Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • The Early Years Project

    The Early Years Project is a free online toolkit from the Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program featuring easy-to-follow videos, activities and resources. Parents, caregivers, and educators can use these materials to help foster sensory development in young children, from birth to 6 years old.

    The Early Years Project toolkit aims to supplement home visiting and early education programs. It includes information on developmental milestones, activities, resources and more in four areas:

    • Hearing
    • Vision
    • Communication
    • Language

  • The Good Samaritan Inn in Decatur

    The Good Samaritan Inn provides meals to all those who need them, no questions asked. Meals are served seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its programs also include Mercy Gardens and Mercy Market from June through October.

    Good Samaritan Inn is located at 920 North Union St. in Decatur.

    For more information, call (217) 429-1455.

  • The HAP Foundation

    The HAP Foundation provides patient-centered hospice and palliative care education, research, workforce development and support. The foundation helps any family of a child or adult living with a serious illness understand palliative and hospice care options, and connect to and strengthen care throughout their journey. The HAP Foundation resources also include:

    • Palliative and hospice care information for families and medical professionals
    • Help for finding and accessing care
    • Missing Pieces support group for anyone grieving the loss of a child
    • The Pediatric Resource Guide for patients, families and practitioners
    • Chicagoland resources and events

    For questions, contact the HAP Foundation at (312) 741-1283 or info@thehapfoundation.org.

  • The HIKE Fund, Inc.

    The official site of the Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund, Inc. (HIKE). The purpose of the fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and 20 years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially.

    Children are eligible to receive a grant providing the need is verified by a prescription from an audiologist or physician.

  • The Humanitarian Foundation

    The Grottoes International Humanitarian Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps cover the cost of dental treatment and anesthesia costs, whether done in a hospital setting or dental office, for children with special needs. The program does not cover the hospital costs.

    The Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Program is for children under 21 with one or more of the following conditions:

    • Cerebral palsy
    • Muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders
    • Intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome
    • Dental care for organ transplant recipients (pre- and post-transplant)

    Learn more on the program’s eligibility and application page. For more information, fill out the program’s Contact Us form, email hf@hfgrotto.org or call (614) 933-0711.

  • The Hydrocephalus Association

    The Hydrocephalus Association provides information and resources for people of all ages living with or caring for someone with hydrocephalus.

  • The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB)

    The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) promotes vision and eye health in the state of Illinois. ISPB provides:

    • Eye care education programs and information
    • Youth replacement glasses and low-vision equipment reimbursement services
    • Research grant opportunities
    • Speakers and screening events

  • The Immigration Project

    The Immigration Project provides individual attorney consultations and evaluations in Spanish and English on immigration issues in central, northern and southern Illinois. Immigration attorneys and specialists travel to meet with clients in seven regional locations throughout downstate Illinois. They also have offices in Normal and Champaign.

    The Immigration Project has a Facebook page and may be reached at (309) 829-8703 or info@immigrationproject.org.

  • The Journey Through Diagnosis: A Guide for Families of Children with a Genetic Condition

    The Family Forum of the Region 4 Midwest Genetics Collaborative wrote this guide to provide information and support to families whose child has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. It is written from the family perspective and includes information they felt was important when facing a new diagnosis. The material includes advice and tips to help guide families on their journey.

  • The KASE Project

    The KASE Project aims to raise awareness and support for autism through community outreach in the Springfield area. Its programs include:

    • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication) at the Park – an initiative to install picture communication boards at local parks and playgrounds.
    • PALS (Parent Autism Life Support) – a caregiver support initiative for parents, siblings and caregivers of children and adults with autism in Sangamon County. PALS currently hosts a support group for moms.
    • FLASH (Friends Learning and Sharing Hope) – an effort to bring adaptive sports to the Chatham community and beyond.
    • SIBS – A Sibshops program for siblings of children with health, mental health and developmental needs.

    For questions, please contact the KASE Project at info@thekaseproject.org.