Peoria Resources
Illinois Cares for Kids provides parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare providers a place to find information on statewide programs related to early learning and development, child care and family well-being in English and Spanish. The website includes information about:
- Child development and education for kids of all ages
- Healthcare coverage and emotional well-being
- Home visiting programs
- Child care subsidy programs
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- “Ready for K” (Ready4K), a statewide text messaging platform offering fun facts and tips on children’s learning and development in multiple languages
ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act
The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) National Resource Center provides information and best practices related to tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts and federal and state-related ABLE programs and activities.
myFace is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals and families affected by cleft and other craniofacial differences access to personal stories, education and support.
Resources include:
- Information on craniofacial conditions
- Parent resources
- Virtual craniofacial support groups and networking opportunities
- Educational webinars and podcasts
The Summer Meals Program and Illinois No Kid Hungry collaborate with national and state partner organizations to provide free meals during the summer for children and youth who depend on school lunches during the school year. Meals are available at locations throughout Illinois for children and youth ages 18 and under.
To find a meal site near you:
- Visit Summer Meals Find Food Map or No Kid Hungry’s Free Meals Finder
- Call (800) 359-2163
- Text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304
There is no application to receive a meal and you do not have to show proof of income.
The Arc’s Talk About Sexual Violence project provides materials and practical tools to help health care professionals, people with disabilities, and their families and supporters learn about the depth of the problem, support victims and work to prevent it.
Talk About Sexual Violence seeks to empower survivors with disabilities in the reporting process and give health care professionals the tools to more effectively identify victims, connect them to appropriate services, help build their self-advocacy skills and better prevent sexual violence.
In addition to the “Starting the Conversation Toolkit for Self-Advocates,” put together by Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC), resources include short training videos for healthcare professionals, tools to help guide conversations and more.
Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation
The Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation provides an individual adaptive equipment grant for spinal cord injury survivors with paraplegia and quadriplegia.
The grant is open to individuals of all ages and covers specific modifications or equipment needs that will help get you outdoors. Eligible items include:
- Wheelchair outdoor tires and attachments
- Vehicle modifications (i.e., hand controls or lifts)
- Exercise (FES Bike, Standing Frame) or recreational equipment
- Small home modifications (including a ramp)
Applicants must reside in the United States. They also must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation.
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences.
The National Institute of Mental health has numerous resources to help children and adolescents cope with traumatic events.
Resources to Help Children After a School Shooting
The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families provides a list of resources to help parents, caregivers and educators support children and youth after a school shooting.
Resources are available in both English and Spanish.
Tips for Teens on Talking With Your Parents or Guardians About Vaccines
Talking with family members about vaccines and healthcare choices can be stressful and scary, especially for teens. The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) has created a “Tips for Teens – Talking with Your Parents or Guardians About Vaccines” handout in English and Spanish to help teens navigate those tricky conversations.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources for Families
The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics provides a wide range of COVID-19 vaccination and other immunization resources for families. The information is provided in an easy-to-understand format and is available in English and Spanish.
Topics include:
- COVID-19 treatment for children not in the hospital and at risk for severe illness
- Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support
- Tips and tricks for before, during and after your immunization visit