Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Project Fire Buddies

    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 Haloween 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 more than 20 departments.

  • Project Mobility

    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.

  • Protected Tomorrows

    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.

  • Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope)

    Hoyleton Youth & Family Services‘ Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope) serves Spanish-speaking families in Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties. Puentes de Esperanza connects Hispanic families to community resources, including interpretation and translation, finding employment, immigration and citizenship information and other resources.

    Puentes de Esperanza also:

  • QCA Adaptive Sports Association in Moline

    QCA Adaptive Sports Association is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization in the Quad City area offering a safe, accessible and accepting environment for people with physical disabilities to enjoy adaptive sports and recreational opportunities. Sports programs include:

    • Wheelchair basketball
    • Tennis
    • Rowing
    • Softball and more

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Rare Sisters Batten Foundation

    The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease and also provides monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.

    Families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease may apply with RSBF for financial help to cover a wide variety of needs. Funds are awarded on a case-by-case basis and contingent on the availability of funds.

  • Rattle the Stars Suicide Prevention Services and Training

    Rattle the Stars provides community-based suicide prevention services, information and training to the Champaign County area, including:

    • Suicide prevention consultations
    • Suicide intervention training
    • Private training for groups and assistance developing a comprehensive suicide response plan
    • Student-led school suicide prevention chapters
    • Comfort dog support
    • Speaking engagements and workshops

    All Rattle the Stars services are free. Visit their website for program information and additional resources.

  • Ray Graham Association

    The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.

    The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:

    • Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
    • Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
    • Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.