Resource Directory /

Marion Resources

  • The Center for Chronic Illness

    The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization offering support and education to promote well-being and decrease isolation for people affected by chronic illness. CCI offers adults and teens living with chronic illness a variety of support groups and programs focusing on emotional well-being, health education and community. ​CCI provides:

  • Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

    Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.

    CHYP resources include:

    • Information on the science of pain
    • Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
    • On-demand webinars for youth and parents
    • Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
    • Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
    • Summer camp

  • Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub

    The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub provides articles, books and other comprehensive resources to support adolescents and their communities as they navigate the grieving process and find a path towards healing. Resources are available for individuals, communities and school districts.

    “Postvention” is a term to describe best practices after a suicide. The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub offers information on topics including:

    • Communicating and understanding postvention
    • Parent resources and support groups
    • 24/7 support

  • The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice

    The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice is a national resource center for youth with disabilities. Youth Voice, Youth Choice provides self-advocates, their families and supporters with advocacy, teaching tools for alternatives to guardianship, plain language resources and more. It offers:

    • Videos and youth stories
    • Alternatives to guardianship tools with stories and resources to help make tough decisions
    • A plain language series featuring a wide variety of important topics
    • The Youth Ambassador Curriculum for building leadership and advocacy skills

  • Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda

    Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers a diverse range of camps, retreats, programs and activities for children and adults of all abilities. Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center programs include:

  • QuestBridge

    QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to scholarships, financial aid and other learning opportunities to help them attend top colleges nationwide. QuestBridge also provides a Student Resource Center featuring a student workbook, checklists and tips for preparing, applying and paying for college. Its programs include:

    • The College Prep Scholars Program helps high school juniors become strong applicants to top colleges.
    • Quest for Excellence Awards provide high school juniors opportunities to receive scholarships, laptops and funding for partner college visits.
    • The National College Match is the next step for high school seniors. College Match participants can apply for free to colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship.
    • The QuestBridge Regular Decision program provides finalists who do not match an opportunity to be considered for admission and financial aid through a partnering college.

    Visit the QuestBridge website for up-to-date program information, application deadlines and information about other programs.

  • The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship for Individuals with Certain Metabolic Disorders

    The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship from flok is for individuals with one of several metabolic disorders. The scholarship is for students demonstrating character, academic achievement and engagement with their community, and who are pursuing post-secondary educational or vocational opportunities. Students from any country can apply. Scholarship applications open by mid-December each year. Applications are due in mid-March.

    To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have one of these metabolic disorders:

    • Classical HCU
    • Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
    • An Organic Acidemia
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
    • Tyrosinemia
    • Urea Cycle Disorder (UCD)

  • Advocate Dental Center in Chicago

    Advocate Dental Center provides a wide range of dental services for adults and children with developmental disabilities through its Special Patient Dental Care Program. The program’s services include:

    • Dental exams and cleanings
    • X-rays
    • Fillings
    • Root canal treatments
    • Extractions, crowns and tooth replacements
    • IV sedation
    • Operating room dentistry

    Call (773) 871-2188 to discuss Special Patient Dental Care Program eligibility and appointment scheduling.

  • The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry Pediatric Special Needs Dentistry

    The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Care provides comprehensive dental care for children including individuals with complex oral health needs and special developmental and behavioral care needs. Pediatric Dentistry clinics provide care for children from infancy through adolescence (under age 17), including:

    • Comprehensive oral health examinations, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorative procedures (fillings, crowns, etc.)
    • Extractions and minor surgical procedures
    • Urgent care (trauma, infection, etc.) and more

    These services can be completed using inhalation sedation (Nitrous oxide), moderate sedation and general anesthesia. Read more about pediatric services.

    Social stories are also available to help children with autism or sensory issues get ready for a dental visit: