Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Project Sweet Peas

    Project Sweet Peas is a national non-profit organization providing support to families and caregivers of premature or sick infants and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Programs include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care packages, remembrance memory boxes, peer-to-peer support groups and NICU family financial aid, hospital events, remembrance vigils and educational materials.

    Project Sweet Peas also offers:

  • RAMP- No Limits Center for Independent Living (CIL)

    RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of their disability, age or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:
    • Information and referral
    • Youth education and advocacy
    • Portable ramp loans
    • Independent living skills training
    • Employment services
    • Fast Track Transition services for youth

  • Rare Caregiver Respite Program

    The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parent, spouse, family member or significant other) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.

    The Respite Program provides financial assistance to enable the caregiver a break to attend a conference, event or simply have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving. Financial assistance will be granted up to $500 annually for those who qualify. Awards may be spread throughout the year or in a single-use.

    For more information about this program, contact NORD at (203) 616-4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org.

  • Rare Sisters Batten Foundation

    The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease and also provides monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.

    Families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease may apply with RSBF for financial help to cover a wide variety of needs. Funds are awarded on a case-by-case basis and contingent on the availability of funds.

  • Rattle the Stars Suicide Prevention Services and Training

    Rattle the Stars provides community-based suicide prevention services, information and training to the Champaign County area, including:

    • Suicide prevention consultations
    • Suicide intervention training
    • Private training for groups and assistance developing a comprehensive suicide response plan
    • Student-led school suicide prevention chapters
    • Comfort dog support
    • Speaking engagements and workshops

    All Rattle the Stars services are free. Visit their website for program information and additional resources.

  • Ray Graham Association

    The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.

    The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:

    • Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
    • Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
    • Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.

  • Red Café Parent Support Group

    Parents share information and ideas to help take care of themselves, raise strong children, and build strong relationships with their kids with disabilities.

    1st Thursday of each month
    6:00pm – 7:00pm

    To register, call (309) 686-1177 or email parentsupport@ci.easterseals.com.

  • Reeve Foundation Virtual Support Group for Individuals Living With Paralysis

    The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offers virtual support groups to help individuals who are living with paralysis or caring for a family member who is living with paralysis. The support groups provide an opportunity for members to connect with others who understand what they are going through and to gain support, insight and guidance.

    Group meetings are led by a mental health professional and a peer with lived experience and are conducted in an open forum/conversational format. Separate groups are held for individuals living with quadriplegia, those living with paraplegia and family members/caregivers.

  • Resource Directory for Illinois Families With Young Children Experiencing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity

    This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

    The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.

  • Resource Guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love and Legacy”

    The loss of a child is never easy. The Funeral Service Foundation’s free guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love & Legacy” offers guidance, support and inspiration to families saying goodbye. Topics include:

    • The funeral planning process
    • Talking with children about death
    • Ideas for planning a meaningful tribute
    • Carrying forward and dealing with your grief