Resource Directory /

Peoria Resources

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance. You can log in to the virtual playhouse to access on-demand programs for all ages, resources for supporting a loved one with Down syndrome and communities of other parents, self-advocates and volunteers.

  • Luella’s Lodge

    Luella’s Lodge provides resources, retreats, support groups and non-traditional holistic therapies for families grieving the death of a child.

    The non-profit includes a secluded log cabin on 10 acres in Oakwood, Ill., offering a private lake, hiking and biking trails, and other amenities to help families connect with one another through grief and healing.

  • The Penguin Project

    The Penguin Project provides a supportive environment for children with a wide range of disabilities to explore the performing arts. The program encourages children and young adults ages 10 to 24 to discover their creative talents, build self-confidence and make new friends by rehearsing and performing a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. The young artists work side-by-side with age-level “peer mentors” through four months of rehearsals and the final performance.

    The project has several chapters in Illinois. Visit The Penguin Project website for more details.

  • Magical Moments Foundation

    Magical Moments Foundation is a wish-granting organization for children with facial differences. Working with the children and their families, the foundation creates experiences and adventures to comfort, inspire and encourage children that face the world with a difference. Family members, medical professionals, teachers and others may nominate a child for a magical moment. To be eligible, a child must:

    • Have a congenital or acquired facial difference
    • Be between the ages of 3 and 18
    • Not yet received a wish from another wish-granting organization

    Visit the Magical Moments Foundation website for more details.

  • Children’s Craniofacial Association

    Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) is a national, nonprofit organization providing resources to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by craniofacial conditions. CCA resources include:

    • Financial assistance
    • Educational overviews and video library
    • Craniofacial surgery care packages
    • Resources for teachers and parents

    Visit the Children’s Craniofacial Association website for more details.

  • The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation

    The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation provides support and financial help to families in crisis due to pregnancy complications, premature birth/neonatal intensive care unit stay and loss. This financial assistance may help cover:

    • Childcare
    • Medical bills
    • Transportation costs
    • Rent/mortgage and utilities
    • Post-loss/funeral/burial expenses
    • Grief counseling (individual, couple and family)

    Visit the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation website for more details.

  • Children’s Burial Assistance

    Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA) helps families honor their deceased children with a decent and proper burial.  Families without life insurance or money saved to bury their deceased child, ages 1 through 17, may be eligible. CBA resources include:

    • The “What To Do – The First 48 Hours of Your Child’s Death” guide
    • A database of service providers
    • Burial plots, urns and other in-kind gifts to offset the cost of a burial

    Parents, legal guardians or family members may apply online for assistance. Please note: CBA does not provide financial assistance for funeral service fees or grave markers. Visit the CBA website for more details.

  • National Center on Deaf-Blindness

    The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) is part of a network of projects for children and youth with deaf-blindness (birth through 21) providing information and learning and development tools for families and educators. NCDB resources include:

    • An overview of deaf-blindness
    • Practice guides and professional development
    • Spanish resources

    NCDB includes state deaf-blind projects in every state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Pacific Basin and the Virgin Islands.