Resource Directory /

Peoria Resources

  • Kids Wish Network

    The Kids Wish Network provides programs to help inspire hope, create happy memories, share comfort and reach kids in life-altering situations. The organization grants wishes and provides programs across the country to children between the ages of 3 and 18 who are facing extraordinary challenges due to illness, hospitalization, homelessness, and abuse. Anyone can refer a child.

    Kids Wish Network services include:

    • Lifetime Wishes – grants customized wishes to children who are battling a life-threatening medical condition
    • A Child Forever – comforts families devastated by the loss of a child by offering funeral assistance and ensuring a proper end-of-life ceremony
    • Holiday of Hope – brings holiday happiness to children facing poverty, addiction, homelessness and life-altering situations
    • Hero Wishes – helps brave kid-warriors who have survived tough and often tragic life circumstances
    • Project Toy Drop – delivers gifts and laughter to at-risk youth and kids of American servicemen or women

  • The Dream Factory

    The Dream Factory is a volunteer-driven children’s wish-granting organization. Volunteers raise funds in their communities to grant dreams to local children ages 3 through 18 who have a life-threatening illness or are critically and chronically ill. Dreams are granted through local chapters. Referrals can be made by:

    • A parent or legal guardian of an ill child
    • A treating physician of an ill child
    • The ill child

    In Illinois, contact the Dream Factory of Central Illinois at centralillinois@dreamfactoryinc.org. You can find other local chapters on the Dream Factory website.

  • Disability EmpowerHer Network

    Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. The group, based in Rochester, NY, focuses on building skills and community by connecting girls with disabilities with successful women with disabilities to serve as mentors and role models.

    Resources and programs include:

    •  A stories blog
    • EmpowHer Camp (a year-long program)
    • Letter from a role model
    • Get a Mentor
    • EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program

  • Find Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders

    FindTreatment.gov is a confidential and anonymous resource for people seeking treatment options anywhere in the United States. Information about paying for treatment and understanding addiction and mental health is also available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) oversees the site.

    FindTreatment.org also offers:

    • The National Helpline at (800) 662-4357
    • State substance use and mental health agency links and phone numbers
    • Video tutorials for using the site
    • Information about the Disaster Distress Helpline for counseling related to disasters
    • Other treatment resources

  • Rebuilding Together

    Rebuilding Together is a nationwide nonprofit providing critical, high-impact home repair and renovation services at no cost to eligible homeowners in need. Organization affiliates focus on community projects aimed at improving safety, quality of life and independence for all people. Illinois affiliates are located in Aurora, Henry County, Metro Chicago, North Suburban Chicago, Peoria, Southwest Illinois, and Stephenson County.

    Use the Rebuilding Together locator to get up-to-date information for each location. Rebuilding Together services may include:

    • Ramps and home repair services targeting significant safety and health hazards
    • Minor repairs and modifications such as installing grab bars and securing or installing interior and exterior railings
    • Community projects based on input from residents and other stakeholders

  • Understood

    Understood is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with learning and thinking differences thrive in school, at work and throughout life. Understood raises awareness about dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodiversity by sharing personal stories and providing resources for understanding behaviors, supporting learning, building everyday skills and exploring careers.

    Understood’s resources include:

    • Fact sheets on myths, ADHD, bullying and more
    • Toolkits
    • Communication strategies for all stages of life
    • Podcasts featuring personal stories and perspectives

  • “All About Me” Page Templates

    It’s important for everyone involved in your child’s care to understand their needs and what makes them unique. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created “All About Me” Pages that you can personalize to help anyone on your care team and beyond get to know your child. These free templates highlight what works best for your child, what they like and dislike and who they are as a person.

    There are a variety of designs to choose from to help you capture your child’s personality. You can share them with doctors, nurses, schools, other caregivers and more. Templates are available in both English and Spanish.

  • National Resource Hub for Moving to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

    The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities offers a wide range of tools to empower youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) ages 12 to 26 to direct their transition from pediatric to adult care. This national site is a one-stop shop where young people and their families, clinicians, and direct care providers can find videos and other resources for understanding and navigating the transition to adult health care.

    Site resources include:

    • An “Introduction to Health Care Transition (HCT)” for youth and young adults
    • Videos and interactive quizzes
    • Changes in insurance and legal rights
    • Quick guides and infographics

  • Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) in Spring Valley

    The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) serves individuals with disabilities and their families living in LaSalle, Marshall, Bureau, Putnam, and Stark counties. Located in Spring Valley, IVCIL provides services and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to choose what is best for themselves and their families.

    IVCIL also provides community grants. Individuals and agencies can apply year-round. Other IVCIL programs and services include:

    • Independent living and community services
    • Youth and transition services
    • Peer counseling
    • Personal assistant program
    • Site accessibility assessments