Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs

    Children with disabilities — such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities — are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors —  physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments — may increase the risk.

    StopBullying.Gov provides information on risk factors, strategies to create a safe environment and other resources at www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/special-needs.

  • C.I.T.Y. of Support

    Children in Therapy and You (C.I.T.Y.) of Support is an online and in-person community that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis, age, therapeutic needs or overall situation. Information, resources and events are available online.

    C.I.T.Y. of Support includes members from all across Chicagoland. Local leaders help coordinate on-site events and opportunities within specific geographic regions. C.I.T.Y. programs include:

    • In-person and online events and classes
    • Celebrations and inclusive playgroups
    • NICU welcome kits
    • GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop

    C.I.T.Y. of Support also sponsored the creation of the Accessibility Support Collection at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Children in therapy and their caregivers may borrow therapeutic toys/tools/print materials from the library to explore at home.

  • Camp Big Sky in West Central Illinois

    Camp Big Sky provides accessible cabins and recreational opportunities for children and adults with developmental, physical, cognitive, sensory, and age-related disabilities. Located in northern Fulton County, Camp Big Sky offers three distinct and totally accessible activity areas with two lakes and a campground.

    Daytime activities are free for people of all ages with a disability and their families, friends and caregivers. Overnight camping in cabins and tents is available for a nominal fee. Groups of campers are also welcome. Reservations are required for all visits.

    See the Camp Big Sky fact sheet for more details.

  • Camp Erin Grief Support Online

    Eluna’s Camp Erin Online provides an intentional space for children and their families to connect, find support and remember the people in their lives who have died. Camp Erin Online focuses on helping families find meaningful support as they move through grief using creative outlets such as:

    • Painting
    • Music
    • Mindfulness
    • Movement
    • Photography

    To attend Camp Erin Online events and programs, fill out an application online.

  • Camp Erin Overnight Grief Camp

    Camp Erin Chicago is part of a national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.  Free of charge for all families, Camp Erin combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old.

    ​Camp Erin Chicago takes place in Delavan, Wisc., in July. Registration usually opens in December for the following summer. ​If you are interested in enrolling your child or family in Camp Erin, please email Camp Director Bryan Heidel at bheidel@nush.org, or call (773) 569.9553.

  • Camp Sunshine for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families in Maine

    Camp Sunshine helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families find hope, community and a safe space for recharging together. Located in Maine, the camp offers medical support and free, year-round camping sessions for children ages 21 and under, their siblings, parents and caregivers. Campers come from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Bereavement sessions are also available for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

    Camp Sunshine offers sessions of varying lengths throughout the year. Supported conditions and diagnoses include:

    • A brain tumor, cancer and retinoblastoma
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Hematologic conditions
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and more

  • Catholic Charities Social Services Archdiocese of Chicago

    Catholic Charities Social Services Archdiocese of Chicago provides help, including homelessness prevention, food and basic needs, and crisis assistance. It also connects people to other organizations that can help with emergency assistance in Chicago, suburban Cook County and Lake County. Services include:

    • Burial and funeral assistance
    • Case management services
    • Crisis assistance
    • Rental and utility assistance
    • Emergency shelter services
    • Stabilization services (pharmaceutical assistance, transportation assistance, clothing vouchers)

    The organization also provides family support programs, including child care and pregnancy and parenting support services, domestic violence support, behavioral health programs, and immigrant and refugee support.

  • CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County

    CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County offers a variety of services to families and individuals in need.

    Its programs include:

    • Utility bill assistance with gas, electric, water and furnace repair
    • Home weatherization providing long-term home repair solutions to reduce energy costs and make homes more energy efficient
    • Housing services including housing information counseling, education and advice for homebuyers, homeowners, renters and the homeless
    • Services for women, infants and children including food, education and support for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age 5

  • Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)

    The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a central “hub” for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities nationwide. Materials on CPIR’s website are user-centered and created for and by Parent Centers around the country to help provide support and services to the families they serve. Resources include parent guides, training materials, information on special education and transition planning, webinars and more. CPIR also provides information in Spanish to help parents understand specific disabilities, the special education process and where to find help.

    CPIR also offers:

    • A family-friendly resource library
    • A monthly e-newsletter featuring new resources, upcoming events, and materials to share
    • Native American resources
    • The Office of Special Education Program (OSEP)’s Glossary of Common Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Terms in Spanish and in Korean
    • An events calendar
    • A Parent Center locator tool

  • Center for Prevention of Abuse

    Center for Prevention of Abuse‘s mission is to help all people – women, men, and children – to live free from violence and abuse.

    The center provides services for domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, human trafficking, adult protective services and prevention education. Its crisis hotline is available 24/7 at (800) 559-SAFE (7233).