C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.

C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:

• Summer youth program and college scholarships
• Housing programs
• Employment and training services
• Education services
• Food and utility assistance

Visit the C.E.F.S. website for more information.

The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection laws. This brochure provides information on how their staff members can assist consumers in many areas, including:

• Denial of coverage or treatment
• Concerns about healthcare providers
• Billing disputes and recovering unfair out-of-pocket expenses
• Navigating the health insurance appeals process
• Understanding your health care rights and consumer protection laws
• Correcting health plan or provider errors

Illinois Attorney General Health Care Brochure in English

Illinois Attorney General Health Care Brochure in Spanish

The Family Caregiver Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. The Family Caregiver Alliance website provides in-depth information and tips on a variety of caregiving topics, including legal and financial planning, advanced illness and end of life, self-care and more.

Formerly known as the Center for Law and Social Work, Greenlight Family Services helps families all over Illinois with adult guardianship cases and can also counsel families on backup arrangements as well.

The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects consumers and ensures that all entities regulated by IDOI are in compliance with state and federal laws. IDOI also investigates complaints relating to insurance agents and brokers. IDOI provides Illinois consumers:

• Information and education about their rights under state and federal laws
• Assistance regarding health, auto, homeowners and life insurance issues

Department of Insurance Brochure in English

Department of Insurance Brochure in Spanish

Private insurance plans are all different. Understanding how they are different can help you use your health insurance. This private health insurance chart from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is a guide for most plans. You should always check the rules of your insurance plan.

DSCC’s Private Health Insurance Chart in English

DSCC’s Private Health Insurance Chart in Spanish

Hispanic Women of Springfield is a non-profit organization offering a variety of resources and social activities for both Spanish and English speakers. Its services include:

• Translating documents
• Access to food, medication, utility assistance and other resources
• COVID-19 vaccine appointments
• Someone to check in with and talk to
• Immigration, driver’s license and ITIN number information

To contact Hispanic Women of Springfield:

• Visit their office at 1275 Wabash Ave., Room WS, in Springfield
• Contact Ana Manriquez or Fanny Ivarra at (217) 679-1434 or amanriquez@hispanicwomenofspringfield.org
• Visit the Hispanic Women of Springfield Facebook page

Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.

Adolescence Changing Roles tip sheet in English

Adolescence Changing Roles tip sheet in Spanish

There are lots of ways to experience belonging. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore being involved in sports, leisure and other community activities. This tip sheet includes information on exploring your personal interests, funding and scholarships to support your activities, and steps you can take to get involved.

It’s Great to be Involved tip sheet in English

It’s Great to be Involved tip sheet in Spanish

Global Genes is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. It aims to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.

The Global Genes website includes a RARE Portal, which is an online community for patients, caregivers and more to share resources and create discussion groups.