General Resources
Rush Autism Resource Directory
The Autism Resource Directory is an online resource guide to help families find service and support referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee.
For more information or if you have any questions about navigating the directory or finding a referral, please call (312) 563-2272.
Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. The program is focused on getting students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”
Recognizing that not all students may feel safe talking to their parents, teachers, coaches or mentors, students can use a free app, text/phone, website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) and other social media platforms to confidentially report school safety issues and seek help before harming themselves or others.
The Safe2Help website provides guidance, tips and multi-media materials for children, teens, parents and educators on topics including:
- The role and actions of a trusted adult
- Ways to get help
- Encouraging others
- Helping someone online
- Suicide prevention
Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion
The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion provides financial assistance with food, rent, utilities, and clothing for families and individuals across Bond, Calhoun, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Jersey, Lawrence, Lincoln, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Perry, Pulaski, Scott and Shelby counties.
For questions or food pantry hours, please contact Darla Harms at (618) 993-5854 or darla.harms@usc.salvationarmy.org.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
(800) 662-HELP (4357)
TTY: (800) 487-4889
SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation
SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping Illinois families with children with complex medical diagnoses.
SAM’s Sweet Heart provides financial assistance to Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago county families with children under the age of 18 who have a medical condition requiring lifelong treatment. Local families may apply for a grant during open application periods.
Sangamon County Resource Guide
The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources strives to improve the quality of life for people in-need in Sangamon County through department programs, services and referrals that promote economic stability and/or self-motivation.
The department provides several resource guides that cover financial assistance, food pantries, health care, housing and more for the residents of Sangamon County.
Sensory-Friendly Movie Showing List at Illinois Theaters
Several Illinois theaters offer movie showings with the lights up, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Visit the following sites to find more details and a theater near you:
Sensory-Friendly Travel at Chicago’s Airports
Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.
Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:
- Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
- Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
- Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
- Details about sensory bags available at information desks
Service Provider Identification & Exploration Resource (SPIDER)
The Service Provider Identification & Exploration Resource (SPIDER) is an online directory that can be used to locate providers serving Illinois children. Search options include specialty, services, language, age, and the city or county where you wish to obtain care.
Sesame Street in Communities is an online community that provides multimedia tools in both English and Spanish for parents, caregivers and providers to support children from birth to age 6.
The site covers a wide range of topics including school readiness, healthy minds and bodies, emergency planning and tough issues such as divorce, hunger and other traumatic experiences. It features videos, activities, printables and digital interactives fearing Sesame Street characters.