Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Legal Aid Chicago provides free legal assistance in civil cases to people living in Chicago and suburban Cook County with limited income or special legal needs. It focuses on helping in the following key areas:
- Family and safety – where personal safety and financial stability are at risk
- House and apartment – protecting safe and affordable housing for tenants and homeowners
- Money and debt – protecting income and assets from unfair collections and fraud
- Work and employment rights – protecting the rights and benefits of workers and reducing barriers to employment
- Health, disability and basic needs – accessing and protecting benefits for basic human needs
- Immigration – obtaining protected status for victims of crime, including U-visa, VAWA (for victims of domestic violence) and T-visa (for victims of human trafficking)
For questions, visit the Contact Us page on Legal Aid Chicago’s website.
Lightways Peace of the Heart Kids Camp
Lightways Peace of the Heart Kids Camp is for children and youth ages 7 to 13 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Guided by the Lightways Grief Support Team, kids will participate in activities to help process their grief and meet others who have experienced a loss. The four-day camp also includes hiking, fishing, arts and crafts, music and games. Registration usually opens in March or April.
For more information, please contact Lightways at (815) 460-3282 or griefsupport@lightways.org.
Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society
Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society (LLDSS) provides a support network for families residing in and around Sangamon County. LLDSS programs and events promote awareness, inclusion and education of people with Down syndrome.
LLDSS activities include monthly meetings, social gatherings and recreational opportunities.
For questions, please use the online form to contact LLDSS.
Little Friends, Inc. provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:
- Schools, educational and vocational training programs
- Respite family services
- Community-based residential living
- The Center for Autism
- Inklude Studio
- The Fun Club
- Family Support Network
For questions, visit Little Friend’s Contact Us page or call (630) 355.6533.
Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)
The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
- Assistive technology equipment loan program
- Community reintegration
- Computer literacy
- Mental health resources
- Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
- Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families
For questions, please contact LINC Inc. at (618) 282-2123 or support@lincinc.org.
Love and Logic provides tools and techniques to help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children. While some materials can be purchased, this links to the free articles and handouts for parents.
Love is Respect – Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships for Young Adults
Love is Respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, offers information, support and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. Free, confidential services are available anytime via:
- Live chat
- Call (866) 331-9474 or TTY (800) 787-3224
- Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
Services for the deaf and hard of hearing are also available:
- Videophone (855) 812-1001
- Instant messenger at DeafHotline
- Email nationdeafhotline@adwas.org
Love is Respect also provides help for parents supporting a child who is, or you suspect is, dealing with dating abuse.
Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank works with 26 partner agencies in Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Tazewell, Stark, and Warren counties. In addition to diapers, they provide period supplies and incontinence products.
For help, use this list to contact the partner agency closest to you. You can also visit the Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank FAQ page on their website for more information.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).
Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. The program determines annual eligibility levels based on available funding and may not exceed 200 percent of the federal nonfarm poverty level.
See the How to Apply for LIHEAP page for more information. To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.
For more program information, check out the LIHEAP frequently asked questions or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at (833) 711-0374.
Luella’s Lodge provides resources, retreats, support groups and non-traditional holistic therapies for families grieving the death of a child.
The non-profit includes a secluded log cabin on 10 acres in Oakwood, Ill., offering a private lake, hiking and biking trails, and other amenities to help families connect with one another through grief and healing.
For questions, visit Luella’s Lodge website.