Family and Caregiving Support Resources
United Way of St. Clair County
The United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) supports a variety of local health and human services programs to empower residents to raise their quality of life.
Programs supported through United Way of St. Clair County include:
- United Way 211
- Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP)
- The Community Information Exchange (CIE) and more
University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics’ Inclusive Healthcare and Policies
The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics is nationally recognized for its inclusive healthcare and policies related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and staff.
UI Health was named an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2020 Health Equality Index, an annual survey that evaluates health systems on key criteria for non-discrimination policies and practices.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois
Variety of Illinois helps children with disabilities and their families feel supported and included in their community. Variety provides inclusive and accessible activities, equipment and experiences to help children with disabilities have fun, learn and grow. Its programs include:
- Accessible activities for the whole family
- Providing adaptive and mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities
- Encouraging participation in adaptive sports
- The Build-a-Bike program
Visit Variety of Illinois’s website to apply for a grant or sign up for its newsletter.
For questions, please contact Variety of Illinois at (312) 822-0660 or info@varietyofillinois.org.
Virtual Care Package for Caregivers
The Illinois Respite Coalition put together this Virtual Care Package with free virtual resources to help caregivers take time for themselves.
It includes links to podcasts, playlists, exercises and other tips for caregivers.
Virtual Respite Provider Training Course
The Illinois Respite Coalition provides a free, online Respite Provider Training Program consisting of ten courses for individuals interested in providing respite care. The courses can be taken on your own time and will provide information to meet the Respite Care Professionals Core Competencies.
Following completion, participants will a certificate of completion and have the option of joining the statewide registry to be connected to respite opportunities.
Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) in Enfield
Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is a Community Action Agency serving Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Wabash, Wayne, White and Saline counties. WADI provides emergency help for homeless and low-income families and individuals. It also offers education, housing, homeless prevention and job training programs to empower people to become more self-sufficient. WADI services and programs include:
- Energy assistance
- Emergency transitional housing
- Head Start/Early Head Start
- Rental housing support
- Work experience, on-the-job training and employment assistance
- Education scholarship opportunities
For questions, please contact WADI at (618) 963-2387 or generalmail@wadi-inc.com. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families. The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance. Visit the WNCF website to learn about:
- Income and eligibility guidelines
- Program coverage areas
- Help for weatherizing your home
- Energy bill payment programs
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.