Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group

    The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group “You Are Not Alone” offers support for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their loved ones. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, in Champaign.

    For more information, contact Kristen at kristen@epilepsyadvocacynetwork.org or (217) 621-5842.

  • Champaign-Urbana Healthy Beginnings

    Healthy Beginnings is a free, evidence-based initiative for moms in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area who are first-time moms less than 29 weeks pregnant and moms with other children who are pregnant. Its goal is to help ensure children and their families have an opportunity to be prosperous and live the healthiest life they can.

    Healthy Beginnings works with eligible mothers and their families to help bring the healthcare, support and resources together that fit individual circumstances, including:

    • Nurse home visiting care/support for pregnant moms & their families (with interpreter services)
    • Mobile clinic services
    • Child and family education
    • Employment opportunities
    • Access to healthy food

    For more information or to make a referral, call (217) 365-7925 or email referral@cuhealthybeginnings.com.

  • Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation

    The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation provides opportunities and resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families.

    The program includes The Tiana Fund, which provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Applications are only available at Chicago-area hospitals or pre-approved community organizations.

  • CHD Support Network

    The American Heart Association’s Support Network, in partnership with The Children’s Heart Foundation, provides a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Support Network for parents of young children diagnosed with CHDs or adults living with a CHD.

  • Chicago and Illinois Mental Health Agencies and Organizations

    The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health provides this list of mental health agencies and organizations in Chicago and statewide.

    The list includes Asian Human Services, the Chicago LGBT Youth Resource Guide, counseling services, health centers and more.

  • Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants

    The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.

    The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.

    The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.

  • Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)

    For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.

    Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.

    To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.

  • Child Care Resource & Referral in Southern Illinois

    Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) provides information, referrals and financial assistance to families.  They also provide resources and support for child care and early education programs.  CCR&R serves the counties of Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.

  • Child Neurology Foundation

    The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a patient advocacy organization offering tools, education resources, and a network of more than 48 organizations to help children and their families living with neurologic conditions find social services and emotional support.

    CNF’s Family Support Program helps families navigate the journey of being a caregiver of a child with a neurologic condition. Families can connect with trained staff who will listen and help with:

    • Learning about a child neurology disorder and clinical trials
    • Connecting to disease-specific organizations
    • Talking to another parent
    • Navigating insurance and more

    See the CNF Family Support Program flyer to learn more. You can request help online or by calling (859) 551-4977.

  • Children’s Burial Assistance

    Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA) helps families honor their deceased children with a decent and proper burial.  Families without life insurance or money saved to bury their deceased child, ages 1 through 17, may be eligible. CBA resources include:

    • The “What To Do – The First 48 Hours of Your Child’s Death” guide
    • A database of service providers
    • Burial plots, urns and other in-kind gifts to offset the cost of a burial

    Parents, legal guardians or family members may apply online for assistance. Please note: CBA does not provide financial assistance for funeral service fees or grave markers. Visit the CBA website for more details.