MEMBERSHIP LISTING Special thanks to IRC Members for offering wonderful tools, resources and support for Illinois caregivers!
DCFS: http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/index.shtml
The goal of DCFS is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families, and we hope that the information available here will help you join us in this important work. From hotline calls to family reunification, foster care and adoption, you can be a part of everything we do. Thank you for your interest in the well-being of children and families in Illinois. The mission of DCFS is to: Protect children who are reported to be abused or neglected and to increase their families' capacity to safely care for them; provide for the well-being of children in our care; provide appropriate, permanent families as quickly as possible for those children who cannot safely return home; support early intervention and child abuse prevention activities and work in partnerships with communities to fulfill this mission.
Illinois Dept on Aging: http://www.state.il.us/aging/
The MISSION of the Illinois Department on Aging is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. Established in 1979 by Public Act 81-202, the Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps senior citizens, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.
Marklund: www.marklund.org Provides In-Home and facility respite services (at their children’s center in Bloomingdale). Services are offered to children and youth with special health care needs ages 0-21 throughout local communities. Marklund's Lifespan Respite Program was created by caregivers for caregivers. They provide hourly respite care in the homes of families who care for individuals with special health needs. Training is also available to those interested in providing respite care as well as for family caregivers. for more information call 630-529-2871.
Ray Graham Association: http://www.ray-graham.org/ The Ray Graham Association is dedicated to the full participation of all people with developmental disabilities in a quality of life by providing leadership that supports the accomplishment of individuals, strengthens families and inspires community involvement. Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is a nonprofit organization that provides a broad array of services and support to more than 2,500 children and adults with disabilites that include mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism. Services include: vocational services, respite services, early intervention evaluations and developmental therapy, recreational services, supported employment services, home-based support services and residential programs.
Brightstar Home Care: http://www.brightstarcare.com/
With over 130 locations nationwide, Bright Star offices nationwide help keep parents and grandparents in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, as well as assisting parents with their childcare needs. We can provide every service available at a nursing facility in the comfort of your loved one’s home. From companionship, toileting and hygiene assistance to in-home blood draws, our services are available around the clock to meet our clients’ every need.
Abraham Lincoln Centre http://abelink.org/
The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Centre is to serve Chicago's greater south side communities by assisting the residents in their efforts to become self-sufficient and to live healthy, productive lives. Abraham Lincoln Centre now has thirty programs at 30 sites on Chicago’s south side, concentrating on the needs of residents in the Greater Grand Boulevard community (also known historically as Bronzeville) where the central office is located. The Abraham Lincoln Centre is successfully Helping People Help Themselves by offering core programs that support children and youth development, adults and seniors, and those with special needs.
Clearbrook: http://clearbrook.org
Take A Break Program: is a unique program specifically designed to help families of young children with disabilities, from birth to age five, by providing them with four hours of weekly respite support by a specially trained volunteer. Take A Break assists families at an overwhelming point in their lives; providing the families with a respite reduces stress, allows rest and relaxation, and reduces feelings of isolation. Both in home and out of home services are provided. For info call: 847-392-2812 Ext. 35. 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Little Friends, Inc. http://www.littlefriendsinc.org
Little Friends, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Based in Naperville, Illinois, Little Friends, Inc. operates 13 programs including three alternative schools, family support and consultation services, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism. Little Friends was founded in 1965 and now serves more than 800 people each year from throughout DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will and western Cook counties in Illinois.