Champaign Resources
Package of Hope for NICU Families
Lily’s Hope Foundation offers free customized care packages to families with premature babies either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or when they are being discharged.
Its Package of Hope program provides packages customized to a family’s specific needs. A sibling care package is also available.
Packages are shipped throughout the United States based on availability. One Package of Hope per family.
The Findhelp.org website allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and other free or reduced-cost help.
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. NACG resources include:
- Free GriefTalk Live events
- Webinars and continuing education
- Peer networking
Dove, Inc. provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties.
Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water, power, eye prescriptions, dental needs and some prescription medications.
DFA also works with the Energy Assistance Fund to help people with their heating and cooling bills through the “Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program” in Macon, DeWitt and Piatt Counties.
DSCC’s Emergency Plan Template
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) developed this emergency plan template to help our participant families create an emergency plan to keep them safe and prepared in the event of a disaster or other emergencies.
Sections include emergency contacts, emergency prep tips, evacuation plans and plans for medical emergencies.
DSCC’s Paying for College Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about available resources to help pay for college. The tip sheet includes details about possible funding sources and scholarship opportunities:
Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
The Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs webpage provides updated information about COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs throughout Illinois. Information is available in multiple languages and includes:
- Programs that are currently open
- Type of assistance provided
- Eligibility requirements
- Where to apply
- How to apply and the documentation needed
Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation – Ollie’s Branch
The Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF) offers a variety of information, resources and mental health support for families caring for children with pediatric heart conditions and heart disease. OHHF resources include:
- Free mental health services through Ollie’s Branch. All sessions are completely free regardless of insurance status.
- Financial support for families whose heart warrior is currently inpatient or has been admitted within three months of the request. OHHF Community Outreach requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and can help with housing, utilities, transportation, medical bills, and more.
OHHF’s mental health access program is open to heart-warrior families anywhere in Illinois. Financial support requests may come from anywhere in the United States.
Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education classroom.