Family and Caregiving Support Resources
It Gets Better Project – LGBTQ+ Youth Local and Global Resources
The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. The It Gets Better Project offers LGBTQ+ youth on- and offline resources that include events, local community service providers that can provide on-the-ground assistance and thousands of stories as told by members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The It Gets Better Project also provides educational materials and resources for teachers and student leaders.
Jack’s Basket supports new parents of a child with Down syndrome by providing information, a support system and a welcome basket to let them know they’re not alone. Baskets are available from the time of diagnosis (prenatal or at birth) up to the baby’s first birthday. Parents, friends, family members, healthcare providers, or Down syndrome organizations can request baskets.
The website also includes local and national resources to support people with Down syndrome and their families.
For questions, please contact Jack’s Basket at (651) 456-8321 or info@jacksbasket.org.
Jackson County Health Department
The Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) in Murphysboro provides a wide array of public health services to provide education and promote health, prevent illness, protect the environment and prepare for emergencies.
JCHD offers:
- Vaccines and immunizations for children and adults
- Chronic disease management and health education programs
- Emergency preparedness guides and more
For more information, contact JCHD at (618) 684-3143.
JCFS Chicago’s Respite Program
JCFS Chicago’s Respite Program provides support to families caring for children and youth with special needs.
Its program “takes a supportive, nurturing and therapeutic approach, combined with fun, social and recreational activities, while providing a well-deserved break for parents.”
For more information, visit the JCFS website, email ask@jcfs.org or call toll-free at (855) ASK-JCFS (275-5237).
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.
The Jordan Thomas Foundation (JTF) supports children living with limb loss and limb difference with the prostheses they need throughout their growing years. In addition to specialized prosthetic devices, JTF provides support services and programs for children and their families, resources to help recipients participate in activities, scholarships and more.
JTF recipients can be of any age, up to 18 years old. JTF also offers a one-time assistance program for young adults aged 18 to 24 years old. Visit the foundation’s FAQ page to learn more. JFT accepts applications on a rolling basis.
For questions or more information, contact JTF at (615) 455-5505 or info@jordanthomasfoundation.org.
June Jessee Memorial Foundation
The June Jessee Memorial Foundation (JJMF) provides events, information, financial assistance and mental health services to children with medically complex neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond. JJMF resources include:
- Uncomplicated financial assistance for out-of-pocket medical needs
- Free mental health services
- A welcoming, understanding community
- Information to help make journeys easier
For questions, please contact the June Jessee Memorial Foundation using its online form.
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) St. Louis
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) St. Louis offers youth with disabilities and volunteer coaches free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs providing physical activity, fun and support for the overall health and well-being of all participants. Programs are open to all youth ages 5 to 21 with physical or developmental disabilities. Indoor and outdoor recreational activities are available year-round. Registration for programs takes place quarterly.
KEEN St. Louis programs are age appropriate and tailored to each athlete’s needs. Athletes can choose from a wide variety of camps, programs and day trips, including sports, yoga, swimming, dance and more. Fill out the New Athletes Enrollment Form online to learn more about becoming a KEEN St. Louis athlete.
For questions, contact KEEN St. Louis at (314) 399-9458 or info@keenstlouis.org.
Kids 4 Good Center in Eldorado
The Kids’ 4 Good Center in Eldorado provides children from ages 3 to 17 a unique opportunity to learn about generosity and giving back. The “Youth Character Building Program” provides an opportunity for children to shop for their own needs and also select resources to give to others in need within their community. The Kids’ 4 Good Center and Store is a partnership with the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center, the Fowler Bonan Foundation and 4 Good Community
The Kids 4 Good Store is located on Locust Street in Eldorado. The store is open on Saturdays from from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 and includes:
- Shopping for all kids between the ages of 3 and 17
- A store stocked with Amazon returns
- Opportunities for individuals to volunteer to help children have a free dignified shopping experience
Kids in Need of McHenry County
Kids in Need of McHenry County (KINMC) helps foster families with clothing, school supplies, playdates, birthdays and more. KINMC also provides a variety of supports and services for intact families, kinship placements, and other families referred by caseworkers, social workers, and other service agencies. Its programs include:
- The Second Bridge resource program and distribution center where families can shop for clothing and supplies for free
- A safe space for children to visit with their biological families and receive therapy, and caregivers can receive parent coaching
- Back-to-school and holiday events
Families can register for help on KINMC’s website.
For questions, please contact KINMC at contact@kinmc.org or (815) 310-5437 (KIDS).