The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) provides free, easy to understand resources for people living with traumatic brain (TBI), spinal cord (SCI) and burn injuries and their supporters. The research-based resources aim to improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for people living with SCI, TBI, and burn injuries. MSKTC resources are available in a variety of formats including printable PDF documents, videos and slideshows.

The MSKTC website features a wide range user-friendly resources divided by topic:

• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Burn injury

Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are birth defects of the physical structure of the brain or spinal cord that occur during fetal intrauterine growth such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions. The Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) at the University of Chicago provides individuals and families help with diagnosing, understanding, caring for and addressing the challenges of living with CNS congenital anomalies. MHFP also provides research and research grants.

The Margaret Hacker Family Program also offers:

• A monthly, virtual “Connect Group” for individuals and families affected by CNS anomalies
• In-person quarterly socials
• In-person events twice a year featuring food, giveaways, fun activities and resources
• Help with finding resources and medical care

The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars, information to help with navigating the transition to adulthood, and training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals. The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:

• Parent resources
• The Illinois Valley Transition Planning Committee (IVTPC)
• Upcoming events
• Quick links to MyInfinitec and more

Illinois Help Stop Hate provides meaningful support to help victims and witnesses of hate acts in reporting what happened and connecting them and their communities with vital resources. The service is free, confidential and not affiliated with law enforcement. Individuals can make online reports in seven languages. Callers can report in the language of their preference and receive assistance from call specialists trained in trauma-informed care.

You can make reports anonymously by calling (877) 458-4283 or (877) 458-HATE, Monday to Friday from 12 to 9 p.m. or online any time by visiting ILStopHate.org.

La Casa Norte serves youth and families confronting homelessness by providing access to stable housing and comprehensive services aimed at transforming lives. Programs include case management, emergency shelters, drop-in centers for unaccompanied youth ages 16 to 24, and a variety of transitional, rapid and permanent supportive housing options. All housing placements (transitional, rapid and permanent) are made through Chicago’s Coordinated Entry System.

La Casa Norte uses a Housing First/Continuum of Care service model that is bilingual, trauma-informed, culturally competent and impactful.

BACKBONES connects people with spinal cord injury and their families to others with similar backgrounds, injuries and interests. BACKBONES provides inspirational stories and programs that include events, a youth program for teenagers (ages 15 to 18), leader development and monthly online meetups for people in the spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) community looking to connect with their peers.

Nourishing Hope helps individuals and families in Chicago by meeting them where they are to overcome barriers. Help includes food programs, trauma-informed mental health counseling in multiple languages, domestic violence support and a wide range of social services. Nourishing Hope offers a choice-based food distribution program that also includes:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickups through five different food access programs.
• A home delivery services for people with disabilities, older adults and homebound neighbors.
• Life-changing social services such as case management, job search support, domestic violence intervention and public benefits assistance (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, healthcare, government forms).

The Kids’ 4 Good Center in Eldorado provides children from ages 3 to 17 a unique opportunity to learn about generosity and giving back.  The “Youth Character Building Program” provides an opportunity for children to shop for their own needs and also select resources to give to others in need within their community. The Kids’ 4 Good Center and Store is a partnership with the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center, the Fowler Bonan Foundation and 4 Good Community

The Kids 4 Good Store is located on Locust Street in Eldorado. The store is open on Saturdays from from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 and includes:

• Shopping for all kids between the ages of 3 and 17
• A store stocked with Amazon returns
• Opportunities for individuals to volunteer to help children have a free dignified shopping experience

The Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity (CAN) at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby provides a wide range of supports and services to empower diverse learners. CAN services include:

• Accommodations
• Resources and study skills support
• Success coaching

CAN is on the Oglesby Campus in room C-211. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also make an appointment by contacting Tina Hardy at (815) 224-0284 or tina_hardy@ivcc.edu.

FacingDisability provides stories, hundreds of paralysis resources and up-to-date information on spinal cord injury. The organization works with medical experts from major hospitals, universities and rehabilitation institutions nationwide to provide insight and inspiration. FacingDisability resource topics include:

• Disability advocates
• Family and caregiver support
• Assistive technology
• Financial assistance and government programs
• Education and employment