Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • Homocystinuria (HCU) Network America

    Homocystinuria (HCU) Network America provides free resources and connections for people impacted by this rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process the amino acid homocysteine. HCU Network America supports a wide range of research and provides educational resources, connections and practical tools to help patients and their families navigate living with HCU.

    HCU Network America resources include:

  • Housing Forward

    Housing Forward aims to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises when they do occur and stabilize people with supportive services and housing. It offers a full range of programs and services that include:

    • Emergency financial assistance
    • Emergency shelter
    • Interim and transitional housing
    • Respite services for a medical or behavioral health event
    • Wraparound services, including employment, family support, community health nursing, behavioral health and legal clinic
    • Rental support
    • Permanent supportive housing
    • Housing navigation services and more

    Housing Forward serves 26 communities in west suburban Cook County: Bellwood, Berkeley, Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Hillside, Lyons, Maywood, Melrose Park, Norridge, North Riverside, Northlake, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park and Westchester.

    For more information, call the Housing Forward Office at (708) 338-1724 or visit the Housing Forward About Us page.

  • Housing Opportunities for Women Inc. (HOW)

    Housing Opportunities for Women Inc. (HOW) empowers individuals and families in the Chicagoland area to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. HOW aims to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible along with individualized support services to help them build success and self-sufficiency. Its services and programs include:

    • Permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities
    • Employment and life skills
    • Children and youth after-school enrichment activities and Saturday teen programs
    • Advocacy for individuals/families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
    • Housing and support for Families in Transition (FIT)

    For questions or more information, please contact HOW at (773) 465-5770.

  • How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients

    The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.

    PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well as understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

    Many of PAF’s resources are also available in Spanish.

    PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.

  • How to Fill Out DSCC Forms in Spanish

    There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most commonly used forms. These videos provide step-by-step instructions:

  • How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times

    HealthyChildren.org’s How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times provides information on the feelings many of us experience during uncertain times and how they provide a chance to model and teach lifelong resilience skills to children.

  • iCan Dream Center

    The non-profit iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park connects youth with intellectual disabilities, autism and various learning difficulties in suburban Chicago to holistic, innovative special education services. The center offers a welcoming education setting where neurodiverse youth have access to the skills, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive beyond their labels. iCan Dream Center programs include:

    • Training
    • Transition to adulthood support
    • After-school recreational therapeutic programming for youth
    • Once a month, cost-free Saturday Experiences for young adults
    • Counseling
    • Parent support group and more

    For questions, please contact the iCan Dream Center at info@icandreamcenter.com or (708) 798-4200.

  • Icing Smiles

    Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families affected by a child’s critical illness or an illness that requires frequent hospitalizations.

  • IDPH Newborn Screening Programsun-icon

    The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Newborn Screening Program consists of screening and follow-up for disorders identified through testing a dried blood spot, as well as hearing screening and pulse oximetry screening. Newborn screening is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours of life to detect conditions or disorders in newborns soon after birth. These tests can help determine if a newborn has a condition or disease that can be improved with early treatment.

    IDPH also offers information about genomics and genetic services, including:

    • Information on understanding genetic conditions
    • Genetic counseling
    • Where to find genetic services and more

  • IFLOSS

    IFLOSS is a public-private partnership that aims to improve the oral health of all Illinois residents through advocacy and education.