Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
Rare Caregiver Respite Program
The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parents, spouses, family members, or significant others) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder. The program provides financial assistance to allow caregivers a break to attend a conference, an event, or have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving.
The Respite Program awards are granted to eligible individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to apply.
For more information about this program, contact NORD at (203) 616-4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org.
Rare Sisters Batten Foundation
The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research to develop treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease. It also provides financial 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 are dependent on availability.
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.
You can also email info@rattlethestars.org for more information.
RCADD Back-to-School Resources / Recursos para el regreso a clases
The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays’ (RCADD) Virtual Resource Room offers back-to-school resources for parents/caregivers and their children with autism and/or neurodiversity. Resources in English and Spanish to help with a new school year include:
- Tip sheets- Hojas de consejos
- Schedules and routines materials- Horarios & rutinas
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Social stories- Historias sociales
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Visual supports – Apoyos visuales
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Structured activities- Actividades estructuradas
Reach Out and Read provides resources for families as well as information and training for pediatricians and clinicians working with children with disabilities. The nationwide program focuses on increasing literacy by helping all families learn how to build literacy skills by talking, reading, and singing with their babies from birth.
Reach Out and Read offers resources for families, pediatricians and clinicians, including:
- Tips for reading, booklists and more for families with young children
- Training opportunities for clinicians on building connections, understanding disabilities and more
- Current research and podcast
Ready.gov provides tips for building an emergency supply kit. The information is available in a variety of languages.
Reliance Children’s Health Center
Reliance Children’s Health Center in Plainfield, Ill., provides specialized care in a home-like setting for children who are medically fragile and technology-dependent and under the age of 22. The center has a maximum capacity of 12 children and offers skilled nursing care, respite care, transitional care, therapies, medical daycare and more. Reliance Children’s Health Center services include:
- Respiratory care
- Medical day care
- Respite and transitional care
- Weekend camps
- Diagnostic studies
For more information, contact Reliance Children’s Health Center at:
- Office – (630) 385-0016 or (630) 385-0017
- Mobile – (630) 946-3156
- Email – Info@reliancechildrens.com
RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs.
Each organization has its own eligibility rules and conditions and you are encouraged to call directly to find out what you need to do.
This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.
Resource Guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love and Legacy”
The loss of a child is never easy. The Funeral Service Foundation’s free guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love & Legacy” offers guidance, support and inspiration to families saying goodbye. Topics include:
- The funeral planning process
- Talking with children about death
- Ideas for planning a meaningful tribute
- Carrying forward and dealing with your grief
For questions, please visit the Funeral Service Foundation’s Contact Us page.