Resource Directory /

Marion Resources

  • iCanConnect

    iCanConnect is a national communication equipment distribution program for people with significant combined hearing and vision loss. The program helps eligible individuals who are deaf-blind stay connected to friends, family and the world by providing equipment specific to each person’s needs.

    The iCanConnect website provides information about each local program and application requirements. The local program works with iCanConnect participants to provide an individualized assessment and help with equipment needs.

  • Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid)

    Brightpoint provides a wide range of programs statewide to help families and their children navigate challenges such as poverty, trauma and systemic barriers to equity. Brightpoint focuses on prevention and helping families before problems become life-altering crises. Its programs include:

    • Early childhood care and education
    • Parenting support and family services
    • Foster care
    • Workforce development and youth programs
    • Mental health and wellness

    Brightpoint started as Children’s Home & Aid and has offices in Bloomington, Carpentersville, Englewood, Palatine and Schaumburg.

  • The Painted Turtle Overnight Camp for Children with Serious Medical Conditions

    The Painted Turtle is a year-round, overnight camp in California for children ages 7 to 17 with a variety of serious medical conditions, their siblings and family members. Condition-specific camp sessions and family weekends (for children ages 6 to 17) aim to encourage children to try new things and develop lasting friendships. Campers and their families attend free of charge.

    The camp has a full-time medical staff, a health center and a physician onsite at all times. The Painted Turtle provides camper eligibility guidelines and medical criteria to help determine the best session for your child and family.

  • Mental Health Guidebook for Families of People With Developmental Disabilities

    Reach Across L.A., a California-based collaborative program that serves individuals who have a dual diagnosis of both developmental disabilities and mental health issues, provides a  “Mental Health Guidebook for Families of People With Developmental Disabilities.”

    The guidebook can help families understand mental health conditions, how to get mental health care, how to assess mental health conditions and available treatment options. It also has a checklist to help you talk with primary care and mental health professionals and advocate for your family member’s needs.

  • REACH Learning and Resource Hub

    REACH Learning and Resource Hub provides free, virtual training to help educators, clinicians, parents and caregivers better support the mental health and resilience of the children and youth in their lives. The interactive, on-demand resources focus on:

    • Trauma-responsive practices
    • Personal and professional resilience
    • Social-emotional awareness
    • Self-care

  • American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Internship Programs

    The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) provides two internship programs offering professional and career development opportunities for students and recent graduates with disabilities. The programs help participants access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills and connect to the broader disability community.

    Learn more about the programs and how to apply:

  • Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois’ Camp Roehr

    The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois (EFGSI) hosts an annual, overnight camp for children and teenagers with epilepsy. Camp Roehr provides campers ages 6 to 17 with seven days of fun, building friendships and learning about living with epilepsy. Camp registration typically begins in mid-April. Participant requirements include:

    • Living in Illinois or surrounding states
    • Having a primary diagnosis of epilepsy and well-controlled seizures
    • Being able to care for their own basic needs and ready for an overnight camp experience

  • Mental Health First Aid

    Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

  • Give an Hour – Rare Caregivers

    Give an Hour aims to create resilient communities of support for rare disease caregivers and families. Through one-on-one peer support, group support, professional training and research, Give an Hour strives to build a sustainable support system for rare caregivers.

    Visit the Give an Hour Rare Caregivers website to find peer support, self-care tips, support groups and more.