Resource Directory /

Olney Resources

  • Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic from Governors State University

    Governors State University’s Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic (GSU-LC) provides free self-help legal assistance and non-legal resources to low-income Illinois residents navigating the court system without legal representation. The clinic’s team of attorneys, social workers and volunteers works under the supervision of a licensed attorney and social worker to increase access to legal services in underrepresented communities. GSU-LC offers pro se and free legal assistance in the areas of family law, immigration, housing and expungement, and can help with:

    • Understanding legal rights and laws
    • Filing depositions, settlement negotiations and court appearances
    • Reviewing and explaining court orders and filings

  • Protected Tomorrows

    Protected Tomorrows is an advocacy and financial advisory organization supporting families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. The organization provides compassionate guidance to help individuals and caregivers navigate government benefits, legal considerations, future care planning and financial strategies for a more fulfilling future for everyone. Protected Tomorrows’ resources include:

    • Monthly Protected Tomorrows Parent University online classes
    • Step-by-step, comprehensive planning tools
    • Individual and family services
    • A Resource Hub with information, articles and videos

    For questions, please contact Protected Tomorrows using the online contact form.

  • Reach Out and Read

    Reach Out and Read provides resources for families as well as information and training for pediatricians and clinicians working with children with disabilities. The nationwide program focuses on increasing literacy by helping all families learn how to build literacy skills by talking, reading, and singing with their babies from birth.

    Reach Out and Read offers resources for families, pediatricians and clinicians, including:

  • The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) fosters personal relationships and service to people in need. Local SVdP Councils and Conferences, located in rural, suburban, and urban communities, provide rental and utility assistance, food pantries, charitable pharmacies, day centers, transitional housing for people with disabilities and veterans, thrift stores and more.

    SVdP has chapters throughout Illinois. To find help near you, contact SVdP or ask your local Catholic church if they have a Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter.

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway

    The Child Welfare Information Gateway aims to provide free and trusted resources to service providers, family members and parents working to bring children home from foster care. It aims to equip individuals with the resources needed to support positive outcomes for all children, youth, and families. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to the following:

    • Publications
    • Research
    • Laws and policies
    • Databases covering a wide range of topics, including prevention, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion.

  • Adoptive Families

    Adoptive Families is an award-winning web resource for parents raising children through adoption. It offers thousands of articles through its searchable Adoption Parenting Library, as well as helpful tip sheets featuring expert guidance, personal stories, parent-to-parent interaction and more.

  • Reliance Children’s Health Center

    Reliance Children’s Health Center in Plainfield, Ill., provides specialized care in a home-like setting for children who are medically fragile and technology-dependent and under the age of 22. The center has a maximum capacity of 12 children and offers skilled nursing care, respite care, transitional care, therapies, medical daycare and more. Reliance Children’s Health Center services include:

    • Respiratory care
    • Medical day care
    • Respite and transitional care
    • Weekend camps
    • Diagnostic studies

    For more information, contact Reliance Children’s Health Center at:

  • National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

    The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:

    • A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
    • Scholarship and education programs
    • Voter resources
    • Statewide and local chapters

    Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.

    Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.