Resource Directory /

Financial Assistance and Grant Programs Resources

  • Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center

    The mission of Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center is to support and respond to the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their dependents in the effort to avoid further abuse. The center is based in Galesburg and serves victims of domestic violence in Knox County.

    Safe Harbor’s services include a crisis hotline, court advocacy, support groups, social service referrals, clothing and food, and children’s programs.

    For more information, call (309) 343-7233 or email .

  • Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion

    The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois in Marion provides financial assistance with food, rent, utilities, and clothing for families and individuals across southern Illinois.

    For questions or food pantry hours, please contact Darla Harms at (618) 993-5854 or darla.harms@usc.salvationarmy.org.

  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline

    If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline.

    The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

    (800) 985-5990

  • SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation

    SAM’s Sweet Heart Memorial Foundation is dedicated to helping Illinois families with children with complex medical diagnoses.

    SAM’s Sweet Heart provides financial assistance to Boone and Winnebago county families with children under the age of 18 who have a medical condition requiring lifelong treatment. Local families may apply for a grant during open application periods.

  • Sangamon County Resource Guide

    The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources strives to improve the quality of life for people in-need in Sangamon County through department programs, services and referrals that promote economic stability and/or self-motivation.

    The department provides several resource guides that cover financial assistance, food pantries, health care, housing and more for the residents of Sangamon County.

  • Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital Health Profession Scholarship Program

    Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital (CMH) Foundation provides a variety of annual scholarship programs. Scholarships are available for high school seniors, college students, Connect Care participants and CMH employees entering a healthcare-related field that is in high demand at CMH. The award amount may change from year to year. Information, applications and scholarship deadlines are available online.

    Foundation scholarship opportunities include:

    • The Elmer Hugh Taylor Health Profession Scholarship for high school seniors in Schuyler, Cass and South Fulton counties entering a healthcare-related field at CMH
    • The Regina Ehrhardt Scholarship for Rushville-Industry High School or Brown County High School senior who is entering a nursing-related field of study that is currently available at CMH
    • The Career Connect Scholarship for any Rushville-Industry High School senior participating in Career Connect at CMH
    • The Future of Culbertson Scholarship for potential future employees obtaining a secondary education in a healthcare-related field of study that is currently available at CMH
    • The CMH Foundation Scholarship for full or part-time employees who are taking healthcare courses for a position that is considered a critical need at CMH

  • School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents

    The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (Supporting the Eduction of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness) provides this information for families experiencing homelessness who have children with special needs.

    This brief discusses common concerns and offers resources for additional assistance.

  • Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

    The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides a wide variety of information, videos, fellowship opportunities and events to support and strengthen self-advocacy.

    SARTAC resources for individuals and self-advocacy groups include:

    • Help for navigating social, economic and personal issues
    • Self-advocacy Zoom meetings
    • Tip sheets for self-advocacy groups
    • A history of self-advocacy

  • Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic from Governors State University

    Governors State University’s Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic (GSU-LC) provides free self-help legal assistance and non-legal resources to low-income Illinois residents navigating the court system without legal representation. The clinic’s team of attorneys, social workers and volunteers works under the supervision of a licensed attorney and social worker to increase access to legal services in underrepresented communities. GSU-LC offers pro se and free legal assistance in the areas of family law, immigration, housing and expungement, and can help with:

    • Understanding legal rights and laws
    • Filing depositions, settlement negotiations and court appearances
    • Reviewing and explaining court orders and filings

  • Sensory-Friendly Travel at Chicago’s Airports

    Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

    Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:

    • Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
    • Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
    • Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
    • Details about sensory bags available at information desks