General Resources
- Project Fire Buddies is a nonprofit group of Chicago-area firefighters and first responders who find ways to support and spread joy to children with serious illnesses and their families.The project volunteers organize toy drives, bring Halloween candy to children who are too sick to trick-or-treat, and invite kids to local firehouses. Volunteers also visit with their fire buddies at home to play games, read books, bring gifts for special occasions and more.Project Fire Buddies started with the Oak Forest Fire Department but has grown to include fire departments throughout Illinois – and beyond.
Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.
Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway. Please fill out Project Mobility’s Adaptive Bike Giveaway form to receive information and be added to the waitlist.
Protected Tomorrows is an advocacy and financial advisory organization supporting families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. The organization provides compassionate guidance to help individuals and caregivers navigate government benefits, legal considerations, future care planning and financial strategies for a more fulfilling future for everyone. Protected Tomorrows’ resources include:
- Monthly Protected Tomorrows Parent University online classes
- Step-by-step, comprehensive planning tools
- Individual and family services
- A Resource Hub with information, articles and videos
For questions, please contact Protected Tomorrows using the online contact form.
Questions and Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides answers to some of the most common questions people are asking about COVID-19 and vaccines.
Racial Healing Tools and Resources
The pursuit of racial healing and racial equity calls for more than one conversation. To help you plan your first, second or even your 10th conversation, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has curated this list of resources to help shape healthy dialogue across Illinois.
The IDHS initiative Healing Illinois also lists events and resources about racial healing across the state.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Radon program provides information on the risks of radon and how to reduce radon levels in homes.
For more information, call the IEMA Radon Information Line at (800) 325-1245.
RAMP Disability Resources and Services – Center for Independent Living (CIL)
RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of the type of disability, age, or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:- Information and referral
- Youth education and advocacy
- Portable ramp loans
- Independent living skills training
- Bus training and public transportation skills
- Employment services
- Fast Track Transition services for youth
- Project SEARCH school-to-work program transition program
For questions, please see RAMP’s website for specific contact information and office hours.
Ready.gov provides tips for building an emergency supply kit. The information is available in a variety of languages.
Regional Transportation Authority’s Accessible Transit Information
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transportation system. The RTA website’s Accessible Transit page includes information about how the transit system is accessible, how to apply for certification for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit services, and how to learn to use the system and achieve travel independence.
You can also visit the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library to access documents about these programs in English and Spanish.
RTA’s Mobility Outreach Program also works with organizations that serve and offer programs to people with disabilities and older adults to ensure they are aware of their transit options.
RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs.
Each organization has its own eligibility rules and conditions and you are encouraged to call directly to find out what you need to do.