Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • 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.

  • CHD Support Network

    The American Heart Association’s Support Network, in partnership with The Children’s Heart Foundation, provides a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Support Network for parents of young children diagnosed with CHDs or adults living with a CHD.

  • Cherished Creations

    Cherished Creations grants two types of “wishes” to help children who are seriously ill or have disabilities (up to 21 years old). “Dreams Wishes” provide help with trips, attending special events or buying gifts to better a child’s life within the lower 48 states. “Support Wishes” fulfill practical needs such as ramps, medical equipment not covered by insurance and other needs, especially for children who might not be able to live at home otherwise.

    You can find Cherished Creations eligibility rules and applications on its website.

  • Chicago and Illinois Mental Health Agencies and Organizations

    The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health provides this list of mental health agencies and organizations in Chicago and statewide.

    The list includes Asian Human Services, the Chicago LGBT Youth Resource Guide, counseling services, health centers and more.

  • Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants

    The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.

    The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.

    The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.

  • Chicago Child Trauma Center

    The Chicago Child Trauma Center (CCTC) serves Chicago-area children ages 1 to 18 affected by traumatic events including physical and sexual abuse, witnessing violence and complex trauma. The center aims to provide expert-level trauma care to children and their families and address social justice issues.

    CCTC clinicians include psychologists, social workers, counselors and case managers who have specialized training and expertise in trauma assessment and treatment models. Care includes case management, advocacy and collaboration with outside providers.

    If you are seeking services for a child who has been exposed to trauma and is in need of therapeutic services, contact CCTC’s intake coordinator at (773) 374-3748, ext. 2221, to determine if these services would be a good fit.

  • Chicago Coordinated Entry System for Housing

    The Coordinated Entry System for Chicago (CES) connects people experiencing homelessness to housing opportunities in Chicago. CES can refer youth, individuals and families to housing. Its website includes information for individuals and service providers on finding housing, walk-in locations for assessments and updates (Access Points) and more.

    The Coordinated Entry Call Center is also available at (312) 971-4178 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Individuals meeting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness can call to complete a CES housing assessment. Assessments and updates are available on a walk-in basis at access point locations throughout Chicago. Please contact the office (access point) in advance to confirm hours.

    Anyone who needs emergency shelter should call 311.

  • Chicago Hearing Society

    The Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) provides a wide range of programs to support families and connect people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. Its services include: