Family and Caregiving Support Resources
We Are Brave Together is a nonprofit organization that provides respite, community and resources for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, unique needs, or other medical or mental health challenges. We Are Brave Together offers:
- Virtual support groups and Mom Mingles
- Information and resources
- An Emergency E-Resource Guide
- Newletters, podcasts and book recommendations
- Special events and retreats
Visit “We Are Brave Together” online for questions, more information or to connect.
We Care of Grundy County is a nonprofit that provides a range of services to help individuals and families achieve stability and improve their quality of life. Services include a food pantry, clothing, financial assistance during times of crisis, educational programs, support groups and more.
We Care of Grundy County Food Pantry is open by appointment Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Please call (815) 942-6389 to schedule a time to come.
WeGo Together for Kids brings together 70 community partners from across the Chicagoland region to support West Chicago families with children from birth through high school (12th grade). Using a collaborative, coordinated and comprehensive approach, WeGo Together for Kids offers family events, tip sheets in multiple languages, food and nutrition resources, playgroups and more.
WeGo Together for Kids also provides:
- Behavior and parenting tip sheets for all ages
- Back-to-school social stories and other school readiness tools
- Help with potty training
If you have any questions, please visit the Contact WeGo Together Kids Page online.
West40 Community Resources in West Cook County
West40 serves 38 school districts and three co-ops in West Cook County. West40 provides a wide range of in-school advocacy, student-centered programs and links to community resources to help students and the people surrounding them succeed.
West40 offers:
- A community resource page with links to help with food, mental health needs, special education and more
- The Heart 2 Heart Program for students in grades K-12 in the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP)
- Family engagement, immigration and other networking and support resources
Call (708) 449-4284 or use the West40 Contact Us form for more information.
Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington
Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) offers programs for youth and seniors, interpretation and translation services, and a food program. WACC programs are open to anyone in the community. Its programs include:
- Interpretation and translation services in French and Spanish for medical, legal, educational and other general documents
- Mentoring and after-school programs
- Adult education and GED classes
- The Mamás Hogareñas Group to educate and support all moms in the community
- Food program for the Bloomington-Normal community
- Fitness programs
WACC is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you have questions, call (309) 829-4807. Para servicio en español, llame (309) 834-9205.
For parents and teachers who wish to learn more about autism to better support children and families in the autism community, the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) provides “What is Autism?”
This question-and-answer style document includes information about the prevalence and defining characteristics of autism, community- and school-based supports and links to additional resources.
When Your Child Has a Heart Defect: Planning Ahead for Lifelong Heart Health
Children with congenital heart defects and disease (CHD) will need lifelong care from congenital heart experts. The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this brochure to help parents of children born with CHDs support their child’s lifelong heart health.
WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food Database
The WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food Database connect people in need across the United States to food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meal sites, government nutrition programs, and grassroots organizations that provide access to free food and support services. You can:
- Call (800) 5-HUNGRY
- Text your zip code to (800) 548-6479
- Use the online form on the WhyHunger website to find local emergency food providers and other support services
Wings of Mercy is a nonprofit organization that provides free long-distance air transportation to medical centers for individuals with serious or rare illnesses. Wings of Mercy coordinates trips with volunteer pilots for patients traveling to or from a location in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana or Illinois.
Learn more about Wings of Mercy and apply for a flight.
For all questions, fill out the Wings of Mercy contact form or call (616) 396 – 1077.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
The WIC page on the Illinois Department of Human Services’ website provides details about WIC services, who can receive these services and how to apply for WIC benefits.