Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Highpoint Care Center

    Highpoint Care Center provides Drive-Up Care Centers where visitors can receive a bag filled with household toiletries and groceries. The organization also provides meals to District 200 students during lunchtime and has a mobile food pantry. Additional assistance with the cost of utilities, rent and car repairs is available.

    Care Center locations are in Naperville, North Aurora, Bolingbrook/Romeoville and Wheaton.

  • Hispanic Women of Springfield (HWOS)

    Hispanic Women of Springfield is a non-profit organization offering a variety of resources and social activities for both Spanish and English speakers. Its services include:

    • Translating documents
    • Access to food, medication, utility assistance and other resources
    • COVID-19 vaccine appointments
    • Someone to check in with and talk to
    • Immigration, driver’s license and ITIN number information

    To contact Hispanic Women of Springfield:

  • Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois

    The Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.

    Contact a Homeless Prevention Provider from the list to receive services.

  • Housing Authority of Cook County

    The Housing Authority of Cook County is committed to providing quality housing to low and moderate-income families, the elderly and individuals with disabilities throughout suburban Cook County. Programs and resources include low-income public housing, affordable multi-family housing, Housing Choice Voucher Programs and more Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs.

  • Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW)

    Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) empowers individuals and families in the Chicagoland area to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. HOW aims to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible along with individualized support services to help them build success and self-sufficiency. Its services and programs include:

    • Permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities
    • Employment and life skills
    • Children and youth after-school enrichment activities and Saturday teen programs
    • Advocacy for individuals/families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
    • Housing and support for Families in Transition (FIT)

  • How to Fill Out DSCC Forms in Spanish

    There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most commonly used forms. These videos provide step-by-step instructions:

  • Icing Smiles

    Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families affected by a child’s critical illness or an illness that requires frequent hospitalizations.

  • igrow Home Visiting

    igrow is the Illinois symbol for quality evidence-based home visiting services to expectant parents and families with new babies and young children.

    igrow home visiting provides family support and coaching to young parents who may be inexperienced and often do not have family support. Trained professionals are matched with families based on each family’s needs.

  • IL. Developmental Disabilities Services

    Information about Illinois Developmental Disabilities Service System including descriptions of residential programs, day programs and support services.

  • Illinois Assistive Technology Program

    The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.

    IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.

    IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:

    • Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
    • Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
    • IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.