Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago is a not-for-profit organization serving 44 counties in Illinois. It offers education, advocacy and case management to people living with epilepsy, their families and the communities in which they live.
The foundation’s client services include case management, programs for children and adults, epilepsy centers, support groups, employment, medications, and driving and transportation.
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois aims to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. Its programs include epilepsy and seizure support services, home-based services, residential services, epilepsy education programs, support groups, Camp Roehr, a scholarship and more.
Its website also provides resources, including a New to Epilepsy Guide, a seizure calendar, a Professionals and Caregiver Guide, and more.
For questions or more information, please visit the Contact Page for the Southern Illinois Region Office and the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois for coverage information and phone numbers.
Equip for Equality‘s mission is to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities. It is the federally mandated, governor-appointed protection and advocacy organization for the state of Illinois. It works to remove barriers in education, employment, housing, transportation and government services for Illinois residents and create model programs for other organizations around the country.
Equip for Equality offers assistance in areas including:
- School and education rights
- Employment rights
- Fully participating in the community and discrimination
- Leaving residential facilities
- Legal services and more
Exceptional Learners Collaborative
The Exceptional Learners’ Collaborative (ELC) is a special education cooperative and joint agreement between four school districts in Vernon Hills (Lake County), Ill. The ELC provides services to students with special needs, ages 3 through 22. Its website offers information and resources on transition, employment, housing, mental health, parent advocacy and empowerment, the One Community parent-to-parent support group and more.
ELC provides services and support in communities including Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Prairie View, Hawthorn Woods, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, Mettawa, Fox Lake, and Spring Grove.
If you have any questions, please call (224) 513-6444.
FacingDisability provides stories, hundreds of resources on paralysis, and up-to-date information on spinal cord injury. The organization works with medical experts from major hospitals, universities and rehabilitation institutions nationwide to provide insight and inspiration. FacingDisability resource topics include:
- Disability advocates
- Family and caregiver support
- Assistive technology
- Financial assistance and government programs
- Education and employment
If you have any questions, please contact FacingDisability at (312) 284-2525 or email info@facingdisability.com.
Families, Addiction and Mental Health Network
The Caregiver Action Network’s Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network (FAM) is committed to helping and supporting caregivers, families, and patients navigate specialized supports and resources.
FAM recognizes the diversity and specialized support caregivers need to navigate substance use disorders and mental health care. FAM can connect caregivers with tailored tools and news to help navigate the complex mental healthcare landscape and advocate for their loved ones, and take care of their own health. FAM also provides educational articles, webinars, training, and other resources with lessons from fellow caregivers, healthcare professionals, social workers and others.
For more information, fill out the Contact form on FAM’s website.
The Family Caregiver Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. The Family Caregiver Alliance website provides in-depth information and tips on a variety of caregiving topics, including legal and financial planning, advanced illness and end of life, self-care and more.
Resources are available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and more.
Family Connections with Pediatrics
“Family Connections with Pediatrics” is a series of family-written blogs summarizing research articles in Pediatrics Journal. Each blog explains the “scientific literature” findings and what they may mean for families, including:
- Examples of how the findings apply to real-life situations
- Suggestions for ways that families and healthcare professionals can work together for the health and well-being of children and families
Family Economic Mobility Toolkit
The “Family Economic Mobility: Taking Charge of Your Future” toolkit offers families help to set financial goals and create action plans for tracking progress. The toolkit includes a series of videos and an online resource guide with links to agencies and support programs.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families provides the toolkit.
For more information, please contact PFCE@ecetta.info or (866) 763-6481.
Family Justice Center in Peoria
The Peoria County Family Justice Center is a multi-disciplinary response team designed to provide services and support to victims of domestic violence, while simultaneously holding offender’s accountable.