Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Crisis Text Line

    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.

  • Dealing With Traumatic Events

    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.

  • DHS List of Community Service Agencies Serving Immigrants in Illinois

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a statewide list of community service agencies serving immigrants. The list includes:

    • The agency name and contact information
    • Their geographic service areas
    • Citizenship, case management and other services provided
    • Languages available

  • Diaper Bank of Chicago

    The non-profit Diaper Bank of Chicago provides diapers in sizes newborn through large-sized Underjams, ensuring all kids that need protection are covered. It partners with other nonprofits and social service agencies to distribute diapers. The diaper bank only accepts requests for diapers through an agency partner or social service agency.

    The Diaper Bank of Chicago’s doula also offers parenting resources for agency partners on topics that include:

    • Breastfeeding
    • Bonding
    • Infant massage
    • Stress reduction techniques

  • Disability Resource Center in Joliet

    The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.

    Programs also include:

    • Deaf and hard of hearing services
    • Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
    • Assistive technology for children up to age 23
    • Personal assistance program and information

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters

    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

  • DSCC’s IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created an IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families. The guide provides helpful information for our participants and families using the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT) system. It includes:

    • Contacts for assistance
    • A list of helpful terms
    • Information on All Kids/Medicaid transportation benefits
    • How to enroll in IMPACT (as a Private Transportation Provider)
    • Information on pre-approval and submitting a claim

    For more information, visit the IMPACT Information and Resources page on our website.

  • Dunlap & Central Illinois Special Needs Parent Group

    A forum for parents to discuss different topics for their special needs children.

    Meets monthly at Dunlap Valley Middle School.

    For additional information, contact Libby at (309) 693-0514 or email dunlapparentgroup@att.net.

  • DuPage County CRIS – Community Resource Information System

    Managed by DuPage County Community Services Intake and Referral, the DuPage County CRIS – Community Resource Information System connects DuPage County residents with programs that can assist in many areas, such as financial, housing, health and disaster services.

  • Early CHOICES

    Early CHOICES is an inclusion initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. It promotes increasing high-quality inclusive early care and education for each and every child from birth to age 5. Its goal is to increase the number of children with disabilities receiving specialized services in regular early care and education settings.

    Early CHOICES provides planning tools for families to help them think of inclusive options and prepare for the transition from Early Intervention into early childhood services.