Community Resources

TOOLS FROM MSD15 SOCIAL WORKERS

The Virtual Calming Room is a place for all students, families (and teachers too) to find the tools that work best for them as they work to manage their BIG feelings and build resiliency. 

Disclaimer: The following links are purely for educational purposes and are not intended as psychological interventions or as a substitute for psychological treatment. If you are in need of psychological help you should seek the consultation of a licensed mental health professional. *Not an endorsement of these services or websites*

Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families

The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families is a distinguished speaker series dedicated to presenting relevant, high-profile authors, educators and clinicians. These high-caliber speakers offer practical research-based knowledge, strategies, and personal experience to support students’ engaged learning, positive youth development and well-being. Founded in 1995, GPS is a weekly resource for parents/caregivers/guardians (for children of all ages) as well as students, school staff, professionals and community members. GPS is here to inform, connect, and inspire. All programs are free, virtual and open to the public. These events are presented at both noon CT and 7pm CT, and offered in multiple languages. Sponsorship for the more than 50 program presented each year comes from organizations and foundations throughout the area.

GPS is a free resource for parents, educators, students, and community members to foster self-empowered children who collaborate, communicate, embrace diversity, create and think critically.

To receive program updates please visit https://www.GPSParentSeries.org/upcoming-events/ 

PEP (Partnership for Educational Progress)

As an educational foundation,PEP serves Glenbard High School District and its elementary feeder schools. We award grants to educators that allow them to launch new programs within their classes, schools, and districts that enhance and enrich learning. We partner with organizations, acting as a fiscal agent to support programs that improve and enhance education in the district. We also work with schools and districts to support unique fundraising initiatives for projects like playground equipment, books for libraries, computers for classrooms, and funds for school and student organizations.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, so we are a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization.

Village of Glendale Heights 

Glendale Heights Police Program Supervisor for the Police Department, Tanya Macko can help refer families to a variety of social services and programs within the community. The Department attempts to bridge the gap between the identification of the need for social services and the enrollment in outside programs.

Contact: Tanya Macko
Email: tanya_macko@glendaleheights.org
Phone: 630-909-5459

Village of Bloomingdale 

Main Village Hall
201 S. Bloomingdale Road
Bloomingdale, Illinois 60108
Ph: 630-893-7000

Metropolitan Family Services 

MSD15 partners with Metropolitan Family Services to provide high quality early childhood education. MFS empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. 

Contact: Kathy Redlin
Email: kredlin@d15.us
Phone: 630-469-7720 ext. 3322

College of DuPage | COD 

(630) 942-2800 (Main)

College of DuPage is a valuable resources to residents of DuPage County. Local businesses and community members can take advantage of a programs and services offered by the College.

If you currently do not have in home internet, please contact these following providers for services. If you need additional assistance, please contact your child's school. 

• Internet Essentials Affordable high-speed internet plan. You may qualify for Internet Essentials if you live in an area where Xfinity Internet service is available.

• https://www.internetessentials.com

• Xfinity Wifi A network of out-of-home hotspots in the community that allow you to connect to the Internet for free https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi

• AT&T Affordable, high-speed internet plan https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/index.html#!/

• PUNS stands for Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services. The "PUNS list" is a database of Illinois children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who want or need services through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities. In order to add a person to the PUNS database, caregivers must complete registration with their Local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency.  In DuPage, we are Region E and our ISC is listed below.

PUNS ISC - Region E 1919 S. Highland Ave.
Suite A -230
Lombard, IL 60148
Call: 630-425-2350

Who qualifies for PUNS? 
Person who has an intellectual or developmental disability that:

 -Manifests before age 18
 -Results in below average intellectual functioning
 -Deficits in adaptive behavior, including problem-solving, social and life skills

What services may be provided?
 -In home support
- Respite services
 -Adaptive equipment 
 -Crisis support
-Behavior intervention
-Community day programs

For more information or support with PUNS registration, contact Melissa Mendoza Thompson, Director of Special Education for Marquardt School District 15 at mmendoza@d15.us or Ph. 630-469-7615 

• For anyone feeling emotional distress or in need of emotional support, the DuPage County Health Department Crisis Hotline (630) 627-1700 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

• SASS – Screening, Assessment, & Support Services through DuPage County Health Department

• If your child is presenting a mental health crisis and is in need of an evaluation to determine the most appropriate level of care. Contact the CARES line at 800-345-9049 or https://www.dupagehealth.org/213/Screening-Assessment-and-Support-Service

• 211 DuPage County: 211 is an important service used by millions of people across North America and now in DuPage County. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services and childcare and family services. (800) 942-9412 or email CSPrograms@dupageco.org)

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Application Program)

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

Already a SNAP recipient? Fresh EBT is a free smart phone app available to check your SNAP balance and purchase history.  Learn more or download Fresh EBT at www.freshebt.com. 

• To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits..
• Learn more here and to check eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

Cash, SNAP & Medical Assistance

• Apply online
• Apply using a paper application
• Apply at your local Family Community Resource Center

DUPAGE COUNTY FOOD BANKS

This link will take you to an interactive map that will show where the pantry is, when it is open, and who can use it: https://www.dupageco.org/FoodPantries/

TRI-TOWN YMCA & NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK

Free meals for kids 18 and under are distributed at St. Matthew Parish Tuesday-Thursday 4-6 pm and on Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at 1555 Glen Ellyn Rd, Glendale Heights
Contact: 630-629-9622

BLOOMINGDALE TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY

Open Pantry Every Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Open pantry is available to qualified individuals living in Bloomingdale Township. You can visit the pantry without an appointment during this time though it is recommended that you arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. to guarantee service. This service is offered twice per calendar month.
Contact: (630) 529-9993

ADDISON TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY

Addison’s food pantry is open on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M for residents 60 & older and from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. for all Addison Township residents in need of food.  The pantry is located at the 50 E. Oak St. entrance. Residents of Addison Township can receive food twice a month. However, anyone who has an emergency need for food can come in at any time. We offer non-perishable food items along with USDA commodities. Donations of food and personal hygiene items are gladly accepted.
Contact: http://www.addisontownship.com/food-pantry/

FAMILY IN FAITH FOOD PANTRY

Check website for food pantry schedule and updates https://fifcc.org/next-food-pantry-reg-9am-distribution-10-am/ at 1480 Bloomingdale Rd., Glendale Heights
Contact: 630-653-5030

• YWCA Childcare Assistance Program
• Metropolitan Family Services
• Metropolitan Family Services (Español)
• Additional Resources by 211 DuPage

DuPage Pads: 

• 630-682-3846 or https://dupagepads.org
• Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing - 630-407-6500

Homeless Liaison: 

The Homeless Liaison for Marquardt School District 15 is Melissa Mendoza-Thompson, Director of Special Education. 

Contact (630)469-7615 ext. 1081 or email at mmendoza@d15.us.

• Family Shelter Services

  • Domestic violence resource – hotline & support

  • If you are a victim of domestic violence, please visit their website http://www.familyshelterservice.org/ or call 630.469.5650 (available 24/7)

 ComEd

• ComEd has bill assistance options available to help those struggling with past-due balances. 
• If your family could benefit from additional support, we ask that you share this information with them and have them call us immediately at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661), M-F, 7am-7pm.
• ComEd customers can also visit ComEd.com/Support to learn more about the following payment assistance options and eligibility requirements.

 United Way

• For assistance with rent, bills, food call 866-211-9966 and provide zip code

• They will give you a list of local agencies able to provide assistance you need Economic Assistance for Illinois Families
• Apply for unemployment insurance if unable to work because of COVID-19
• Call IDES at 1-800-244-5631 or visit https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/aboutides/Pages/Contact_IDES.aspx

DuPage County - LIHEAP Program

• Assistance with utility bills call 630-407-6500
   

• Rent Assistance

Legal Information

PUBLIC BENEFITS, BEING LAIDED OFF OR FIRED, EVICTION, ETC.

https://www.illinoislegalaid.org

If you have other needs or questions about accessing resources, please reach out to your school building Social Worker.