Family and Caregiving Support Resources
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.
The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) Wheelchair Maintenance Guide offers basic tips for maintaining your wheelchair and keeping it in good working order.
Contact NCHPAD for more information at nchpad@uab.edu or (866) 866-8896.
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
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.
World Relief Quad Cities is a not-for-profit agency providing services to refugees and immigrants in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. World Relief Quad Cities provides financial, emotional and cultural support to refugees – victims of war and persecution around the world – in the Quad Cities area.
World Relief Quad Cities’ Moline office provides:
- Extended case management
- Immigration legal services
- Youth and family services
- Employment services
- Education services
- Refugee resettlement
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County
The Youth and Family Center of McHenry County (YFC) is dedicated to helping people help themselves through a variety of programs and services. YFC can help families with registering for child care and food assistance, understanding and translating documents, and finding financial, mental health and employment services. YFC also provides after-school and summer programming, adult education and engagement programs, bi-cultural navigation services, a community garden, English classes and more.
You can review the center’s flyer, provided in Spanish and English, for more information.
You can schedule an appointment online or call the main office in McHenry at (815) 322-2357. Please provide a full name and phone number to receive a callback.
Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has developed a “Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention” webpage to help family members and others prevent suicide by knowing:
- The facts about suicide
- Who is at risk
- Warning signs specific to youth, adolescents and young adults
- Protective factors
YWCA La Voz Latina‘s services include:
- Information and referral services
- One-on-one parenting classes and adult education workshops
- Advocacy for at-risk families
- Immigrant and refugee assistance, information, orientation and referral to services
- Language proficiency assessments and services for businesses and offices
- Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) classes for men in both English and Spanish
These programs are not limited to the Latino/Hispanic population. The organization serves Boone, Jo Daviess, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.