Family Support Resources
Rockin’ the Spectrum is a non-profit helping families and their loved ones with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization works to promote autism acceptance and inclusion for all ages, and provides a space where loved one can be themselves and families can learn together in a judgment-free environment.
Located in McHenry County, Rockin The Spectrum provides:
- The Clubhouse, an indoor sensory play area
- Support, resources and advocacy
- A day program for youth 18 and older
Rush Autism Resource Directory
The Autism Resource Directory is an online resource guide to help families find service and support referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee.
For more information or if you have any questions about navigating the directory or finding a referral, please call (312) 563-2272.
Russian Resources for Families and Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Hands & Voices is a nationwide, parent-driven organization supporting families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology.
Hands & Voices working in partnership with the St. Petersburg Early Intervention Institute provides a Russian translation of materials aimed at improving services and child outcomes.
Sacred Heart Food Pantry Rock Island
The Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Distribution Center is managed and run by volunteers. The pantry is open daily from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Rock Island Township Hall, 2827 7th Avenue, in Rock Island. Area residents can pick up food once a month (Scott County residents can come to the pantry once and will be given a list of agencies and food pantries in Iowa). Food is provided based on the number of people in the household.
For more information, please call (309) 794-0660.
Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families intact.
There are several locations in Illinois.
Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center
The mission of Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center is to support and respond to the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their dependents in the effort to avoid further abuse. The center is based in Galesburg and serves victims of domestic violence in Knox County.
Safe Harbor’s services include a crisis hotline, court advocacy, support groups, social service referrals, clothing and food, and children’s programs.
For more information, call (309) 343-7233 or email info@safeharborfcc.org.
Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion
The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion provides financial assistance with food, rent, utilities, and clothing for families and individuals across southern Illinois.
For questions or food pantry hours, please contact Darla Harms at (618) 993-5854 or darla.harms@usc.salvationarmy.org.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline.
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
(800) 985-5990
SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation
SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping Illinois families with children with complex medical diagnoses.
SAM’s Sweet Heart provides financial assistance to Boone and Winnebago county families with children under the age of 18 who have a medical condition requiring lifelong treatment. Local families may apply for a grant during open application periods.
Sangamon County Health Department
The Sangamon County Health Department protects, promotes and works to improve the health and well-being of all individuals and families in Sangamon and Menard Counties. Programs and services include vaccination clinics and other health services for children and adults, a discount card for medications, medication and sharps disposal, and more.