Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • Peoria Friendship House/La Familia

    The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:

    For more information, call (309) 671-5200 or email ceo@friendship.house.

  • PFLAG Support and Resources

    PFLAG is dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Its website includes support resources, links to local chapters and more.

  • Physical Restraint, Time Out and Isolated Time Out (RTO) Bill of Rights

    The Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) RTO Parent Bill of Rights is a resource for parents and guardians to help understand their rights, the rights of students, how to file a complaint and other important information related to physical restraint, time out and isolated time out in schools.

    More details and helpful documents about restraint, time out and isolated time out, including multiple translations of the RTO Parent Bill of Rights, are on ISBE’s website.

  • PKU Organization of Illinoissun-icon

    The PKU Organization of Illinois provides resources and support to teens, adults and families with PKU and 16 allied disorders.

    Their website includes information about understanding and managing phenylketonuria (PKU), diet, local resources, events, what to expect at different life stages and a PKU binder toolkit.

    For questions, please email the PKU Organization of Illinois at pkuillinois@gmail.com.

  • Postpartum Support International

    Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides a worldwide network of peer support, information, professional trainings and coordinators in all U.S. states. Its mission is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide. PSI has more than 400 local support volunteers who provide support, information, encouragement and connection with local providers and support groups.

    PSI offers 50-plus free online support groups to connect with other parents, including groups for special needs and medically fragile parenting, birth trauma support, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) postpartum parents and more. PSI also moderates closed Facebook groups for moms and dads.

    PSI also has a helpline for anyone to get basic information, support and resources. You can call or text daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. central standard time at:

    • Call (800) 944-4773 for English and Spanish support
    • Text in English to (800) 944-4773
    • Text en Español to (971) 203-7773

    Resources are available in English and Spanish.

  • Prairie State Legal Services

    Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) offers free legal services to people living in poverty, with disabilities, aged 60 and older across 36 counties in Northern and Central Illinois. PSLS provides legal help to protect survivors of domestic violence and help people facing issues impacting financial stability and serious housing issues.

    See the PSLS General Services brochure for more details:

    PSLS has 11 offices that serve 36 counties in northern Illinois. The resources page also provides references to self-help information. Visit PSLS’ website for more information, office hours and locations.

  • Pre-Teen and Teen Mental Health Guide for Parents

    The Pre-Teen and Teen Mental Health Guide for Parents from the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics helps caregivers learn about pre-teen and teen worries, behaviors and signs to watch for, so parents can provide help when needed. This free six-day email series in English and Spanish provides guidance and insight into your pre-teen or teen’s mental health, including dealing with anxiety, screen time and building resilience.

    The guide provides one short message each day and includes conversation starters you can try with your pre-teen/teen. Topics include:

    • How your pre-teen/teen’s brain is developing
    • The difference between normal mood swings and real red flags
    • How to navigate social media and screen time without constant battles
    • When to worry versus when to wait – and when to call for support
    • How to talk about relationships, sex and emotional health
    • Practical ways to build resilience that lasts a lifetime

  • Preparing For College When You Have Congenital Heart Disease

    Going to college is an exciting time filled with new friends and experiences. When you have congenital heart disease (CHD), it can be overwhelming or tempting to put your care on the back burner. It’s very important that you stay in care and are as prepared as possible.

    The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this resource with tips to help you maintain good health while you further your education.

  • Project Fire Buddies

    Project Fire Buddies is a nonprofit group of Chicago-area firefighters and first responders who find ways to support and spread joy to children with serious illnesses and their families.
     
    The project volunteers organize toy drives, bring Halloween candy to children who are too sick to trick-or-treat, and invite kids to local firehouses. Volunteers also visit with their fire buddies at home to play games, read books, bring gifts for special occasions and more.
     
    Project Fire Buddies started with the Oak Forest Fire Department but has grown to include fire departments throughout Illinois – and beyond.

  • Project LEAP – Launching Equity in Access to Preschool

    Equip for Equality’s Project LEAP (Launching Equity in Access to Preschool) helps children with disabilities from birth to 6 get Early Intervention and early childhood special education services so that they’re ready to succeed in school. Project LEAP can help your child:

    • Move from Early Intervention to early childhood education
    • Receive the tests needed for special education services
    • Access behavior supports and assistive technology

    Project LEAP can also go to your child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, mediation and due process hearings in select cases.

    For more information or to schedule a time to talk, please contact: