Helpful Resources for Parents

The Midwest Money Savers Helpful Resources for Parents page is your go-to spot for finding real, practical help. This page includes links to food assistance, transportation updates, free childcare programs, housing support, mental health services, and job training options. Whether you’re looking for ways to save money, get organized, or feel less overwhelmed, this collection gives you direct access to the tools and services that matter most to families.

Transportation

Transit App
BikeShare.com
Uber Family Profiles
GasBuddy
Carpool World

Chicago Area Transportation Resources:

You can check the latest service alerts and route changes for each transit provider using the links below.
View CTA updates through the Chicago Transit Authority.
For suburban bus service, visit the PACE updates page.
Commuters relying on trains can find schedule changes and alerts on the Metra updates page.
Riders of the South Shore Line can access South Shore updates here.
For bike share availability and system notices, check Divvy updates.

Food & Groceries

WIC Program
SNAP Benefits
Feeding America
Meals on Wheels
Free Meal Locator

Chicago Area Food & Grocery Resources

If you’re looking for helpful resources in the Chicago area, you can visit The Greater Chicago Food Depository, which helps families find free food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile distributions across Cook County. If you need broader assistance, Illinois DHS SNAP benefits can help you purchase groceries every month. For kids, the Chicago Public Schools free meal program ensures students have access to breakfast and lunch during the school year, and Meals for Kids helps locate summer meal sites for anyone under 18.

Low-Income Parent Support – Housing & Bills

HUD.gov
LIHEAP
211.org
Affordable Housing Online
Rent Relief Resources

Chicago Area Housing & Bills Resources

These are helpful resources for parents in the Chicago area who need support with housing or utility bills.
Start with the Chicago Housing Assistance Portal, which connects renters and homeowners with programs for rent relief, mortgage assistance, and housing stabilization.
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) offers affordable rental housing, housing vouchers, and homebuyer support to eligible families.
You can also get help paying gas and electric bills through CEDA’s utility assistance program.
To lower your water and sewer costs, check if you qualify for the Utility Billing Relief Program, which offers debt forgiveness after 12 months of on-time payments.

Childcare & Parenting

Childcare.gov
Head Start Programs
National Diaper Bank
Babies Need Bottoms
Zero to Three

Chicago Area Childcare & Parenting Resources

Start by exploring Illinois Action for Children, which helps low-income families apply for the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). This program offers financial help for daycare, home-based care, and after-school programs. For early education, Chicago Early Learning provides free or low-cost preschool and early Head Start programs for children under the age of five. If you need diapers, wipes, or baby gear, the Chicago Diaper Bank distributes essentials through community partners. New and expecting parents can also find free parenting classes, support groups, and developmental resources through Family Focus and Erikson Institute’s Center for Children and Families.

Education & School

GreatSchools
Khan Academy
Scholastic Learn at Home
National PTA
Public School Finder

Jobs & Income

CareerOneStop
FlexJobs
Single Mother Guide
WIOA
Care.com

Chicago Area Jobs & Income Resources

Finding flexible work and training programs is one of the most helpful resources for parents working to support their families. Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership offers free job placement services, career counseling, and paid training programs across the city and suburbs. If you’re a single parent or need income support, SingleMotherGuide lists available grants, scholarships, and benefits specific to Illinois. For those seeking part-time or remote roles, the federal CareerOneStop portal also offers resume tools, apprenticeship programs, and access to local job boards.

Health & Wellness

HealthCare.gov
Planned Parenthood
Vaccines.gov
HRSA Health Centers
Free Birth Control Finder

Chicago Area Health & Wellness Resources

The Chicago Department of Public Health operates neighborhood health clinics that provide immunizations, family planning, and women’s health services, regardless of an individual’s insurance status. Planned Parenthood of Illinois offers affordable check-ups, STI testing, and access to birth control at various Chicagoland locations.

National Addiction Services & Support

These national resources offer free, confidential support for anyone facing addiction, whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) runs a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and maintains a searchable treatment locator to connect families with nearby services.
The Partnership to End Addiction provides live chat, parent coaching, and personalized guidance for families navigating substance use at home.
SMART Recovery offers free online and in-person meetings for adults, teens, and families nationwide.
Narcotics Anonymous offers free, confidential support for people recovering from drug addiction. You can find information about in-person and virtual meetings nationwide on the official NA World Services website. For online options, Virtual NA hosts live Zoom meetings 24/7.

Chicago Area Addiction Services & Support

Addiction recovery is one of the most critical and helpful resources for parents and families in crisis. In Chicago, the Gateway Foundation provides outpatient and day-treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction, including services for co-occurring mental health issues. Rosecrance Lakeview offers outpatient support, sober living housing, and family-based recovery services. For young people under 21, the Lurie Children’s Substance Use Prevention Program delivers evaluation, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment tailored to youth. Families seeking group-based recovery models can also access free local meetings through SMART Recovery.

Chicago-Area Narcotics Anonymous Resources
If you’re in the Chicago area, the Chicagoland NA Meeting Directory provides a searchable list of local in-person and virtual meetings. For help finding a group, you can also call their regional helpline at 708‑848‑4884.

National Alcohol Recovery Services & Support

For anyone seeking alcohol addiction help across the U.S., the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a 24/7 confidential helpline at 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) and a nationwide treatment locator to help you find rehab and counseling options near you. If you prefer peer-based recovery without a 12-step structure, SMART Recovery offers free support meetings, both online and in-person, for individuals and their families. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) offers free, peer-led support for anyone seeking help with alcohol use. You can learn more about the program and find meetings near you through the official Alcoholics Anonymous website. To attend a meeting from anywhere, access virtual sessions at aaHomeGroup.org, which hosts live, online A.A. meetings 24/7.

Chicago-Area Alcohol Recovery Services

In Chicago, the Gateway Foundation – Chicago River North offers outpatient and day-treatment programs for alcohol use recovery. Rosecrance Lakeview provides outpatient services, sober living, and support for families. You can also access additional treatment listings and hotline information through the City of Chicago’s Behavioral Health & Substance Use Resources portal. Chicago Area Service Office of A.A. lists local in-person and virtual meetings, including beginner groups, open sessions, and special-focus meetings. This is the main resource for anyone in Chicagoland looking to connect with the A.A. community.

Mental Health

Postpartum Support International
MentalHealth.gov
NAMI
Crisis Text Line
Therapy for Black Girls

Chicago Area Mental Health Resources

These helpful resources for parents in the Chicago area offer free or low-cost support. NAMI Chicago provides counseling, mental health education, and peer-led support groups. If you’re dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety, Postpartum Support International – Illinois Chapter connects parents with trained volunteers and therapists who understand. For crisis situations, the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Mental Health Centers offer free services for uninsured and underinsured residents. You can also text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line 24/7. For BIPOC parents seeking culturally competent care, Therapy for Black Girls and Inclusive Therapists are great directories to find the right fit.

Free Stuff & Savings

Freecycle
Pampers Rewards
BzzAgent
Ibotta
Rakuten

Chicago Area Free Stuff & Savings

Stretching your budget is easier when you know where to find freebies and cashback tools. These helpful resources for parents in the Chicago area can make a real difference. Freecycle Chicago is a local network where families give away gently used items like clothes, toys, and furniture—completely free. Be sure to check out the Huggies and Enfamil websites for additional savings opportunities. Many Chicago libraries and local nonprofits also host regular giveaway events for back-to-school supplies, holiday gifts, and winter gear—check your alderman’s website or community center bulletin boards for updates.

More Helpful Resources for Parents – Legal Help

Legal Aid Directory
WomensLaw.org
Child Support Services
LawHelp.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233 or use their online chat for immediate support.

Chicago Area Legal Help Resources

Legal services are one of the most overlooked but helpful resources for parents facing custody issues, housing disputes, or financial stress. In Chicago, Legal Aid Chicago offers free legal help to eligible residents dealing with domestic violence, eviction, public benefits, and more. If you’re dealing with a child support issue or need help establishing paternity, contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services – Child Support Services.

Whether you’re a new parent, a single caregiver, or just trying to keep your household on track, this page was built to help. These helpful resources for parents cover a wide range of topics, including food and housing aid, childcare services, mental health tools, job support, and practical savings tips. Use this guide as your personal parent support hub—a place to find free services, get answers, and feel more in control. Keep checking back as we update this list with more family support tools you can actually use.

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