Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • Protected Tomorrows

    Protected Tomorrows is an advocacy and financial advisory organization supporting families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. The organization provides compassionate guidance to help individuals and caregivers navigate government benefits, legal considerations, future care planning and financial strategies for a more fulfilling future for everyone. Protected Tomorrows’ resources include:

    • Monthly Protected Tomorrows Parent University online classes
    • Step-by-step, comprehensive planning tools
    • Individual and family services
    • A Resource Hub with information, articles and videos

    For questions, please contact Protected Tomorrows using the online contact form.

  • Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope)

    Hoyleton Youth & Family Services‘ Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope) serves Spanish-speaking families in Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties. Puentes de Esperanza connects Hispanic families to community resources, including interpretation and translation, finding employment, immigration and citizenship information and other resources.

    Puentes de Esperanza also:

  • RAMP Disability Resources and Services – 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 the type of 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
    • Bus training and public transportation skills
    • Employment services
    • Fast Track Transition services for youth
    • Project SEARCH school-to-work program transition program

    For questions, please see RAMP’s website for specific contact information and office hours.

  • Rare Caregiver Respite Program

    The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parents, spouses, family members, or significant others) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder. The program provides financial assistance to allow caregivers a break to attend a conference, an event, or have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving.

    The Respite Program awards are granted to eligible individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to apply.

    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.

  • Reliance Children’s Health Center

    Reliance Children’s Health Center in Plainfield, Ill., provides specialized care in a home-like setting for children who are medically fragile and technology-dependent and under the age of 22. The center has a maximum capacity of 12 children and offers skilled nursing care, respite care, transitional care, therapies, medical daycare and more. Reliance Children’s Health Center services include:

    • Respiratory care
    • Medical day care
    • Respite and transitional care
    • Weekend camps
    • Diagnostic studies

    For more information, contact Reliance Children’s Health Center at: