Community Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• 800-273-8255
• Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, and Spanish. https://glendaleheights.org/index.asp
• https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Call or text 988 or chat at http://988Lifeline.org 

Crisis Text Line

• Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
• Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.
• https://www.crisistextline.org/

DuPage County Crisis Hotline

• 630-627-1700
• Available 24/7, 365 days per year.

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.  1 (800) 942-9412 or email CSPrograms@dupageco.org)

• Click HERE for NEWS and UPDATES

ReferralGPS

Marquardt School District 15 has launched an innovative mental health initiative to provide and improve access to quality mental health services throughout the community. This program was made possible through funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health, in partnership with the DuPage Regional Office of Education and ReferralGPS.

ReferralGPS provides easy navigation and support to start treatment. Treatment providers are independent licensed clinitiations. Services are provided at both clinician offices and virtually (telehealth). It also offers FREE counseling services for students and families (up to 8 sessions).

School district staff and families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:

1. Contact Student Services (social workers, psychologists, counselors) to seek our treatment options.
2. Visit our MSD15 link at referralgps.com/15cares to search for treatment resources or connect with a Care Navigator anonymously.

ReferralGPS takes into account all types of private and public insurance including PPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, and families who are uninsured or underinsured. The platform also filters by age, gender, zip code, and special requests.

ReferralGPS is available for use by district students, staff, and families at no cost. All information entered on the ReferralGPS tool is completely confidential and securely stored.

Section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. 

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal statute aimed at ensuring immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. Marquardt School District 15 aims to provide all students with equal access to free and adequate public education, including preschool. The McKinney-Vento Act aims to remove any barriers imposed by existing laws, rules, procedures, and policies that may prevent homeless children from getting the same educational opportunities as their fellow students.

Further information regarding the educational rights of homeless students may be obtained by contacting the District’s McKinney-Vento Liaison: Lauren Pace, Student and Instructional Services Director.

She can be reached by phone at (630)469-7615 ext. 1321 or email at LPACE@D15.us.

RESOURCES

• Community Resources 
• Residency & Homelessness | ROE
• McKinney Vento Education for Homeless Children
• Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance

DuPage Pads: 

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

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.

Character Counts!

The Glendale Heights CHARACTER COUNTS!SM Coalition is
looking for individuals who demonstrate outstanding character in our community. Please designate one
student in your school who represents all 6 Pillars (this student must either live in Glendale Heights or
attend school in Glendale Heights) to receive the Principal’s Pillar Award for your school.

The Pillar Award Recognition Program is a project of the Glendale Heights CHARACTER COUNTS! SM Coalition

For more information please contact Tanya Macko at 630.909.5459 or tanya_macko@glendaleheights.org

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: Martiara Toure
Email: mtoure@d15.us
Phone: 630-469-7720 

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

PEOPLE'S RESOURCE CENTER

Helping residents of DuPage County with Food Pantry, Empowerment Services, Clothes Closet and Social Services. Last year, PRC assisted nearly 25,000 low-income DuPage County residents, providing them with basic needs and programs to break the cycle of poverty. Go to www.peoplesrc.org.

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

Intended for families, living in Lombard D44, Glen Ellyn CCSD 89, Glen Ellyn D41, Marquardt D15, Queen Bee D16 and CCSD93. 

2025 Fall Free Developmental Screenings  Hosted by Glenbard ECC 

3 Upcoming Dates:                               
1. Wednesday, October 8th at Glenside Public Library 
2. Tuesday, November 7th at Glen Ellyn Public Library
3. Thursday, December 4th at Helen Plum Library

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm  
We will be using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) to complete the screening.  Areas of development the screenings focus on include:
- Communication
- Gross Motor
- Fine Motor
- Problem Solving
- Personal-Social Skills

*Interpreters available upon request.

Free Developmental Screenings

Come learn how your child is growing and developing!

The Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative is offering free developmental screenings using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) for children ages 2 months through 5 years of age.

Areas of development the screenings focus on:

• Communication
• Gross Motor
• Persona-Social Skills
• Problem Solving
• Fine Motor

Families will receive activities and ideas to encourage their children's development at home, as well as a fun activity bag to continue learning through play.

If any concerns are identified, information will be provided on further assessment.

Dates this Fall:

1. October 8th at the Glenside Public Library
2. November 7th at the Glen Ellyn Public Library
3. December 4th at the Helen Plum Library

Register today to learn more about how your child is growing and developing: https://forms.office.com/r/RNctGdGHZJ

Any questions? Please reach out to Jeanine Woltman at 224-588-4012, jwoltman@casedupage.com.

Prenatal to 3 AND Preschool Programs Conducting Screenings and Enrolling!!! Prenatal to Three: our local Healthy Families program, Early Head Start, Teen Parent Connection, Family Focus DuPage, DuPage ROE PAT and Glenbard PAT are all currently enrolling. Interested in learning more? Click Here Community Doula: For pregnant families under the age of 22: Teen Parent Connection and Family Focus DuPage. For pregnant families over the age of 22: DuPage ROE PAT and Glenbard PAT programs. Preschool: Our partner school district preschools and Head Start are all conducting preschool screenings for kids entering preschool. Marquardt D15: Families will need to contact Metropolitan Family Services at (630) 784-4801 to make an appointment for a child development screening. Questions or want to learn more about these and other opportunities for families? MISSION Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative* is a group of community-based partners who work with families and young children to develop and support an environment where all are safe, happy, healthy, and eager to learn. *The Glenbard Community includes Glendale Heights, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, and parts of Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream and Wheaton

• 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 LAID OFF OR FIRED, EVICTION, ETC.

https://www.illinoislegalaid.org