Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Conquering CHD

    Conquering CHD provides awareness, knowledge, community and research to conquer the most common birth defect, congenital heart disease/defects (CHDs).

    The Conquering CHD website includes resources to help patients and caregivers understand CHDs from childhood through the teen years and adulthood.

  • Contact Ministries in Springfield

    Contact Ministries is a non-profit, faith-based, social service organization serving the greater Springfield community. It provides free on-site support services and emergency shelter to single women, women with children, families and individuals in poverty.

    Contact Ministries provides:

    • Referrals
    • Food and clothing
    • Emergency shelter and transitional housing
    • Financial assistance and other programs

    Call Contact Ministries at (217) 753-3939.

  • Courageous Parents Network

    The Courageous Parents Network aims to empower, support and equip families and providers caring for children with serious illness.

  • Cradles to Crayons Chicago

    Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive — at home, at school and at play. The organization provides these items, including children’s clothing, baby clothes, shoes, diapers, car seats, toys and books, free of charge.

  • Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

    Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.

    CHYP resources include:

    • Information on the science of pain
    • Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
    • On-demand webinars for youth and parents
    • Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
    • Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
    • Summer camp

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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