for Families: Receiving Early Intervention Services Through the Phone, Tablet, or Computer
The Early Childhood Personnel Center and UConn Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities provide a checklist to help families prepare for virtual Early Intervention services.
The Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, Title V of the Social Security Act, is a federal program that aims to improve the health of all women, children and families. Each state has a Title V program that serves children with special health care needs.
The Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration provides this list of state Title V program contact information.