Springfield Resources
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.
Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF)
The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program is now accepting applications for assistance. This federally funded program helps homeowners at risk of default, foreclosure or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ILHAF provides up to $60,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners. The program pays mortgage assistance directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA) is providing free, how-to webinars in English and Spanish to help homeowners with the application process. Visit the ILHAF website for more details.
If you have questions, please contact ILHAF customer relations at (866) 454-3571 or email hafquestions@ihda.org.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. NACG resources include:
- Free GriefTalk Live events
- Webinars and continuing education
- Peer networking
Dove, Inc. provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties.
Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water, power, eye prescriptions, dental needs and some prescription medications.
DFA also works with the Energy Assistance Fund to help people with their heating and cooling bills through the “Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program” in Macon, DeWitt and Piatt Counties.
DSCC’s Emergency Plan Template
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) developed this emergency plan template to help our participant families create an emergency plan to keep them safe and prepared in the event of a disaster or other emergencies.
Sections include emergency contacts, emergency prep tips, evacuation plans and plans for medical emergencies.
DSCC’s Paying for College Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about available resources to help pay for college. The tip sheet includes details about possible funding sources and scholarship opportunities:
Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
The Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs webpage provides updated information about COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs throughout Illinois. Information is available in multiple languages and includes:
- Programs that are currently open
- Type of assistance provided
- Eligibility requirements
- Where to apply
- How to apply and the documentation needed
Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation – Ollie’s Branch
The Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF) offers a variety of information, resources and mental health support for families caring for children with pediatric heart conditions and heart disease. OHHF resources include:
- Free mental health services through Ollie’s Branch. All sessions are completely free regardless of insurance status.
- Financial support for families whose heart warrior is currently inpatient or has been admitted within three months of the request. OHHF Community Outreach requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and can help with housing, utilities, transportation, medical bills, and more.
OHHF’s mental health access program is open to heart-warrior families anywhere in Illinois. Financial support requests may come from anywhere in the United States.
Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline
The Epilepsy Foundation’s Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline has trained information specialists to help answer your questions about epilepsy and seizures and provide you with help, hope, support, guidance and access to national and local resources. You can access the helpline in several ways:
- Online Help Form
- Phone (English): (800) 332-1000
- Phone (en español): (866) 748-8008
The helpline serves people living with epilepsy, caregivers and friends of someone with epilepsy and anyone who wants to learn more about epilepsy. It can provide information about current epilepsy treatment and alternative therapies, medication questions, support groups, seizure first aid, emotional support and more.
Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Parent to Parent Committee developed a checklist written by fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing(D/HH) for dads or any person who feels that they fulfill this role in a child’s life.
“Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads” provides information and action steps to support and encourage fathers to take an active role in every aspect of their child’s life from the start. The guide shares information from a dad’s perspective on topics including:
- The ” new dad” learning curve
- Language and communication
- School and legal rights
- Well-being