Resource Directory /

Rockford Resources

  • Project Sweet Peas

    Project Sweet Peas is a national non-profit organization providing support to families and caregivers of premature or sick infants and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Programs include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care packages, remembrance memory boxes, peer-to-peer support groups and NICU family financial aid, hospital events, remembrance vigils and educational materials.

    Project Sweet Peas also offers:

  • Illinois FAIR Plan Association

    The Illinois FAIR Plan Association offers property insurance to qualified applicants in Illinois who are unable to buy insurance through the standard insurance market for reasons beyond their control. The FAIR Plan may be an answer for responsible property owners or homeowners who are having a problem obtaining property insurance in the standard market.

    Many insured individuals use the FAIR Plan as a temporary market for a year or two until they qualify for coverage in the standard market.

    The FAIR Plan offers Dwelling Property, Commercial Property and a broad range of Homeowners coverage for property owners, renters and condominium owners. Please visit the Illinois FAIR Plan Association website or call (312) 861-0385 for more details.

  • Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays

    Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.

  • Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program

    The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers resources to help people impacted by a violent crime. Under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, the Office of the Attorney General can reimburse eligible victims up to $45,000 ($27,000 for crimes before Aug. 7, 2022) for expenses incurred as a result of a violent crime. The Attorney General’s website provides the Crime Victim Compensation Program application in English, Polish and Spanish and a video with steps for completing the form. Individuals can also call the Crime Victim Assistance Line for help at (800) 228-3368.

    Eligible violent crime victims can receive financial assistance with:

    • Accessibility and usability of property
    • Crime scene clean up
    • Funeral/burial expenses
    • Loss of earnings
    • Medical, hospital, dental and mental health counseling expenses
    • Relocation and replacement costs
    • Tuition expenses

  • Alliance of Therapy Dogs

    Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams, testing, certification, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. ATD can also help facilities such as schools or nursing homes start a therapy dog program. Its website includes:

    • Information on what makes a good therapy dog
    • Steps for becoming an ATD member and membership application
    • A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
    • Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you

  • Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois

    The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois provides resources, education and support for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers. Its website includes information about:

    • Current SCD treatment options
    • Virtual monthly support groups on Zoom
    • GroupMe app support groups (the app is for use on cell phones or computers)
    • SCD testing and newborn screening
    • Scholarships and camp opportunities
    • Events

  • Pace Transportation Services for People with Disabilities in the Chicago Area

    Pace provides a range of inclusive transportation services throughout Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) region (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties). Pace services include free fixed route bus rides for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified riders, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP), ADA paratransit options and the Dial-a-Ride program throughout the suburbs.

    You must reserve ADA paratransit options in advance. These options are for riders whose health condition or disability prevents them from using fixed route services.

    Visit the Pace website for more information about its transportation services and training programs for people with disabilities in Chicago and the suburbs.

  • The Kids Equipment Network

    The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization connecting children with disabilities with new and gently-used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.

    Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:

    • Strollers
    • Wheelchairs
    • Bath and toilet systems
    • Crutches
    • Canes and more