Resource Directory /

Olney Resources

  • The Autism Collective

    The Autism Collective is a collaboration of Easterseals Central Illinois and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The collective is working to end the isolation felt by those living with autism by uniting experts and connecting families.

    The collective coordinates early identification, diagnosis, therapy, services and support. Its care coordination services are available throughout Illinois (outside of Chicago).

  • A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care

    It’s easy to view self-care as a low priority when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Your role as a parent and parenting partner has unexpectedly changed. The child has urgent and complex medical needs; you must manage appointments and service providers, and learn new information about the disease and medical treatment—all while tending to the needs of other family members, work and/or other responsibilities.

    The Courageous Parents Network provides this guide to help parents make time and find ways to take care of themselves.

  • Illinois Computer Equity Network

    Illinois has launched a statewide network that will receive, refurbish and redistribute used computers to those in need.

    This initiative responds to the 1.1 million Illinois households currently without computers and aims to bridge the digital divide for those without internet access to help improve connectivity essential for remote learning, work from home, telemedicine, and other requirements of everyday life.

    The project is a partnership of the state of Illinois, PCs for People and various community partners.

    To be eligible, residents must be below 200 percent of the poverty level or enrolled in income-based government assistance programs, such as free or reduced school lunch, Medicaid or SNAP.

    Individuals can register for upcoming distribution events in their area to receive a computer, internet or both.

    Visit www.pcsforpeople.org/illinois/ or call (618) 215-3787 for more information.

  • Bilingual Parents Video Library

    The Illinois Resource Center has put together a library of videos for bilingual parents with videos in French, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and English.

    Each video showcases subjects and information relevant to parents, caretakers and community members, such as the role of Bilingual Parent Advisory Committees, financial aid for college, tenant rights, multilingual student rights and more.

  • Menard County Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program

    The Menard County Housing Authority will begin accepting pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Tenant-Based Vouchers).

    The letter waitlist will open Feb. 15 and close at 3 p.m. on March 1, 2021.

    The areas covered include the following counties: Alexander; Bond; Casey, IL; Clinton; Coles; Crawford; Douglas; Fayette; Jackson; Jasper; Livingston; Macoupin; Massac; Menard; Monroe; Moultrie; Perry, Pulaski; Randolph; Scott and Wabash.

    For more information and to apply, visit www.menardcha.org/. Contact (217) 632-7723, option 3, for additional assistance to apply.

  • Rare Caregiver Respite Program

    The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parent, spouse, family member or significant other) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.

    The Respite Program provides financial assistance to enable the caregiver a break to attend a conference, event or simply have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving. Financial assistance will be granted up to $500 annually for those who qualify. Awards may be spread throughout the year or in a single-use.

    For more information about this program, contact NORD at (203) 616-4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org.