Chicago Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
The national NAMI website provides information on supports, services and treatment options that may help. The NAMI National Helpline is (800) 950-NAMI (6264). You can also text “HELPLINE” to 62640 or go to NAMI.org/help to chat with a HelpLine specialist.
Visit the NAMI Illinois website for information about Illinois programs and services.
The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) is offering free virtual support to help parents navigate their child’s individualized education program (IEP).
During the Virtual IEP Check-up, a certified FRCD Parent Trainer will go through a child’s IEP to ensure they have the appropriate supports to start the school year off on the right foot.
Complete the center’s registration form to sign up.
The FRCD serves the following eight Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.
Providing and Receiving Respite Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center provides these voluntary national guidelines for “Providing and Receiving Respite Care Safely during the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
The guidelines provided in this document are designed to assist providers as well as family caregivers with careful and thoughtful planning and implementation strategies to provide and receive respite care as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flu: A Guide for Parents of Children or Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions
Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old, and children and adolescents with chronic health conditions are at greater risk for serious flu complications. HealthyChildren.org provides information on how to determine your chid’s risk and what steps to take to protect your family.
How Is the Flu Different From COVID-19?
Influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. HealthyChildren.org put together information on both infections and ways to protect your family.
Protecting Renter and Homeowner Rights During Our National Health Crisis
The National Housing Law Project has put together a list of resources regarding renter and homeowner rights during the COVID-19 national public health crisis.
Illinois Early Learning Project’s COVID-19 Resources
The Illinois Early Learning Project provides resources, strategies and activities to keep young children learning at home and at school during the COVID-19 situation.
Envision Unlimited provides in-home respite to individuals with a diagnosed developmental disability.
It currently serves the following counties: Adams, Brown, Champaign, Cook, DeWitt, Fulton, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, and Tazewell. More details are at www.envisionunlimited.org/in-home_respite.
DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout
Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.
Deaf Success in Fall 2020: Guide for Families, Parents, and Students
The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes has created this guide filled with key strategies to support deaf success with your child during fall 2020 and beyond. It is also available in Spanish.