DSCC Fact Sheets Resources
A number of heart conditions can affect children. Some are structural abnormalities they are born with. Others deal with the electrical system that controls the heartbeat.
HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting site of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides numerous articles and information about heart conditions, including common heart defects in children, the challenges faced by parents of children with congenital heart disease, dental care for children with heart conditions and more.
Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association
The Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association offers support and information to help families adjust to the special needs of a child with Down syndrome. Its programs and resources for families and caregivers include Individual Education Program (IEP) resource providers, conference and classroom stipends, and events to increase inclusion and understanding of people with Down syndrome.
The association’s service area in central Illinois includes Peoria, Marshall, Tazewell and Woodford counties.
Heartland Alliance Health, Housing and Legal Services
Heartland Alliance in Chicago provides programs to address the root causes of poverty, generate social change and inspire people to build better lives not only for themselves but for their communities.
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation and public education. Other programs include:
Help for Caregivers, Grandparents/Relatives Raising Children in Northeastern Illinois
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois provides programs offering respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more for caregivers and grandparents/relatives raising children. Residents in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties may be eligible.
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences.
The National Institute of Mental health has numerous resources to help children and adolescents cope with traumatic events.
Helping Hand is a nonprofit organization empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicagoland through person-centered education, therapy, residential and employment programs.
Helping Hand programs and services, include:
- An outpatient clinic
- School
- Community day services
- Residential living services
- Employment program
For more information, call (708) 352-3580 or email info@helpinghand-il.org.
- Helping Hands of Springfield is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides homeless services to single adults 18 and older. It provides a shelter and supportive services, including individualized case management, advocacy and referrals, representative payee services, and shower facilities. It also provides help to obtain prescriptions, identification services, and employment assistance.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless, call (217) 522-0048. For other housing-related needs, please call 211.
The High Fives Foundation focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources for outdoor adventure sports athletes if they happen. High Fives provides community support, inspiration and grants to help athletes and veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and others get back to their outdoor physical activity of choice from snowboarding and skiing to surfing and mountain biking and beyond.
The High Fives Foundation Empowerment Fund grants are primarily need-based. Recipients can use the grant funds for adaptive sports equipment, healing network, medical equipment, programs, living expenses and emergency care/injury expenses. Athletes living in the United States or Canada and meeting the criteria for each grant cycle can apply each year.
Highpoint Care Center provides Drive-Up Care Centers where visitors can receive a bag filled with household toiletries and groceries. The organization also provides meals to District 200 students during lunchtime and has a mobile food pantry. Additional assistance with the cost of utilities, rent and car repairs is available.
Care Center locations are in Naperville, North Aurora, Bolingbrook/Romeoville and Wheaton.
HIPP Program Tip Sheet and Application
The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program pays health insurance premiums for some children who have high medical costs and who have private health insurance available.
This HIPP Program Tip Sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains the program’s availability and how to apply. (The HIPP Tip Sheet is also available in Spanish.)
You can also find copies of the HIPP Program application in English and HIPP Program application in Spanish.