The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization that offers support and education to promote well-being and reduce isolation for people affected by chronic illness. CCI offers adults and teens living with chronic illness a variety of support groups and programs focusing on emotional well-being, health education and community. ​CCI provides:

• Chronic illness support groups for adults and teens
• Supporting loved ones and parenting children with health challenges support groups
• BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ support groups
• Health education programs
• Resources

For questions, contact CCI at (425) 296-2705 or info@thecenterforchronicillness.org.

Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.

CHYP resources include:

• Information on the science of pain
• Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
• On-demand webinars for youth and parents
• Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
• Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
• Summer camp

For questions, fill out CHYP’s online form or email admin@mychyp.org.

After 22 is Richard J. Daley College’s comprehensive transition program for adults with disabilities ages 18 and older. The After 22 Pilot Program connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to career training, educational opportunities and jobs. This program also teaches students life skills, provides them with coaches and mentors, and allows them to experience social and extracurricular activities.

Students who complete this program will earn a Career Advancement Certificate from the college (not an academic degree).

To enroll in After 22, students must have been ensured a free public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have a documented intellectual disability, have a high school diploma or GED, and be 18 or older.

Diverse Abilities – YMCA provides a wide variety of programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs the opportunity to participate in a wide range of classes and activities tailored to their needs and comfort levels.

Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:

• SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
• Gymnastics
• Saturday Strikers providing a safe and welcoming environment for building skills and learning how to navigate the everyday world
• Sports

If you have any questions, please email diverseabilities@springfieldymca.org.

The St. Louis Dental Center offers comprehensive special care dentistry for patients with intellectual, physical, and emotional disabilities, as well as other special healthcare needs. It is a partnership of A.T. Still University (ATSU) and Affinia Healthcare.

The center’s special care suites include a wheelchair lift. The center accepts Medicaid and most dental insurance plans. Discounts are available to uninsured patients.

If you have any questions or need more information, please visit St. Louis Dental Center’s Contact Us page online.

The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub provides articles, books and other comprehensive resources to support adolescents and their communities as they navigate the grieving process and find a path towards healing. Resources are available for individuals, communities and school districts.

“Postvention” is a term to describe best practices after a suicide. The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub offers information on topics including:

• Communicating and understanding postvention
• Parent resources and support groups
• 24/7 support

The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice is a national resource center for youth with disabilities. Youth Voice, Youth Choice provides self-advocates, their families and supporters with advocacy, teaching tools for alternatives to guardianship, plain language resources and more. It offers:

• Videos and youth stories
• Alternatives to guardianship tools with stories and resources to help make tough decisions
• A plain language series featuring a wide variety of important topics
• The Youth Ambassador Curriculum for building leadership and advocacy skills

For questions, please contact the Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice by calling (617) 287 -4300 or emailing youthvoice@umb.edu.

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

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

For questions, please fill out the online form on the Normal Moments’ Contact Us page or call (630) 888-8111.

Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center (TON) in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers a diverse range of camps, retreats, programs and activities for children and adults of all abilities. Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center programs include:

• Camp BETA for children with type 1 diabetes.
• Camp Little Giant for individuals with disabilities
• Community events
• Outdoor education, training and more

For questions, please contact TON by phone (618) 453-1122 or email at ton@siu.edu.

QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to scholarships, financial aid and other learning opportunities to help them attend top colleges nationwide. QuestBridge also provides a Student Resource Center featuring a student workbook, checklists and tips for preparing, applying and paying for college. Its programs include:

• The College Prep Scholars Program helps high school juniors become strong applicants to top colleges.
• Quest for Excellence Awards provide high school juniors opportunities to receive scholarships, laptops and funding for partner college visits.
• The National College Match is the next step for high school seniors. College Match participants can apply for free to colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship.
• The QuestBridge Regular Decision program provides finalists who do not match an opportunity to be considered for admission and financial aid through a partnering college.

Visit the QuestBridge website for up-to-date program information, application deadlines, and details on other programs.

If you have any questions, please visit QuestBridge’s Contact Us page to find a detailed list of who to contact.