This page includes resources to help you find a ride, some options for childcare if you need it, drop-in centers for a safe place to hang out, and support groups and programs.
Transportation
Safe Ride
Type of service: Transportation What they do: Provide transportation on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. - 2:45 a.m. Who is eligible? Everyone (Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult). $2.00 per person on Friday and Saturday nights. (217-370-7062). Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call in advance or when you need a ride.
Address: 1120 W. Walnut, Jacksonville Hours of operation: Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. - 2:45 a.m. Phone number: 217-370-7062 (this phone will only be answered on Friday and Saturday nights) or you can make reservations in advance during the day at 217-245-2900.
Type of service: Transportation What they do: Provide transportation during the week Who is eligible? Everyone. $2.00 one way for adults in town. Call at least 24 hours ahead of time to reserve your ride. Same day calls are $3.00 one way, and only available if space and time permits. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 12-16 must have signed parental permission (call the office to arrange for this). Trips to Springfield every other Wednesday are $15.00 round trip (leave between 8:30 and 9 a.m., return by 1:30). You must bring your own baby/child car seat. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call at least 24 hours in advance.
Address: 1120 W. Walnut, Jacksonville Hours of operation: Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. - 2:45 a.m. Phone number: 217-245-2900.
Type of service: Childcare Resource and Referral What they do: Assist families in obtaining community resources and quality, affordable child care to help children reach their greatest potential. Offer the childcare assistance program and have a team of consultants that work directly with childcare providers to ensure they are offering quality childcare. Who is eligible? Open to those who meet income requirements - at or below 162% of the Federal Poverty Level. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Online/in person/over phone
Address: 901 South Spring Street, Suite B, Springfield, IL 62704 Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Phone number: 217-525-2805 or 1-800-676-2805 Email: info@ccpoint.org
Type of service: Childcare What they do: After school program Who is eligible? Grades K- 6 (after school); assistance available Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Come in and fill out application
Address: 1000 Sherwood Lane, Jacksonville Hours of operation: Monday - Friday after school until 6 p.m. Phone number: 217-245-2141
Type of service: Drop-in Center What they do: Tutoring/Homework help, Parent/child toddler room, open gym, volleyball team, art, music, dance, drama, weight room, rec/game room Who is eligible? Open to all Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Walk in
Address: 105 E. Dunlap, Jacksonville IL Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday 2:45 - 5 p.m. during the school year Phone number: 217-371-6363
Jacksonville DREAM Center Foundation
Type of service: Drop-in Center What they do: provide space for youth and families to drop and learn something. Homework help, activities (fine arts, performing arts, computers, life skills all happen here, depending on the day!) Who is eligible? Open to all. You can even bring your friends or family with you! Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Walk in or email with questions
Address: 210 W. College, Jacksonville Hours of operation: Most afternoons and evenings email: jacksonvilledreamcenter@gmail.com
Type of service: Community Center What they do: Offer space and programs for the Deaf and HH individuals to meet for education, guidance, support, and socialization. Who is eligible? Open to all. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Walk in or email with questions
Address: 907 W. Superior Ave., Jacksonville Hours of operation: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. email: jccd@mchsi.com
Type of service: Supportive Services What they do: Volunteer-run support groups for family members of people with mental health needs, advocacy, information Who is eligible? open to all Referral needed? No Best way to access support: Call.
Address: PO Box 13014, Springfield Phone: 217-522-3571
Type of service: Supportive Services What they do: Parent Education, Parent Support, Prenatal and birth support (doula) Who is eligible? Must reside within district 117. Parent education for parents of children ages 0-3. Prenatal support/doula for expecting parents. Free! Program prioritizes "at-risk" children and families. Referral needed? Not required but they are accepted Best way to access services: Call office or walk in.
Type of service: Support What they do: Parent Education (Positive Parenting Classes, Divorced Parenting Class) and Supervised visits. Who is eligible? Open to all. Positive parenting is free, divorced parenting is sliding fee scale. Supervised visits are $22/hour, can be self-pay or paid by referring system. Referral needed? Not required but they are accepted Best way to access services: Walk in or call with questions. Must show court order for supervised visits.
Type of service: Support Group What they do: Support group for grandparents and relatives raising children Who is eligible? Open to all grandparents and other relatives over age 55 raising their grandchildren or another family member's child. Also open to those caring for seniors over age 60. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call for more information or to RSVP for this group
Address: 1600 W. Walnut St., Jacksonville (Meeting Room 4) Hours of operation: First Tuesday of every month 6 - 8 p.m. Phone: 217-416-4160 Contact person: Lori Manker
Type of service: Substance Abuse support What they do: support and information group (in person) and 24 hour hotline for individuals dealing with alcohol problems Who is eligible? Depends on the type of meeting Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call for information or go to a meeting. See website for meeting times and locations.
Hours: There are many meetings every week. See website for meeting times and locations. Phone number: 217-371-0638 (24 hour local hotline)
Type of service: Substance Abuse support What they do: support and information group (in person) and 24 hour hotline for individuals dealing with drug problems Who is eligible? Depends on the type of meeting. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call for information or go to a meeting. See website for meeting times and locations.
Hours: There are several meetings. See website to search for meeting times and locations.
Type of service: Smoking Cessation What they do: FREE phone support with an expert. They will help you make a plan and provide you with information, materials, and follow up phone help to help you quit smoking. Who is eligible? Anyone who wants help to quit smoking Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call or visit the website. Chat support available too.
Hours of operation: 7 days a week, 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Phone number: 1-866-784-8937
Type of service: Substance Abuse family support What they do: group support meetings Who is eligible? People over 18 who are troubled by someone else's drinking. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: go to a meeting. See here for info: http://al-anon.org/find-a-meeting
email: wso@al-anon.org Current meetings: 7:30-8:30 pm on Wednesdays at Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 East State St., Jacksonville Phone number: 757-563-1600 (national office)
Type of service: Substance Abuse family support What they do: group support meetings (virtual) Who is eligible? Teens ages 13-18 who are troubled by someone else's drinking. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: visit this site: http://al-anon.org/try-an-alateen-chat-meeting
Type of service: LGBTQIA support What they do: drop-in center, support groups, youth group, special events Who is eligible? Varies depending on group or program. Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call for more information or visit website for details.
Address: 109 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone: 217-528-5253