Resource Directory /

Rockford Resources

  • Habitat for Humanity – Illinois

    Some Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Illinois also offer programs to help with home repairs, weatherization and access ramps for eligible homeowners. Please contact the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving your area for specific details and application information.

    Habitat affiliates offering the additional programs include:

    Habitat for Humanity International affiliates in the Chicagoland area:

  • Hire Autism

    Hire Autism is a free program from the Organization for Autism Research to help autistic job seekers find meaningful employment opportunities and connect with autism-friendly employers.

    The site features include a searchable jobs board and resource library, profile and job board navigation tutorials, personalized job alerts and autism- or disability-related employment events. Job seekers can request free one-on-one virtual assistance with resume and cover letter writing as well as interview preparation through Hire Autism’s volunteer mentoring program.

  • flok for Individuals with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder

    Formerly known as PKU News, flok provides resources, support and an app for individuals with an inherited metabolic disorder and the people and clinicians who care for them. These conditions include Classical Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), Phenylketonuria (PKU), Tyrosinemia and more.

    The flok website includes:

    • Opportunities to connect and share in person and virtually
    • Annual flok Family Camps
    • Food science information guided by a staff dietitian and collaborations with partner organizations and Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International
    • The flok app for individuals managing an inherited disorder of protein metabolism

  • The Superhero Project

    The Superhero Project matches children facing serious illnesses, disabilities and complex medical needs with artists to create their superhero alter egos.

    The nonprofit interviews kids and teens about their superhero alter egos. Artists then design the characters the children have described, creating a visual representation of their strength, courage and resilience. Families then receive an inspiring poster of their superheroes.

    The Superhero Project is free and open to families around the world.

  • PKU Resources from University of Louisville School of Medicine

    The University of Louisville School of Medicine website provides a wide range of PKU (Phenylketonuria) resources to support families.

    The Family PKU Booklet provides information for families after a positive newborn screening. Using illustrations and clear language, the booklet helps make complicated, scientific information easier to understand.

    The site also includes:

    • Caregiver and school preparation tips
    • Nutrient trackers
    • Downloadable PHE and protein log templates
    • Recipes and low protein food suppliers
    • PKU community resources

  • Tracheostomy Care at Home

    Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Tracheostomy Care at Home page aims to help parents learn how to take care of their child’s tracheostomy (trach).  Topics include:

    • The Tracheostomy
    • Tracheostomy Skin Care
    • How to Suction the Tracheostomy
    • How to Change a Tracheostomy Tube
    • Emergency Care

    Please note: This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute in any way for medical education, training, treatment, advice or diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

  • CDC One-Stop-Shop for COVID-19 Information

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a one-stop-shop for information on COVID-19 testing, treatment, mask supplies and vaccines.

    Use this site to find:

    The site also includes a phone number (800) 232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) for any questions.

  • Caring Conversations Toolkit for Families and Providers

    The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC) offers a Caring Conversations Toolkit to help determine when and how to start a conversation about hospice or palliative care. Separate toolkits targeting the needs of families and providers are available.

    Each toolkit offers a series of questions to consider in deciding if it is time to start a conversation about hospice or palliative care for a child with serious illness and how to navigate the discussion.

  • SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation

    SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping Illinois families with children with complex medical diagnoses.

    SAM’s Sweet Heart provides financial assistance to Boone and Winnebago county families with children under the age of 18 who have a medical condition requiring lifelong treatment. Local families may apply for a grant during open application periods.

  • Illinois Association of Education of Young Children (ILAEYC)

    The Illinois Chapter of the Association of Education of Young Children (ILAEYC or Illinois AEYC) works to enrich the quality of care and education of the young child by:

    • Increasing communication among parents, caregivers and professionals involved in the care and education of young children
    • Providing in-service training for the early childhood community
    • Hosting opportunities for community learning

    ILAEYC has chapters and volunteers throughout the state.