COVID-19 Resources
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Trained crisis counselors will respond and help you:
- English, text HOME to 741741
- Spanish, text HOLA to 741741 or text to 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp
If you are a caregiver, the Crisis Text Line and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) have teamed up to provide free, 24/7 support to help you navigate the stresses and demands of providing care. Caregivers needing mental health support can text TOUGH to 741741.
Crosswalk Community Action Agency
Crosswalk Community Action Agency (CCAA) offers a variety of programs and services to help individuals and families in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson and Williamson Counties. CCAA programs address the “day-to-day” needs and help individuals work to become self-sufficient.
Programs include:
- A Diaper Program
- Emergency Services
- Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Food Pantry
- Homeless Prevention Services
- Home Repair and Rehabilitation
- Home Weatherization (IHWAP)
- Scholarships
Darkness to Light’s Talking to Kids About Safety From Sexual Abuse – If a shorter option is more appropriate than the full Stewards of Children® training, we’re making our Talking to Kids About Safety From Sexual Abuse training available at no charge by using code Talk2020. This training is ideal for parents and caregivers who may be home with children and have time to invest in learning more.
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health provides frequently-asked questions, tips and resources for how to handle traumatic events.
Information includes possible symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event and when to seek help from a trained professional.
Decatur Public Schools COVID-19 Information
Decatur Public Schools’ Return to Learn website provides information on how the district ill deliver meals to students’ homes during the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year, while students are participating in virtual learning.
Destination Vaccination – Cook County Department of Public Health
Destination Vaccination, a partnership between the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Kaizen Health, offers free rides to get people to and from their vaccinations. Kaizen can provide vehicles to accommodate most residents, including those in wheelchairs or those who require child seats. This service is provided at no cost to residents.
Visit the Destination Vaccination website for more details.
Disability Belongs™ COVID-19 Resources and Vaccine Information for People with Disabilities
Disability Belongs™ provides an extensive list of COVID-19 resources for people with disabilities, communications tools in a wide variety of languages and toolkits in American Sign Language (ASL).
They also include a toolkit with steps for making events accessible for all and information focusing on accessibility, well-being and assistance programs from a variety of sources.
Disability Belongs™ Virtual Education & Students With Disabilities Resource Guide
Disability Belongs™ Virtual Education & Students with Disabilities Resource Guide offers a wide range of information for supporting student success. This toolkit includes:
- Virtual resource guides
- Homeschool programs
- Information on legal rights
- Special education resources
- Mental health resources and more
Disability Information and Access Line
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations and tests. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.
The hotline’s trained staff are available to:
- Help find local vaccination locations
- Set up a vaccination appointment
- Connect with local COVID testing options
- Connect callers to local services, such as accessible transportation, housing support, disability rights and other independent living resources
Call, text or videophone DIAL Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (888) 677-1199.
You can also email the hotline at DIAL@n4a.org or start an online chat with an information specialist.
You can also connect to an agent in American Sign Language.
Diverse Learners Recovery Fund
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is a lottery-style grant program for Chicago families with children with disabilities offered through the Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. The fund will provide one-time grants of $500 to up to 8,000 eligible K-12 students through a lottery. Families must submit an application and complete the verification process to participate. The deadline to apply is Oct. 30, 2024.
The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund program will select recipients through three lottery drawings on the following dates:
- July 1, 2024
- Sept. 16, 2024
- On or after Nov. 30, 2024
The program will notify selected applicants by email. Verified applications that are not chosen will be included in the next drawing.
Submitting an eligible application does not guarantee you will receive the funds.