St. Clair Resources
Children’s Craniofacial Association
Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) is a national, nonprofit organization providing resources to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by craniofacial conditions. CCA resources include:
- Financial assistance
- Educational overviews and video library
- Craniofacial surgery care packages
- Resources for teachers and parents
Visit the Children’s Craniofacial Association website for more details.
The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation
The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation provides support and financial help to families in crisis due to pregnancy complications, premature birth/neonatal intensive care unit stay and loss. This financial assistance may help cover:
- Childcare
- Medical bills
- Transportation costs
- Rent/mortgage and utilities
- Post-loss/funeral/burial expenses
- Grief counseling (individual, couple and family)
Visit the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation website for more details.
Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA) helps families honor their deceased children with a decent and proper burial. Families without life insurance or money saved to bury their deceased child, ages 1 through 17, may be eligible. CBA resources include:
- The “What To Do – The First 48 Hours of Your Child’s Death” guide
- A database of service providers
- Burial plots, urns and other in-kind gifts to offset the cost of a burial
Parents, legal guardians or family members may apply online for assistance. Please note: CBA does not provide financial assistance for funeral service fees or grave markers. Visit the CBA website for more details.
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers information and resources for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. AFB resources include:
- Research and initiatives
- Publications
- Digital inclusion and talent lab internships and apprenticeships
- Braille and technology resources
Funeral and Burial Benefits Program
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Funeral and Burial Benefits Program pays for funeral and burial expenses when a person’s resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates.
More information and forms for submitting a claim are available online or at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). Use the DHS Office Locator to find your local FCRC.
Package of Hope for NICU Families
Lily’s Hope Foundation offers free customized care packages to families with premature babies either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or when they are being discharged.
Its Package of Hope program provides packages customized to a family’s specific needs. A sibling care package is also available.
Packages are shipped throughout the United States based on availability. One Package of Hope per family.
The Findhelp.org website allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and other free or reduced-cost help.
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.
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
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.