General Resources
Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – HHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website has resources in a variety of languages to help families find infant formula during the shortage.
These resources include information on safe substitutes, formula company contacts and community programs.
Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has trained caseworkers to help families with formula questions. You can contact the IDHS Help Line at (800) 843-6154. The Help Line is primarily for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants but is open to all Illinois residents.
For Illinois WIC participants, a waiver now allows for flexibility in the size and type of formula available to buy with WIC benefits. More details are on IDHS’ “Having Trouble Finding Formula” page. Illinois WIC programs also provide a wide range of support for breastfeeding mothers and funds for healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. More information and updates can be found on the Illinois WIC website. Families can also call (217) 782-2166 for additional support.
Back to School Toolkit 2023 from Mental Health America
Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit provides educational information and tips on tackling some of the most common online stressors for youth. Titled “Selfies, Social & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaced for Youth,” the toolkit includes fact sheets for youth and adults, and a guide to national and local resources.
The “Be Ready: Tips for Families of Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)” toolkit provides videos and infographics in American Sign Language (ASL) and a variety of languages to help families prepare for power outages, floods or other natural disasters that may occur.
The toolkit is available through the Emergency Medical Services for Children Innovation & Improvement Center (EIIC).
Click here for the ASL version.
Beautiful Lives Project
Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations.
The project creates immersive events aimed at defeating isolation within the disabled community and sparking deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The organization works with companies, sports teams and community organizations to host free community events for individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout Illinois and beyond.
These events aim to help to defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future. Each unique event provides the opportunity to experience sports, performing arts, visual arts, nature or wellness in an inclusive environment.
Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States. The Benefit Finder questionnaire can help you find benefits you may be eligible to receive – such as healthcare and medical assistance, financial assistance, loans and disaster relief – and direct you to the agency to apply.
Between Friends-Domestic Violence Prevention
Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping our communities with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships. Between Friends provides a 24-hour helpline at (800) 603-4357 and a safe, supportive environment where individuals and families in crisis can access programs including:
- Relationship education to prevent teen dating violence
- Counseling to empower clients to make their own decisions and choices
- Legal assistance
- Education and training
- Resources for navigating conversations about an abusive relationship
- Help for adult, teen and child survivors of domestic violence
Programs are provided in multiple languages.
Bottom Line Diaper Bank in Champaign
The Bottom Line Diaper Bank is a collaborative effort of the United Way of Champaign County and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department. Together they provide diapers to local programs to distribute to families and caregivers in need. Visit the diaper bank’s website for more details on how to receive help.
Bounce Children’s Foundation is a Chicago area non-profit that aims to transform the lives of chronically ill children, and their families, shifting all from surviving to thriving. The foundation serves children from birth to 18 years of age.
Bounce’s free programs aim to build the resilience needed to cope with the ongoing, unexpected setbacks that define chronic illness. Programs include family adventures, education to strengthen vital coping skills, donated tickets to high demand events, themed care packages for household families, access to resources, peer support and more.
Boyton Street Community Center
Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:
- Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
- An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
- Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
- Special events
For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.