Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living

    Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living (OFACIL) is a member of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living serving residents of Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and White counties. Offices are located in Mt. Vernon, Carmi and Effingham.

    Programs include:

    • Skills and employment training
    • Support groups and advocacy
    • Housing referral and community reintegration
    • Youth transition and parent training program
    • Adaptive equipment
  • Options & Advocacy for McHenry County

    Options & Advocacy is a service coordination agency that provides information and referrals, screening, evaluation and assessment, service plans, community education and more for children and families in McHenry County. Its programs include:

    • Child and Family Connections Program, an Early Intervention program
    • Autism Resource Center
    • Helping Us Grow (HUG), a home visiting program
    • All Our Kids (AOK) network
    • Sibshops
    • Playgroups

    For more information, visit www.optionsandadvocacy.org/.

  • Oracle Health Pediatric Grants

    Oracle Health Foundation’s pediatric grants connect children to needed care when finances stand in the way. Applications are accepted from the United States and through select international providers.

    The pediatric grants cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel and lodging and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs.

    Funding criteria include that the child must be 18 years of age or younger (individuals up to 21 with developmental disabilities may also be considered). You can find more details on the Oracle website on how to request a pediatric grant.

  • PACER Center

    PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation.

    Parents can find publications, workshops and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment and other services for their children with disabilities.

  • PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center

    PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources and information regarding the bullying and harassment of students with disabilities.

  • PADS Lake County

    PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. PADS services include:

    • A day resource center
    • An emergency shelter
    • Homeless prevention and diversion program
    • Supportive housing
  • Parenting Children with Health Issues

    Free audio, video, and articles focused on parenting children with health issues.

  • Parents Helping Parents

    Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization providing training, individual assistance, information and resources about raising a child of any age with any disability or special needs diagnosis.

  • PFLAG Support and Resources

    PFLAG is dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Its website includes support resources, links to local chapters and more.

  • PKU Organization of Illinoissun-icon

    The PKU Organization of Illinois provides resources and support to teens, adults and families with PKU and 16 allied disorders.

    Their website includes information about understanding and managing phenylketonuria (PKU), diet, local resources, events, what to expect at different life stages and a PKU binder toolkit.