Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Options & Advocacy for McHenry County
Options & Advocacy for McHenry County is a service coordination agency that provides information and referrals, screening, evaluation and assessment, service plans, community education and more for children and families in McHenry County. Its programs include:
- Child and Family Connections Program, an Early Intervention program
- Autism Resource Center
- Helping Us Grow (HUG), a home visiting program
- Early Childhood Network of McHenry County
- Play and support groups
- Stefanie Sullivan Joyful Arts program for teens and young adults with developmental and other challenges
- Neuro Inclusive Counseling
For more information, contact Options & Advocacy of McHenry County at (815) 477-4720, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
You can also use the Options & Advocacy of McHenry County’s online form to submit questions and referrals.
Oracle Health Foundation’s pediatric grants cover various clinical, equipment, and travel and lodging costs related to children’s healthcare needs. The foundation accepts applications from the United States and through select international providers.
Funding criteria include that the applicant must be 21 or younger (special consideration given for individuals 22-25 receiving pediatric treatment). You can find more details on the Oracle Health Foundation website on how to request a pediatric grant.
OSF Healthcare Children’s Hospital of Illinois’ OSF Autism Pathways provides tools, information and resources to help individuals of all ages navigate their autism journey. The OSF Autism Pathways team can help answer questions about treatment options and other concerns. It can also help connect individuals to autism services and supports.
OSF Autism Pathways’ services and resources include:
- General autism information and resources
- Autism diagnostic services
- Behavioral health, crisis and respite care supports
- Daily living skills development and transition to adulthood planning
- Employment and job coaching
- Family supports and financial planning
- Social and recreational opportunities
- Therapeutic interventions
To refer yourself or your child, please call (844) 910-0770 or (309) 624-4830. You can also fill out the OSF Autism Pathways online form.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources and information regarding the bullying and harassment of students with disabilities.
PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. PADS services include:
- A day resource center
- An emergency shelter
- Homeless prevention and diversion program
- Supportive housing
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization providing training, individual assistance, information and resources about raising a child of any age with any disability or special needs diagnosis.
Parents of Extraordinary Children
Parents of Extraordinary Children (PEXC) is a nonprofit that aims to inform, empower, support and help advocate for families of children and young adults with disabilities within the southeast side of Chicago.
With the help of volunteers and representatives from city-wide organizations, PEXC provides opportunities for Individualized Education Program (IEP) training, learning to navigate the special education process, understanding terminology, initiating the process of evaluation, the transition to adulthood and more.
PEXC has a Sensory Space and Resource Center and offers an “All Inclusive Support Group” on a monthly basis for families.
For more information, call (312) 600-5479 or email admin@pexc10thward.com.
People’s Resource Center (PRC) serves DuPage County residents. It offers a food pantry, computer access, financial assistance, an art program, a clothes closet and more. Residents need to register to receive services.
Download the PRC flyer for a list of locations, services and times for:
- The food pantry
- The clothes closet
- Empowerment services
- Social services
The flyer is in English and Spanish.
Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance
If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.
Peoria Friendship House/La Familia
The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:
- A parent mentor program
- S.T.E.A.M.S Academy for students focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math
- La Familia healing support across the lifespan
- A financial stability program
- Pantry on the Move to help reduce barriers to receiving food