Family Support Resources
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Center for Prevention of Abuse‘s mission is to help all people – women, men, and children – to live free from violence and abuse.
The center provides services for domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, human trafficking, adult protective services and prevention education. Its crisis hotline is available 24/7 at (800) 559-SAFE (7233).
The Center of Concern is a non-profit social service agency providing housing solutions, support services and counselors for individuals with disabilities, older adults and others in need in Cook County, enabling them to live safely and independently.
Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization
The Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization (CIDSO) offers support, events and educational resources for families in McLean County who have loved ones with Down syndrome.
The Central Illinois Foodbank provides food, develops awareness, and creates solutions for food insecurity in partnership with over 140 agencies across 21 central and southern Illinois counties.
The Central Illinois Food Bank is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the front desk at (217) 522-4022 or email info@centralillinoisfoodbank.org.
Cerebral Palsy Research Network
The Cerebral Palsy Research Network aims to optimize the lifelong health and wellness of people with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families through high-quality research, education and community programming.
The Cerebral Palsy Research Network website includes educational resources for the entire CP community to inform healthcare decisions, including a CP tool kit and a well-being guide for parents and caregivers.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resources
This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) aims to help guide parents and caregivers through the steps to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). It links to several websites and provides general guidelines.
Please note information may change, so be sure to go directly to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) website to verify information remains accurate and up to date.
Champaign County Down Syndrome Network
The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network (DSN) provides information and support to families who have members with Down syndrome in Champaign County and east-central Illinois.
DSN serves new parents, professionals and the general public to promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance year-round.
Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group
The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group “You Are Not Alone” offers support for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their loved ones. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, in Champaign.
For more information, contact Kristen at kristen@epilepsyadvocacynetwork.org or (217) 621-5842.
Champaign-Urbana Healthy Beginnings
Healthy Beginnings is a free, evidence-based initiative for moms in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area who are first-time moms less than 29 weeks pregnant and moms with other children who are pregnant. Its goal is to help ensure children and their families have an opportunity to be prosperous and live the healthiest life they can.
Healthy Beginnings works with eligible mothers and their families to help bring the healthcare, support and resources together that fit individual circumstances, including:
- Nurse home visiting care/support for pregnant moms & their families (with interpreter services)
- Mobile clinic services
- Child and family education
- Employment opportunities
- Access to healthy food
For more information or to make a referral, call (217) 365-7925 or email referral@cuhealthybeginnings.com.
Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation
The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation provides opportunities and resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families.
The program includes The Tiana Fund, which provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Applications are only available at Chicago-area hospitals or pre-approved community organizations.