Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Comeunity

    ComeUnity is a parent support website with resources on parenting children with special needs, adoption, child development and multiple lists of groups and organizations providing information on specific topics or areas.

    Visit www.comeunity.com/index.html.

  • Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens

    HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens information on understanding, supporting and remembering that each child is unique and will have their own experiences and feelings along the way.

    “Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens” provides help for parents and children navigating the many aspects of acceptance.

     

  • Community Action Agencies

    Community Action Agencies work with local community organizations and non-profit partners to provide assistance to Illinois families with items including:

    • Rental Assistance
    • Food
    • Energy Utility Bill Assistance
    • Water/Sewer Payment
    • Employment Training/Placement
    • Financial Management
    • Temporary Shelter

    This link provides a local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) search tool that can help you find programs in your area.

  • Community Alternatives Unlimited

    Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) provides a wide range of services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as programs to help economically challenged families with health and wellness during pregnancy and birth.

    CAU provides residents of the city of Chicago (north side), several northern suburbs and Lake County with services and programs that include:

    • Interview for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS)
    • Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) and determinations for eligibility for services
    • Individual services and supports
    • Connecting new mothers to appropriate medical care, eligible public benefits, support services and community resources
    • Information and referral regarding prenatal care, checkups and immunizations, breastfeeding, infant development, family planning and parenting

  • Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA)

    The Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA) is an interagency group that identifies and addresses barriers facing parents, families, professionals and providers trying to get needed services and programs for individuals with a behavior disorder or a severe emotional disturbance. CRSA’s free and confidential services include:

    • Helping agencies, schools and parents form working partnerships using a team approach
    • Addressing/resolving multiple agency disagreements about residential placement or funding of placement and services
    • Assisting local communities in developing and strengthening collaborative interagency networking on request

    You can also call CRSA to connect with a program coordinator who will listen and help you develop a plan of care at (877) 541-2772 or (217) 782-2438.

  • Community Connection Point

    Community Connection Point is a regional agency that is recognized as a leader, catalyst and resource for making high quality, affordable childcare and education options available for children and families in the Illinois counties of Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott.

  • Community Resources Compilation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority

    The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides this list of community partners to help Illinois residents find food pantries, utility assistance, rental assistance, emergency housing, mortgage assistance, veterans assistance and more.

  • Compassionate Friends

    The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a self-help bereavement organization, providing support to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and close family members who are going through the natural grieving process following the death of a child of any age (from pre-birth to adult) from any cause.

    TCF resources include:

    • Grief materials and information for the newly bereaved
    • A meeting locator tool to help you find a chapter near you
    • An online support community and live chats
    • A downloadable, online magazine
    • A comprehensive list of similar nonprofit organizations

  • Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)

    Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) serves youth ages 11 to 17 who are involved in the legal system or at risk of crisis (homelessness, etc.). CCBY provides programs to help stabilize families and prevent or minimize involvement in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems. Anyone can request services for an eligible youth, including the youth.

    CCBY services include:

    • Assessments
    • Statewide 24/7 crisis intervention services
    • Juvenile justice system intervention services
    • Placement services for crisis youth – shelter, foster care, etc.

    You can contact the toll-free CCBYS Information Line at (877) 870-2663.

  • Connections for Abused Women and their Children

    Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) is committed to ending domestic violence. Using a self-help, empowerment approach, we provide a shelter for adults and children, counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline for people affected by domestic violence.