Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Sangamon County Resource Guide
The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources strives to improve the quality of life for people in-need in Sangamon County through department programs, services and referrals that promote economic stability and/or self-motivation.
The department provides several resource guides that cover financial assistance, food pantries, health care, housing and more for the residents of Sangamon County.
Sarah’s Inn provides comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence so that they get the support they need to find safety, rebuild their lives and heal. It serves Chicago and 22 surrounding West Cook County suburban communities. Sarah’s Inn resources include:
- Support and crisis interventions
- Legal support
- Violence prevention programs
- Community education and training programs
- The Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP)
Sarah’s Inn’s 24-hour emergency Crisis Line is (708) 386-4225.
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this free resource to help you and your family save money for the future.
School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents
The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (Supporting the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness) provides this information for families experiencing homelessness who have children with special needs.
This brief discusses common concerns and offers resources for additional assistance.
To be able to care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides tips, tools and resources to help caregivers take care of themselves.
Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic from Governors State University
Governors State University’s Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic (GSU-LC) provides free self-help legal assistance and non-legal resources to low-income Illinois residents navigating the court system without legal representation. The clinic’s team of attorneys, social workers and volunteers works under the supervision of a licensed attorney and social worker to increase access to legal services in underrepresented communities. GSU-LC offers pro se and free legal assistance in the areas of family law, immigration, housing and expungement, and can help with:
- Understanding legal rights and laws
- Filing depositions, settlement negotiations and court appearances
- Reviewing and explaining court orders and filings
For questions, contact GSU-LC at (708) 235-7553 or email legalclinic@govst.edu.
Sensory-Friendly Travel at Chicago’s Airports
Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.
Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:
- Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
- Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
- Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
- Details about sensory bags available at information desks
Service Provider Identification & Exploration Resource (SPIDER)
The Service Provider Identification & Exploration Resource (SPIDER) is an online directory that can be used to locate providers serving Illinois children. Search options include specialty, services, language, age, and the city or county where you wish to obtain care.
Services, Inc. (CFC #15) Early Learning
Service, Inc. of Illinois is dedicated to helping people with developmental delays and disabilities find the services and supports they need to live a better life. Programs and offices are organized by county.
Child and Family Connections #15 serves children ages birth to 3 with disabilities and their families residing in Will, Grundy, Kankakee, and LaSalle Counties.
For information on how to make a referral, please call the CFC referral coordinator at (815) 768-3730.
Families can also visit Service, Inc.’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information and more details for requesting help anywhere in Illinois.
Sesame Street in Communities is an online community that provides multimedia tools in both English and Spanish for parents, caregivers and providers to support children from birth to age 6.
The site covers a wide range of topics including school readiness, healthy minds and bodies, emergency planning and tough issues such as divorce, hunger and other traumatic experiences. It features videos, activities, printables and digital interactives fearing Sesame Street characters.