South Suburban Special Recreation Association

815.806.0384
info@sssra.org
19910 80th Avenue
Tinley Park, IL
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Links

GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park

gigisplayhouse.org/TinleyPark
15954 S Harlem Avenue
Tinley Park, IL, 60477
Phone: 708.620.8400
Fax: 708.620.8480
tinleypark@gigisplayhouse.org

On September 29, 2013 GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park opened its doors and was proud to become the 15th Playhouse nationwide! Our distinct locations, no-fee programs, and positive energy help support thousands of families every single year. With that said, helping children and adults at GiGi’s Playhouse extends beyond the Down syndrome diagnosis. All ages, from prenatal to adults, are welcome. The positive and uplifting environment of GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park will empower those with Down syndrome to reach their highest potential. Our global message is acceptance. If you believe in a kinder and more accepting world for everyone, GiGi’s Playhouse is the place for you. If helping kids and adults pursue their education and wellness is important to you, GiGi’s Playhouse is the place for you.

Please look at our calendar for our current program schedule and program descriptions. Feel free to email us at tinleypark@gigisplayhouse.org or call 708.620.8400 for more information.


Operation T.A.L.K.

operation-talk.org

What is Operation T.A.L.K.?  What does T.A.L.K. stand for – Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe.

Operation T.A.L.K. came to be after the loss of James Walsh, son of Tim and Maureen Walsh. Jimmy was 22 years old when he lost the battle within himself. Military and Veterans suffer in so many ways not only do they fight in other countries to ensure we can continue to enjoy our freedoms at home, but some come home still fighting a war we cannot see. Depression and PTSD are as real as the uniform they wear for this great country. It is time for us to help our heroes know we are here for them.


St. Coletta’s of Illinois

stcolettasofil.org
18350 Crossing Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60487
Phone: 708.342.5200
info@stcil.org

St. Coletta’s provides a lifelong continuum of care, beginning in early childhood. Our residential, educational, and vocational training programs provide services for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that enhance their independence and well-being.

We serve participants without regard to race, religion or economic background. St. Coletta’s meets individuals’ needs and abilities while providing the least restrictive environment for growth.

Residential Services
The Kennedy School
Adult Services

Vocational Services


iCan Dream Center

icandreamcenter.com
18501 Maple Creek Drive, Suite 200
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708.798.4200
Fax: 708.816.8488
info@icandreamcenter.com

The iCan Dream Center provides quality programming for youth. We specialize in working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and various learning difficulties.

As a non-profit organization, iCan Dream Center couples innovative services with effective strategies to make us more efficient in service delivery. We connect the youth we support to a world of possibilities so they can better thrive within their community. We know there is much work to foster a truly barrier-free society. We are committed to making a positive contribution by creating a space where youth can truly participate and contribute to the community.


Exceptional Children’s Charities

ecckids.org
P.O. Box 366
Steger, IL 60475
Phone: 708.995.7727
Fax: 708.995.7729
ecckids1@gmail.com

The mission of Excptional Children’s Charities is to develop and acquire resources to benefit exceptional children. The resources shall be used to provide assistance to exceptional children with special needs.

Exceptional Children’s Charities has been in existence for over 30 years. The continued support from our generous donors and volunteers has enabled us to continue to assist special children, and their families.


Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center

sojourntrc.org
Serving the South Suburbs
Phone: 708.539.3078
bmulry@gmail.com

Enhancing lives through the power of the horse.
We, at Sojourn use equine assisted activities to proactively contribute to an individual’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well being. Therapeutic riding benefits individuals in the areas of therapy, education, sport, and leisure. We hope you will enjoy your journey to Sojourn and find pleasure in your experiences with our highly trained equines and staff.


Best Buddies Illinois

bestbuddies.org/illinois
500 North Dearborn, Suite 730
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.828.9313
illinois@bestbuddies.org

What is Best Buddies?
Best Buddies is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves people with and without Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The mission of Best Buddies is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with IDD. Best Buddies was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver and has programs in 50 countries & all 50 United States. Best Buddies offers seven programs – Citizens, e-Buddies, Colleges, High Schools, Middle Schools, Jobs, and Ambassadors.

What is the Citizens Program?
The Best Buddies Illinois Citizens Program provides opportunities for one-to-one friendships for adults (18+) with and without IDD. Buddy Pairs commit to one year of friendship, get together 1-2 times each month, and share communication each week.
Best Buddies Citizens Toolkit

Best Buddies Jobs
Best Buddies Jobs matches skilled and qualified individuals with IDD with business seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees. We focus on placements beyond the typical job in which a person with IDD might be placed. Best Buddies focuses on finding work that matches the job seeker’s interests and talents and develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process, and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer. Learn more about our jobs program here.


Special Needs Chicago, Inc – Wheelchair Accessible Transportation

specialneedschicago.org
Phone: 630.668.9999
Fax: 630.839.6000
info@specialneedschicago.org

Our mission is to provide physically and cognitively challenged individuals throughout Chicago and the suburbs with the freedom to enjoy safe, reliable, comfortable and courteous wheelchair accessible transportation at an affordable cost.


Greenlight Family Services

greenlightfamilyservices.org
3636 South Iron Street, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60640
773.728.7800

Greenlight Family Services (formally known as Center for Law and Social Work) has been preserving families, providing hope and protecting lives throughout the State of Illinois since 2003. Our mission is to achieve the best outcomes for families, young adults, and children by providing the highest quality services.


Disability Resource Center

https://www.drcjoliet.org/
77 N. 129th Infantry Drive
Joliet, IL 60435
815.729.0162
815.729.2085 (TTY)
815.768.2582 (VRS)
815.729.3697 (FAX)

As people with disabilities and their advocates, the Disability Resource Center strives for equality and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the Will and Grundy County areas. We inform persons with disabilities of their rights, educate them about their responsibilities, provide support services, promote advocacy, and raise community awareness about disability issues.


NAMI HelpLine

If you or someone you know needs help, contact NAMI HelpLine.

The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am – 10 pm ET.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or helpline@nami.org

Because we’re in this together, you are not alone.

During this difficult time, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. HelpLine volunteers are working to answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. The resources on this page provide information to address many needs and concerns.

Let’s stay connected, chat, call or email the NAMI HelpLine today.

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance.

More Information on NAMI HelpLine

Find Help in a Crisis
Text NAMI to 741-741
Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.


Resources

Mental Health Disability Rights in the Workplace: A Guide for Employees

Life Planning for Children and Adults with Special Needs

Special Needs Trusts: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

Making Special Education Work for Your Child During COVID

Coping with COVID Stress

How to Find an Accessible Apartment

Features of Accessible Apartments

Creating a Sensory Friendly Home

Resources for Kids in Trauma

Resume and Employment Guide for People with Disabilities

Online College Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Homeownership Programs & Support for Individuals With Disabilities

Making Homes Accessible: Home Modification for Disability Needs

Medicare Eligibility for People with Disabilities

Enrolling in Medicare with a Disability

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Medicare Resources for Veterans

Hearing Amplifiers for Seniors Guide