Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • Special Needs Mom Squad

    The Special Needs Mom Squad is a non-profit organization based in Lombard. It aims to provide a safe and supportive community where moms of children with special needs can connect, access resources and find emotional and mental support.

    The organization helps moms and families through:

    • Sensory-friendly events throughout the year
    • A safe space where moms can share their stories and feel heard
    • Information and resources for understanding their child’s condition

  • Special Needs Resource Project

    The Special Needs Resource Project provides a basic guide for parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities, and special needs.

  • Springfield Office of Community Relations Resources

    The Springfield Office of Community Relations provides information on where to find help with homelessness, rental and utility assistance, micro-pantries and more.

    You can also contact the Springfield Office of Community Relations at (217) 789.2270 or Community.Relations@springfield.il.us

  • St. James Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Bettendorf, IA

    The St. James Lutheran Church Food Pantry provides emergency food to families in need who reside in the food pantry service zone. Visitors are provided with a pre-packed box of food items, along with milk, eggs, and protein. Visitors are encouraged to schedule visits every 30 days, but can return each week for bread and fresh vegetables that may be available.

    St. James Lutheran Church Food Pantry is at 1705 Oak Street. The pantry is open on:

    • Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m.

    For questions, please call (563) 355-4161.

  • St. Mary’s Food Pantry in Moline

    St. Mary’s Food Pantry provides food to anyone living below 12th Avenue in Moline and between 53rd Street in Moline and 39th Street in Rock Island. Active members of St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, Christ the King and St. Ann’s in Moline can also pick up food regardless of their address. Residents in the service area can pick up food once a month by providing a photo ID (such as a driver’s license) or a piece of mail with a current address.

    St. Mary’s Food Pantry is at 412 10th St., in Moline. It is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    For questions, please call (309) 764-1562.

  • St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Rock Island

    St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is at 2502 29th Avenue in Rock Island. The pantry is open on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

    St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is provided by volunteers from St. Pius X Church in Rock Island. For more information, please call (309) 793-7373.

  • Stepping Stones Bereavement Camp for Children in Eureka, Missouri

    BJC Hospice hosts Stepping Stones Bereavement Camp each year for children and teens who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. The weekend-long, overnight camp provides a safe place for campers ages 6 to 15 to explore their grief and emotions.

    The camp usually takes place in August and is free for all children who have lost loved ones, not just families served by BJC Hospice (service areas include Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Fayette, Clinton, St. Clair, Monroe, Calhoun, Marion, Greene and portions of Pike and Perry counties).

  • Stress and Coping Skills Resources

    If left unmanaged, stress can negatively impact our physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, work, and many other things in our lives. To effectively manage stress, one must identify the stressor and take active steps to reduce the impact of the stressor by using effective and individualized coping tools.

    Illinois Extension provides this list of resources to help reduce stress and enhance coping skills.

  • Strong Family Alliance

    Strong Family Alliance’s mission is to save lives and preserve families by helping children come out and parents become informed supporters and allies.

    The alliance strives to give parents and LGBTQ people accurate information, insights on this challenging transition for both parents and children, ways to keep LGBTQ children safe and healthy, and encouragement for parents to lead with love and solve problems over time. Its website includes parent guides and resources.

  • Summer Meals Program

    The Summer Meals Program and Illinois No Kid Hungry collaborate with national and state partner organizations to provide free meals during the summer for children and youth who depend on school lunches during the school year. Meals are available throughout Illinois for children and youth ages 18 and under.

    To find a meal site near you:

    There is no income requirement to participate in open-site summer meal programs.

    Certain summer meal sites, such as camps or closed programs that require an application to participate, may ask about income during the application process.