If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, North Shore Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

They also include information about these programs:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
• Share the Warmth, company- and customer-funded heating grants

Illinois Cares for Kids provides parents, caregivers, teachers, and childcare providers a place to find information on statewide programs related to early learning and development, child care and family well-being in English and Spanish. The website includes information about:

• Child development and education for kids of all ages
• Healthcare coverage and emotional well-being
• Home visiting programs
• Child care subsidy programs
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Bright Start 529 college savings plan

ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act

The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) National Resource Center provides information and best practices related to tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts and federal and state-related ABLE programs and activities.

Rising Lights Project is dedicated to creating environments for individuals affected by disability to learn, laugh, thrive and engage with the Fox Valley Community.

Rising Lights Project provides opportunities that engage, encourage, educate and empower people from all areas of the community to change the way disability is viewed and create new opportunities to keep those with disability engaged and connected. The project hosts inclusive events that are accessible and sensory-friendly for all ages.

For questions about events or programs, visit the Rising Lights Project contact us page.

myFace is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals and families affected by cleft and other craniofacial differences access to personal stories, education and support.

Resources include:

• Information on craniofacial conditions
• Parent resources
• Virtual craniofacial support groups and networking opportunities
• Educational webinars and podcasts
• Home Away From Home family apartments to use during medical care

For questions, please contact myFace at (917) 720-4701 or info@myface.org.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals and snacks to children 18 and under when school is out for the summer.

SFSP meals and snacks are served free at participating program sites. Sites may be located in various settings, including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, apartment complexes, churches and migrant centers.

To find a meal site near you:

• Visit the “We Got You Illinois” Find Food Map or No Kid Hungry’s Free Meals Finder
• Call (800) 359-2163

There is no income requirement to participate in open-site summer meal programs.

Certain summer meal sites, such as camps or closed programs that require an application to participate, may ask about income during the application process.

The Arc’s Talk About Sexual Violence project provides materials and practical tools to help health care professionals, people with disabilities, and their families and supporters learn about the depth of the problem, support victims and work to prevent it.

Talk About Sexual Violence seeks to empower survivors with disabilities in the reporting process and give health care professionals the tools to more effectively identify victims, connect them to appropriate services, help build their self-advocacy skills and better prevent sexual violence.

In addition to the “Starting the Conversation Toolkit for Self-Advocates,”  put together by Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC), resources include short training videos for healthcare professionals, tools to help guide conversations and more.

The Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation provides outdoor events and financial assistance to organizations and individuals who struggle to afford adaptive equipment or participate in outdoor recreation programs.

The individual grant is open to people of all ages. It covers specific modifications or equipment needs that will help get you outdoors. Eligible items include:

• Wheelchair outdoor tires and attachments
• Vehicle modifications (i.e., hand controls or lifts)
• Exercise (FES Bike, Standing Frame) or recreational equipment
• Small home modifications (including a ramp)

Applicants must reside in the United States. They also must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation.

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.

Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences.

The National Institute of Mental health has numerous resources to help children and adolescents cope with traumatic events.

The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families provides a list of resources to help parents, caregivers and educators support children and youth after a school shooting.

Resources are available in both English and Spanish.