BJC Hospice hosts Stepping Stones Bereavement Camp each year for children and teens who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. The weekend-long, overnight camp provides a safe place for campers ages 6 to 15 to explore their grief and emotions.

The camp usually takes place in August and is free for all children who have lost loved ones, not just families served by BJC Hospice (service areas include Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Fayette, Clinton, St. Clair, Monroe, Calhoun, Marion, Greene and portions of Pike and Perry counties).

For questions, contact BJC Hospice at (314) 953-1676 or griefsupport@bjc.org.

The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) serves individuals with disabilities and their families living in LaSalle, Marshall, Bureau, Putnam, and Stark counties. Located in Spring Valley, IVCIL provides services and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to choose what is best for themselves and their families.

IVCIL also provides community grants. Individuals and agencies can apply year-round. Other IVCIL programs and services include:

• Independent living and community services
• Youth and transition services
• Peer counseling
• Personal assistant program
• Site accessibility assessments

For questions, call IVCIL at (815) 224 – 3126.

The Bottom Line Diaper Bank is a collaborative effort of the United Way of Champaign County and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department.  Together they provide diapers to local programs to distribute to families and caregivers in need. Visit the diaper bank’s website for more details on how to receive help.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) provides law enforcement and caregivers with guidance on preparing for and responding to incidents involving missing children with autism. Information includes:

• Tips for caregivers
• A guide for first responders
• Search protocols

For questions, email IACP at homesafe@theiacp.org.

Different Dynamics is a non-profit organization providing music programming for people of all ages, neurotypes and abilities who have a love of music.

Different Dynamics activities and programming include:

• The Music Exploratorium music studio space
• The Music Workshop featuring music and movement activities for the entire family
• Sensory-friendly performances

For questions, please contact Different Dynamics at (314) 496-9060 or YourFriends@DifferentDynamicsSTL.org.

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.

For questions, please contact exec@campbigsky.org or call (309) 258-6002.

The Lake County Housing Authority (LCHA) provides a variety of programs to help individuals, families and senior citizens afford decent, safe housing and achieve economic independence.

Please contact LCHA at (847) 223-1170 for more information about coverage area and program availability.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:

• Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
• Adaptive sports videos
• A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
• Information about adaptive sports equipment

For questions, use the contact page on CAF’s website or call (858) 866-0959.

There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most commonly used forms. These videos provide step-by-step instructions:

• Solicitud del Programa de DSCC. (Filling out the DSCC Program Application)
• Reembolso de Costos (Filling out the Reimbursement Cost Log)
• Asistencia de Viaje (Filling out the Travel Cost Log)

A seizure is a medical emergency. A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) contains tailored guidelines on how to respond during a seizure, based on the patient’s medical history. It includes health and medical information specific to the patient and helps others recognize seizures and the appropriate steps to take to keep them safe from injury or damage caused by prolonged seizures.

The Seizure Action Plan Coalition has several Seizure Action Plan examples and resources in English and Spanish to help you create your own plan. Resources are also available in other languages.

Epilepsy Alliance America manages the Seizure Action Plan Coalition.