Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

    Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education and referral services in over 200 languages.

    Call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY). You can also text “START” to 88788 or chat live on The Hotline website.

  • National Down Syndrome Society

    The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) aims to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and shifting public perceptions.

    Its resources include information on Down syndrome across the lifespan as well as in the areas of aging, caregiving, education, employment, health and more.

  • National Fatherhood Initiative

    The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on programs and support to increase father involvement in children’s lives.  NFI provides webinars, resources to help strengthen families and lead to happier, healthier, and safer communities.that aims to end father absence. They provide a variety of free resources for dads and organizations.

    For questions, please call (301) 948-0599 or email info@fatherhood.org.

  • National Federation of the Blind

    The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people in the United States. NFB helps create a wide range of opportunities for children and adults who are blind in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, Braille certification, parent support and resources, training, employment, technology and more.

    A small sampling of NFB resources includes:

    For more information, contact NFB at (410) 659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org

    There is also an Illinois chapter. Visit the National Federation of the Blind in Illinois website, call (312) 343-8396, or email  president@nfbofillinois.org.

  • National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

    The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:

    • A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
    • Scholarship and education programs
    • Voter resources
    • Statewide and local chapters

    Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.

    Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

    The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential and here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and Spanish for anyone who is pregnant or just had a baby.

    Trained counselors can listen to what you’re going through, connect you with local support groups and organizations, and refer you to other healthcare professionals if you need more care.

    Call or text (833) 852-6262 or (833) TLC-MAMA.

  • National Paralysis Resource Center

    The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC), operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The NPRC assists people as they navigate through the various stages of their recovery after the diagnosis of paralysis.

    NPRC offers free tips and information on health, costs and insurance, choosing a wheelchair, home and travel, and help for caregivers. NPRC also offers:

    • Information specialists
    • Peer and family support programs
    • Updates on advocacy/policy initiatives
    • A program for veterans and current service members

    If you have questions, please email Peer@ChristopherReeve.org.

  • National Parent Helpline

    Offers emotional support from a trained advocate to help you become an empowered and stronger parent. Parent advocates can list, offer emotional support, help you problem-solve, connect you with local resources, help you explore new resources and more.

    The National Parent Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 12 – 9 p.m. at (855) 427-2736 (855-4A PARENT).

  • National PKU Alliancesun-icon

    The National Phenylketonuria (PKU) Alliance (NPKUA) provides help with understanding and managing PKU from diagnosis to adulthood. NPKUA resources include a New Parent Support Kit, a Kindergarten Kit for children entering kindergarten, a downloadable PKU Binder Toolkit, guides for educators and information on the latest treatments, insurance coverage and terms, a mentor program, cooking and food, research grants and more.

    NPKUA hosts “Community Call.” These monthly peer support groups offer a place for sharing and connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of living with PKU. Please see the events calendar on NPKUA’s website for meeting times and other details for each of the following groups:

    • Caregivers of children ages 0 to 3
    • Caregivers of children ages 3 to 12
    • Caregivers of teens ages 13 to 17
    • Adults with PKU ages 18+
    • Adults with PKU ages 40+

  • National Respite Locator

    ARCH National Respite Network and Research Center provides a National Respite Locator on its website as well as additional resources for finding respite in your community.