Resource Directory /

Chicago Resources

  • Advice on Returning to School in “New Normal” Times

    The Child Neurology Foundation and the American Academy of Pediatrics have joined forces with medical and educational experts to create a Back-to-School Educational Series.

    The series covers issues including:

    • When a child should return to school
    • Medications in school
    • Holding an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the “new normal” COVID-19 era
    • Additional resources to inform decision-making for families of children with special needs

  • Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)

    Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) serves youth ages 11 to 17 who are involved in the legal system or at risk of crisis (homelessness, etc.). CCBY provides programs to help stabilize families and prevent or minimize involvement in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems. Anyone can request services for an eligible youth, including the youth.

    CCBY services include:

    • Assessments
    • Statewide 24/7 crisis intervention services
    • Juvenile justice system intervention services
    • Placement services for crisis youth – shelter, foster care, etc.

    You can contact the toll-free CCBYS Information Line at (877) 870-2663.

  • Thresholds

    Thresholds provides recovery services for persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois. Thresholds’ services include:

    • Youth and young adult services
    • Deaf program
    • Intensive outreach for mental illness
    • Training and workforce development
    • Integrated primary and behavioral health care

    Thresholds offers programs at more than 75 locations throughout Chicago, the adjacent suburbs and four surrounding counties.

  • Illinois Cares for Kids

    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)
    • “Ready for K” (Ready4K), a statewide text messaging platform offering fun facts and tips on children’s learning and development in multiple languages

  • ABLE National Resource Center

    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.

  • myFace

    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

  • Summer Meals Program

    The Summer Meals Program and Illinois No Kid Hungry collaborate with national and state partner organizations to provide free meals during the summer for children and youth who depend on school lunches during the school year. Meals are available at locations throughout Illinois for children and youth ages 18 and under.

    To find a meal site near you:

    There is no application to receive a meal and you do not have to show proof of income.