Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • Siblings With a Mission

    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

    For questions, email siblingswithamission@gmail.com.

  • 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

    For questions, please contact the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois at (773) 526-5016 or sicklecelldisease-illinois@scdai.org.

  • Sleep Help for Individuals With ASD

    Autism Speaks offers parents helpful tips for establishing good sleep hygiene and tool kits targeting sleep strategies for children, teens and adults on the spectrum.

  • 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.

  • 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

    For questions, please email help@sc4housing.org.

  • Spanish Language Resources for Families & Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    Hands & Voices (Manos y Voces): Unbiased parent-to-parent support and Spanish-language resources for families and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (La Asociación del Habla, Lenguaje y Audición):  The organization provides Spanish-language information for the public and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • Special Connections of Grundy County

    Special Connections of Grundy County promotes inclusion, self-determination and learning for people with disabilities in Grundy County. Programs include a wide range of Special Olympics athletics, arts and crafts, movies, games, picnics, parties, dances and family support throughout the year.

    For more information, please call (815) 230-1877 or email info@specialconnections.org.

  • Special Education Assessment Tip Sheet and Resource List

    Family members and early care and education providers are adults who notice when the children in their care may have disabilities or developmental delays and would benefit from special education services.

    The Illinois Early Learning (IEL) Project’s Special Education Assessment tip sheet series is a helpful tool for learning more about the steps in that process. The IEL also provides an Assessment for Special Education resource list.

    For questions, please contact IEL online or call (877) 275-3227.