Family and Caregiving Support Resources
The Good Samaritan Inn in Decatur
The Good Samaritan Inn provides meals to all those who need them, no questions asked. Meals are served seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its programs also include Mercy Gardens and Mercy Market from June through October.
Good Samaritan Inn is located at 920 North Union St. in Decatur.
For more information, call (217) 429-1455.
The HAP Foundation provides patient-centered hospice and palliative care education, research, workforce development and support. The foundation helps any family of a child or adult living with a serious illness understand palliative and hospice care options, and connect to and strengthen care throughout their journey. The HAP Foundation resources also include:
- Palliative and hospice care information for families and medical professionals
- Help for finding and accessing care
- Missing Pieces support group for anyone grieving the loss of a child
- The Pediatric Resource Guide for patients, families and practitioners
- Chicagoland resources and events
For questions, contact the HAP Foundation at (312) 741-1283 or info@thehapfoundation.org.
The Hydrocephalus Association provides information and resources for people of all ages living with or caring for someone with hydrocephalus.
For questions, please contact the Hydrocephalus Association at (888) 598-3789 or info@hydroassoc.org.
The Journey Through Diagnosis: A Guide for Families of Children with a Genetic Condition
Midwest Genetics Network provides an online guide featuring information, resources and support to help guide families whose child has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. It is written from the family perspective and includes information they felt was important when facing a new diagnosis.
Midwest Genetics Network (MGN) is one of seven federally funded Regional Genetics Networks (MGN). MGN unites patients, families, geneticists, genetics professionals, primary care providers, payers and public health experts from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin to improve equity in access to genetic services for medically underserved populations.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The KASE Project aims to raise awareness and support for autism through community outreach in the Springfield area. Its programs include:
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication) at the Park – an initiative to install picture communication boards at local parks and playgrounds.
- PALS (Parent Autism Life Support) – a caregiver support initiative for parents, siblings and caregivers of children and adults with autism in Sangamon County. PALS currently hosts a support group for moms.
- FLASH (Friends Learning and Sharing Hope) – an effort to bring adaptive sports to the Chatham community and beyond.
- SIBS – A Sibshops program for siblings of children with health, mental health and developmental needs.
For questions, please contact the KASE Project at info@thekaseproject.org.
The Kinda Guide is designed to be a weekly survival guide for parents and families that will include expert tips on remote learning, parenting advice, virtual camp activities, simple meal and snack ideas and at-home family adventures.
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is a federally funded center providing elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Clerc Center Online Community provides best-practice videos, research, toolkits and resources for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and the professionals who work with them.
Clerc Center resources include:
- The Language First Parent Guide, a step-by-step roadmap for parents with children who are deaf and hard of hearing
- Family-focused activities such as American Sign Language (ASL) classes, bilingual storybooks and more
The Little Resource Center in Carbondale
The Little Resource Center (TLRC) provides free health, safety, and well-being services to strengthen and empower families, parents, and caregivers. TLRC services and programs are free. Help includes infant and postpartum care items, classes and webinars on various wellness topics, and referrals to other needed services. The Little Resource Center’s support includes:
- Short-term diaper and formula assistance
- Events, classes and support groups for families, caregivers and expecting parents
- Referrals to healthcare providers, social service agencies and community-based agencies for resources
- Bilingual programming by appointment
For questions or more information, call (618) 534-3345 or email info@littleresourcecarbondale.org.
Para ayuda en español: (314) 730-4005
The Mighty’s Digital Toolkit for Caregivers
The Mighty provides a digital toolkit to help caregivers learn more about the ins and outs of caregiving and discover helpful resources to utilize along their caregiving journey.
The Mighty’s Digital Toolkit for Caregivers includes:
- A caregiving binder, complete with worksheets to help you better organize important information
- A respite care questionnaire to help you find the perfect respite worker for your specific needs
- A self-care mini-guide to help you destress and prioritize your mental health
Everything included in the toolkit is downloadable, printable and shareable.
The Neighbor Project (TNP) is a nonprofit, HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency dedicated to helping low to moderate-income families in Aurora reduce debt, build credit, save and ultimately buy their first homes.