Illinois Respite Coalition

10/09/2026

09/25/2026

💙 BEACON: Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation

Finding behavioral health support for a child or teen can feel overwhelming, but families don’t have to navigate it alone.

BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth ages 5–18 and their families seeking behavioral health services and support.

It’s common for young people to experience behavioral or mental health challenges. You are not alone, and neither is your child. 💙

BEACON can help connect families with resources and services so they can find the support they need.

09/22/2026

🚗👶 Free Car Seat Event – Child Passenger Safety Week! 👶🚗

Mattoon Birth-3 is hosting a FREE Car Seat Event during Child Passenger Safety Week (September 20–26)!

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
📍 LIFT – 121 17th St., Mattoon, IL 61938

Families can learn more about choosing the right car seat, proper installation, and keeping children safe while traveling. A local professional will be available for car seat inspections and safety guidance.

💙 Help make sure your child’s car seat is the right fit and properly installed!

📞 Contact: Katrina Farris
(217) 238-8906

09/21/2026

🚗👶 Healthy Families Safety Fair! 👶🚒

Brightpoint is celebrating Child Passenger Safety Week with a fun and informative Healthy Families Safety Fair!

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
⏰ 3:30 PM–6:00 PM
📍 Monticello Fire Department
211 N Hamilton St, Monticello, IL 61856

The event will feature:
✅ Certified Car Seat Checks
🚒 Touch-a-Truck
🎁 Safety Information & Giveaways
🍎 Snacks
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly safety resources

Learn more about keeping children and families safe while enjoying a fun afternoon with the community!

📧 Questions? Contact [email protected]

09/18/2026

💙 Celebrating DSP Appreciation Week! 💙

The Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities is recognizing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) during DSP Appreciation Week and thanking Governor JB Pritzker for his partnership in issuing an official proclamation honoring their dedication and service.

DSPs play an essential role in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout communities across Illinois. Their compassion, skill, and commitment help individuals:

✨ Build greater independence
🤝 Stay connected and included in their communities
💙 Maintain their health and well-being
🏡 Live meaningful lives with the support they need

To all of the DSPs who show up every day with care, patience, and dedication — thank you for everything you do for the individuals and families you serve! Your work makes a meaningful difference. 👏

📜 The full proclamation is included below. Please take a moment to read it and share your appreciation for the DSPs who make a difference every day!

https://mcusercontent.com/ee442f381792c8f3536529d66/files/d1c67c91-96a0-8a99-3bcf-edc96436ec36/Direct_Support_Professional_Appreciation_Week_09.13_09.16.26.pdf

09/17/2026

🏠 Keep Your Home. Keep Your Equity.

Join Injustice Watch and the Investigative Project on Race & Equity for a conversation and workshop focused on how to protect your home from property tax foreclosure.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Woodson Regional Library
9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

This workshop is an opportunity for homeowners to learn more about property tax foreclosure, protecting home equity, and resources that may help.

📲 RSVP using the QR code on the flyer!

Please share this information with homeowners, families, and community members who may benefit from this resource.

09/16/2026

🌳💚 Community Care & Resource Fair! 💚🌳

Looking for local resources, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with your community? Come out to the Central Illinois Resource Center Inc. Community Care & Resource Fair!

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Tower Park
1222 E. Kingman Ave., Peoria Heights, IL

🎉 FREE Community Event — Everyone Welcome!

Come explore:
🤝 Community resources & nonprofit organizations
🛍️ Local vendors
🌮 Food trucks
🎈 Family-friendly activities
💜 Networking opportunities

The event is all about building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities together!

📧 Interested in attending or getting involved? Contact [email protected]

09/15/2026

🏠 Keep Your Home. Keep Your Equity.

Join Injustice Watch and the Investigative Project on Race & Equity for a conversation and workshop on how to protect your home from property tax foreclosure.

📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Oak Park Library
834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL

Learn more about protecting your home and equity, and get information about resources available to homeowners.

📲 RSVP using the QR code on the flyer!

09/14/2026

💰 Learn About IL ABLE Accounts

Planning financially for the future can be overwhelming for families of individuals with disabilities. An IL ABLE Account is designed to help eligible individuals and families save and invest money for disability-related expenses while protecting certain current or future federal benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid.

Join this virtual presentation to learn more about:

• IL ABLE Account benefits
• Eligibility requirements
• Who can open and manage an account
• How an account can help support financial independence and quality of life

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM

A helpful opportunity for parents, guardians, caregivers, and families who want to learn more about planning for the future.

Educational Webinar - FMPTIC Staff hosted