Resource Directory /

Chicago Resources

  • Beautiful Lives Project

    Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations.

    The project creates immersive events aimed at defeating isolation within the disabled community and sparking deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The organization works with companies, sports teams and community organizations to host free community events for individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout Illinois and beyond.

    These events aim to help to defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future. Each unique event provides the opportunity to experience sports, performing arts, visual arts, nature or wellness in an inclusive environment.

  • Project Sweet Peas

    Project Sweet Peas is a national non-profit organization providing support to families and caregivers of premature or sick infants and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Programs include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care packages, remembrance memory boxes, peer-to-peer support groups and NICU family financial aid, hospital events, remembrance vigils and educational materials.

    Project Sweet Peas also offers:

  • Illinois FAIR Plan Association

    The Illinois FAIR Plan Association offers property insurance to qualified applicants in Illinois who are unable to buy insurance through the standard insurance market for reasons beyond their control. The FAIR Plan may be an answer for responsible property owners or homeowners who are having a problem obtaining property insurance in the standard market.

    Many insured individuals use the FAIR Plan as a temporary market for a year or two until they qualify for coverage in the standard market.

    The FAIR Plan offers Dwelling Property, Commercial Property and a broad range of Homeowners coverage for property owners, renters and condominium owners. Please visit the Illinois FAIR Plan Association website or call (312) 861-0385 for more details.

  • Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays

    Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.

  • Autism Society Greater Chicago

    The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s mission is to create connections and empower the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. It provides information and support to individuals with autism and their families.

    The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s website includes sensory-friendly programs and recreation opportunities in Chicago as well as resources focused on health and wellness, employment, housing, legal rights, interventions and therapies.

     

  • Chicago Child Trauma Center

    The Chicago Child Trauma Center (CCTC) serves Chicago-area children ages 1 to 18 affected by traumatic events including physical and sexual abuse, witnessing violence and complex trauma. The center aims to provide expert-level trauma care to children and their families and address social justice issues.

    CCTC clinicians include psychologists, social workers, counselors and case managers who have specialized training and expertise in trauma assessment and treatment models. Care includes case management, advocacy and collaboration with outside providers.

    If you are seeking services for a child who has been exposed to trauma and is in need of therapeutic services, contact CCTC’s intake coordinator at (773) 374-3748, ext. 2221, to determine if these services would be a good fit.

  • Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program

    The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers resources to help people impacted by a violent crime. Under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, the Office of the Attorney General can reimburse eligible victims up to $45,000 ($27,000 for crimes before Aug. 7, 2022) for expenses incurred as a result of a violent crime. The Attorney General’s website provides the Crime Victim Compensation Program application in English, Polish and Spanish and a video with steps for completing the form. Individuals can also call the Crime Victim Assistance Line for help at (800) 228-3368.

    Eligible violent crime victims can receive financial assistance with:

    • Accessibility and usability of property
    • Crime scene clean up
    • Funeral/burial expenses
    • Loss of earnings
    • Medical, hospital, dental and mental health counseling expenses
    • Relocation and replacement costs
    • Tuition expenses

  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs

    Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams, testing, certification, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. ATD can also help facilities such as schools or nursing homes start a therapy dog program. Its website includes:

    • Information on what makes a good therapy dog
    • Steps for becoming an ATD member and membership application
    • A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
    • Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you

  • Healing Hurt People Chicago

    Healing Hurt People Chicago (HHPC) is a hospital-based, youth advocacy program for violence recovery. HHPC services begin in the hospital and include crisis intervention, mental health care, medical advocacy, team support support and patient advocacy. The program also connects participants to supports and a community where they can continue to grow, thrive and break the cycle of violence once they leave the hospital.

    HHPC programs and resources for individuals, families and loved ones recovering from trauma also include:

    • Information about trauma and the SELF (Safety, Emotion, Loss, and Future) model
    • Stories of healing
    • Strategies for coping
    • Resources for families
    • Resources for providers