Family Support Resources
Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation – Ollie’s Branch
The Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF) offers a variety of information, resources and mental health support for families caring for children with pediatric heart conditions and heart disease. OHHF resources include:
- Free mental health services through Ollie’s Branch. All sessions are completely free regardless of insurance status.
- Financial support for families whose heart warrior is currently inpatient or has been admitted within three months of the request. OHHF Community Outreach requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and can help with housing, utilities, transportation, medical bills, and more.
OHHF’s mental health access program is open to heart-warrior families anywhere in Illinois. Financial support requests may come from anywhere in the United States.
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 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 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 (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 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.