These free webinars will focus on SNAP benefits, estate and financial planning, and caregiver mental health

Our annual education webinar series returns in March with a whole new lineup of topics!

Join the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) and learn more about key programs and services for Illinois families and caregivers from the comfort of your home.

These free sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month and are open to anyone who is interested.

Presenters will cover a different topic each month and answer your questions. Each presentation will be in English. A Spanish interpretation line will be available during each session.

Check out the topics, mark your calendars and register for each session you’re interested in attending.

The session descriptions are in English followed by Spanish:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, March 10, at 6 p.m.
  
  • This webinar will explain how to apply for SNAP benefits. Presenters will cover who can get SNAP, how to apply and recent changes to the program.
    
  • See the SNAP Benefits flyer
  • Register for the SNAP Benefits Session on Zoom

• Estate and Financial Planning, April 14, at 6 p.m.
  • This webinar will focus on estate and financial planning to preserve government benefits for a person with a disability. Presenters will discuss planning tools, protecting benefits and preparing for the future.
    
  • See the Estate and Financial Planning flyer
  • Register for Estate and Financial Planning Session on Zoom

• Caregiver Mental Health, May 12, at 6 p.m.
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This webinar will focus on mental health for caregivers. Presenters will talk about stress, burnout and ways caregivers can take care of their own well-being.
    
  • See the Caregiver Mental Health flyer
  • Register for the Caregiver Mental Health Session on Zoom

• Beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP), 10 de marzo a las 6 p.m.
  • Este seminario web explicará cómo solicitar los beneficios de SNAP. Los presentadores hablarán sobre quiénes pueden recibir SNAP, cómo presentar la solicitud y los cambios recientes en el programa.
    
  • Consulte el folleto de Beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP)
  • Regístrese para Beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) en Zoom

• Planificación Patrimonial y Financiera, 14 de abril a las 6 p.m.
  • Este seminario web se enfoca en la planificación patrimonial y financiera para preservar los beneficios gubernamentales de una persona con discapacidad. Los presentadores hablarán sobre herramientas de planificación, cómo proteger los beneficios y cómo prepararse para el futuro.
    
  • Consulte el folleto de Planificación Patrimonial y Financiera
  • Regístrese para Planificación Patrimonial y Financiera en Zoom

• Salud Mental de los Cuidadores, 12 de mayo a las 6 p.m.
  • Este seminario web se enfoca en la salud mental de los cuidadores. Los presentadores hablarán sobre el estrés, el agotamiento y las maneras en que los cuidadores pueden cuidar su propio bienestar.
  • Consulte el folleto de Salud Mental de los Cuidadores
  • Regístrese para Salud Mental de los Cuidadores en Zoom

You can also download a flyer with all the Family Education Webinar Series topics and registration links. (The flyer is also available in Spanish.)

Details about each series session are also posted on our Events page.

We began offering our free family webinars in response to questions and suggestions from our Family Advisory Council. The webinars are open to everyone.

If you miss a session, you can access the recordings and related materials on our Family Education Webinars page.

If you have questions about these webinars before or after a session, email dscc@uic.edu or call (800) 322-3722.

We hope you’ll join us!

We’ve developed resources to help you support your mental health, reduce stress and connect with others who understand.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication of families caring for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

At the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC), we know that caregiving can be both a rewarding and challenging journey.

As you care for others, it’s just as important to take care of your own mental health.

Find Support in Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit

Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit can help you find the support and strategies you need to recharge and stay well.

This online resource offers practical tips, self-care strategies and mental health resources to help you navigate the unique demands of caregiving while prioritizing your own health and well-being.

The Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit includes:

• Stress management strategies and techniques to help you cope with tough times.
• Self-care tips and practical ways to nurture your own physical, emotional and mental health.
• Mental health support resources to connect you with professional help and support networks when needed.
• Apps, online tools, videos and podcasts you can access anytime.

Explore the Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit

We created this toolkit with input from our Family Advisory Council, which shared the importance of mental health support for caregivers like you.

Whether you’re a parent caring for a child, a family member supporting a loved one or anyone in a caregiving role, we encourage you to explore this free resource.

Connect With a Fellow Caregiver for Support

One of the most powerful supports you can have is a connection with another parent who truly understands.

We have a Home Care Family Outreach Associate on our team who understands the unique challenges of caring for a loved one with complex medical conditions firsthand.

Our Home Care Family Outreach Associate works to create a community for caregivers within DSCC and offer heartfelt support, connection and empowerment.

You can ask your DSCC care coordination team to refer you to the HCFOA. You can also email a request to speak with the HCFOA at DSCC-FamilySupport@uic.edu.

Learn more about Erica Stearns, our current HCFOA, on our Home Care Family Outreach page and in the short video below:

Meet our Home Care Family Outreach Associate

Take a Break with Caregiver Coloring Sheets

We’ve also designed four coloring pages to help caregivers relax and take time to relieve stress and practice mindfulness.

There are four designs available in both English and Spanish:

• Lighthouse (Lighthouse in Spanish)
• Sunflowers (Sunflowers in Spanish)
• Hot air balloons (Hot air balloons in Spanish)
• Gears and clock (Gears and clock in Spanish)

These printable pages are a simple way to pause, relax and focus on yourself.

More Mental Health Resources and Support

You can find more mental health resources in our online Resource Directory.

Be sure to also follow our DSCC Facebook page and Instagram page for helpful reminders and tips throughout the rest of the month.

Your DSCC care coordination team is also here to support you. They can listen, help identify your needs and find available services and resources.

As the heart of your child’s care team, we celebrate you this month and always!