Marion Resources
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.
Boyton Street Community Center
Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:
- Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
- An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
- Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
- Special events
For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.
DSCC’s Insurance Appeals Communication Log
Documentation is very important when appealing a decision made by the health insurance plan. This Insurance Appeals Communication Log from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help you keep track of when you talk to people and what you talked about.
DSCC’s Health Insurance Appeals Tip Sheet
An appeal is when you ask your health insurance company to reconsider their decision. Health insurance plans must tell you why they did not cover services. This Health Insurance Appeals tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) includes steps for navigating the process of asking your health insurance company to reconsider their decision. It also includes a sample appeal letter.
DSCC’s Insurance Appeals Calendar
Documentation is very important when appealing a decision made by your health insurance plan. This calendar from from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is one of the tools you can use during the appeals process to help keep track of important dates and documents.
TDI for Access Communication Access Scholarship Program
TDI for Access’ annual Communication Access Scholarship Program recognizes graduating high school students who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deafblind (DHH). The scholarship program is open to graduating DHH high school seniors anywhere in the United States who plan to attend post-secondary school at either a technical college or university.
The scholarship recognizes students for their passion and capacity to lead and serve as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on accessible communication technologies. The application window is from March to May every year.
Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) Illinois
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a recovery resource devoted to supporting people struggling with alcoholism. AA provides information and support for taking the next step to overcoming alcohol addiction. AA provides a localized support system and statewide meetings throughout Illinois to help members who need the extra support to stop drinking and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf
The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn ASL. The non-credit courses do not count toward professional development hours or continuing education units.
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.
These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:
- DSAGSL Metro-East Illinois Community Group serves Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet at abigail@dsagsl.org or call (314) 833-7560.
- DSAGSL Southern Illinois Community Group serves Carbondale, Creal Springs and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet for information.
- DSAGSL Down Syndrome & Autism Dual Diagnosis Group serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Linda Kamphorst at linda@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-8214.
- DSAGSL Black Family Network serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Makini Anwisye at makini@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-7586.
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB)
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) promotes vision and eye health in the state of Illinois. ISPB provides:
- Eye care education programs and information
- Youth replacement glasses and low-vision equipment reimbursement services
- Research grant opportunities
- Speakers and screening events