Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • 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).

  • Champaign-Urbana Healthy Beginnings

    Healthy Beginnings is a free, evidence-based initiative for moms in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area who are first-time moms less than 29 weeks pregnant and moms with other children who are pregnant. Its goal is to help ensure children and their families have an opportunity to be prosperous and live the healthiest life they can.

    Healthy Beginnings works with eligible mothers and their families to help bring the healthcare, support and resources together that fit individual circumstances, including:

    • Nurse home visiting care/support for pregnant moms & their families (with interpreter services)
    • Mobile clinic services
    • Child and family education
    • Employment opportunities
    • Access to healthy food

    For more information or to make a referral, call (217) 365-7925 or email referral@cuhealthybeginnings.com.

  • Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation

    The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation provides opportunities and resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families.

    The program includes The Tiana Fund, which provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Applications are only available at Chicago-area hospitals or pre-approved community organizations.

  • Cherished Creations

    Cherished Creations grants two types of “wishes” to help children who are seriously ill or have disabilities (up to 21 years old). “Dreams Wishes” provide help with trips, attending special events or buying gifts to better a child’s life within the lower 48 states. “Support Wishes” fulfill practical needs such as ramps, medical equipment not covered by insurance and other needs, especially for children who might not be able to live at home otherwise.

    You can find Cherished Creations eligibility rules and applications on its website.

  • Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Family Activities

    Chicago Children’s Theatre shares a variety of instructional videos and activity ideas, including tapestry weaving, coloring books, making a shadow puppet theatre and more.

  • Child Care Resource & Referral in Southern Illinois

    Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) provides information, referrals and financial assistance to families.  They also provide resources and support for child care and early education programs.  CCR&R serves the counties of Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway

    The Child Welfare Information Gateway aims to provide free and trusted resources to service providers, family members and parents working to bring children home from foster care. It aims to equip individuals with the resources needed to support positive outcomes for all children, youth, and families. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to the following:

    • Publications
    • Research
    • Laws and policies
    • Databases covering a wide range of topics, including prevention, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion.