General Resources
Little Friends provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:
- Schools, educational and vocational training programs
- Respite family services
- Community-based residential living
- The Center for Autism
- Inklude Studio
- The Fun Club
Living Fully at Home, LLC, provides resources, home safety evaluations and other services in the Chicagoland area to help people of all ages with disabilities and other challenges live safely in their home. Help includes both in-person and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant telehealth services.
Living Fully at Home, LLC, can help families and individuals of all ages who are:
- Managing chronic conditions or disability
- Returning from the hospital
- Recovering from an injury
- Facing challenges as they age
- Serving as a caregiver
Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)
The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
- Assistive technology equipment loan program
- Community reintegration
- Computer literacy
- Mental health resources
- Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
- Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families
Love is Respect – Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships for Young Adults
Love is Respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, offers information, support and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. Free, confidential services are available anytime via:
- Live chat
- Call (866) 331-9474 or TTY (800) 787-3224
- Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
Services for the deaf and hard of hearing are also available:
- Videophone (855) 812-1001
- Instant messenger at DeafHotline
- Email nationdeafhotline@adwas.org
Love is Respect also provides a Parent Discussion Guide on Youth Healthy Relationships.
Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank works with 26 partner agencies in Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Tazewell, Stark, and Warren counties. In addition to diapers, they provide period supplies and incontinence products.
For help, use this list to contact the partner agency closest to you. You can also visit the Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank FAQ page on their website for more information.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).
Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. The program determines annual eligibility levels based on available funding and may not exceed 200 percent of the federal nonfarm poverty level.
See the How to Apply for LIHEAP page for more information. To help find an office serving your area, visit this complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county.
For more program information, check out the LIHEAP frequently asked questions or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at (833) 711-0374.
Low Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) – DuPage County
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a one-time water and wastewater payment assistance program to help households that are facing the threat of disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due balances over $250 for their water and wastewater services combined. Customers may apply one time for water and one time for wastewater for the life of the program, which is Feb. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023.
DuPage County applications are taken by appointment only by calling (630) 407-6500 or emailing CSprograms@dupageco.org.
Luella’s Lodge provides resources, retreats, support groups and non-traditional holistic therapies for families grieving the death of a child.
The non-profit includes a secluded log cabin on 10 acres in Oakwood, Ill., offering a private lake, hiking and biking trails, and other amenities to help families connect with one another through grief and healing.
Lyft Wheelchair-Accessible Ride Share Service in Chicago
In Chicago, Lyft can provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that will fit a fixed-frame wheelchair. Through the Lyft app, riders can choose the ride type called “Wheelchair.” This option will pair riders with available drivers who can accommodate a non-folding or motorized wheelchair or scooter. Pickup and drop-off locations must be within Chicago city limits.
Wheelchair rides aren’t available in every market yet. Please visit Lyft’s website to learn more about using their app and wheelchair service areas.
Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds costumes for children and youth in wheelchairs at no cost to families.
To be eligible for a Magic Wheelchair costume, a child must be between the ages of 5 and 17 and primarily use a wheelchair for mobility.