Family Support Resources
The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the lifelong and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental and mental health needs.
The project offers support, resources, opportunities to connect with other siblings and “Sibshops” for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.
The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC) and Courageous Parents Network (CPN) provide resources to help parents, caregivers and medical professionals focus on giving special attention to siblings who are living and sharing their lives with a brother or sister with medical complexities.
Their Sibling Support Toolkit provides videos, activities, podcasts, a guided pathway and other resources to support parents and siblings as they navigate the ups, downs, setbacks and joys that make up their day-to-day lives.
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization that supports siblings and families of individuals with complex health conditions and developmental disabilities. The organization serves both siblings and sibling supporters (parents, grandparents, friends, healthcare providers, professionals, etc.) of all ages and backgrounds. It provides:
- Sibling support groups focused on a specific diagnosis or disability
- SibSpot, a place where siblings and sibling supporters can read stories about sibling heroes and meet other siblings from around the world
- Resource lists and more
Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois provides resources, education and support for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers. Its website includes information about:
- Current SCD treatment options
- Virtual monthly support groups on Zoom
- GroupMe app support groups (the app is for use on cell phones or computers)
- SCD testing and newborn screening
- Scholarships and camp opportunities
- Events
SNAP Online Purchasing Program
The Illinois Department of Human Services is offering online purchasing for more than 1.8 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers across a million households.
Online SNAP will give families easier access to food during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Busy parents will no longer have to stress about how they can pick their kids up from school and make it to the grocery store before dinner. And those working multiple jobs or the late shift won’t have to rush to make it before the store closes. All families will have another option to independently secure the food they need.
Social Security Administration
Social Security administers benefits such as Retirement, Disability, Survivor and Family. It also manages Supplemental Security Income (SSI), enrolls people in Medicare and issues Social Security numbers and cards.
The Social Security Administration website provides information on how to check your eligibility for benefits, apply for benefits and check your application or appeal status. It also has tools to help you manage your benefits and information.
For contact information and a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Social Security contact page.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers toolkits for people with sickle cell disease and professionals navigating the disability application and evaluation process. The toolkits provide detailed information, examples of the types of medical evidence required for individuals with sickle cell disease, and tips to help with the disability application and evaluation process:
Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF Healthcare)
Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF Healthcare) provides mental health, healthcare and health insurance enrollment assistance. SIHF Healthcare offers dedicated primary care providers and health centers in various communities. It also accepts most insurance plans and offers a sliding fee scale so everyone can access quality care.
SIHF Healthcare offers community health centers and resources in Alton, Arthur, Belleville, Bethalto, Bunker Hill, Centreville, Charleston, Collinsville, East St Louis, Effingham, Fairmont City, Granite City, Greenup, Mattoon, Millstadt, O’Fallon, Olney, Red Bud, Salem, Swansea and Vandalia. Resources include:
- Primary care provider services
- Free blood pressure machines
- Health education and promotion
- Health insurance enrollment assistance
- Help with locating similar services statewide at (618) 646-2545 or chwprogram@sihf.org
Southern Illinois University Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Carbondale
The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) at Southern Illinois University is an interprofessional training and research center providing information and services to area residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. CASD offers ASD screenings, clinical services for children, adolescents and adults, webinars and support.
CASD faculty and students provide a variety of training and services, many at no cost to families and their children. Help is available in the following areas:
- Speech/language
- Social skills
- Emotional-behavioral concerns
- Toileting
- Sleep
- Picky eating and more
For more information, call (618) 453-7130 or email autism@siu.edu.
Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH)
The Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) seeks to build generational wealth through housing counseling, financial education, advocacy and by connecting low-to-moderate income households to resources that create housing stability, homeownership and economic mobility. Services are based in Chicago and include workshops, homebuyer education, homeowner education and counseling, landlord certification and more. SCH programs also include:
- Financial education and coaching
- Rental and mortgage help
- Utility assistance
- Health and housing