Chicagoland Resources
Additional Resources for Refugee Integration Self-Assessment Pilot Participants
Thank you for your participation in the Refugee Integration Self-Assessment Pilot!
Your participation in this pilot is helping to improve services for refugees across the country. On this page, you can access resources for you based on your survey feedback for the following World Relief locations: Chicago, Aurora, and DuPage.
For general information about settling into the United States and cultural orientation resources, please visit USAHello.
World Relief Chicago
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ENGLISH LEARNING CLASSES
- Adult education classes in Chicago
- World Relief in-person English classes
- Free English classes and programs for parents
- English classes and daycare for children at the Madonna Mission
- English classes through Oakton College
- To connect with World Relief about English classes, please send an email to the Education Program Specialist and fill out this interest form
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EMPLOYMENT
- To connect with World Relief about employment, please send an email to the Employment Services Manager
- To connect with World Relief for help with attaining a CDL, certifications, or enrolling in college, please contact the Career Pathways Specialist
- World Relief offers career exploration classes and free healthcare classes both in person and remote- reach out here for more information.
- Upwardly Global helps immigrants and refugees work in their chosen fields. Please note you must be within your first 7 years in the United States and have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
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EDUCATION
- To connect with World Relief about adult education opportunities and financial aid questions, please send an email to the World Relief Career Pathways Team.
- To find other adult education opportunities, you can explore the Truman College website, the Trulls website, and the American Jobs Center website.
- Please complete this form and the Howard Area Community Center will call you with more information about Free English/GED classes, the hospitality/culinary program, and tutoring.
- For resources for school-aged children, please contact the World Relief Youth Team.
- For resources for children ages 0 to 5 years old, please contact the Early Childhood Education Coordinator.
- Centro Romero offers a Youth Learning and Leadership Program, and an adult education program that focuses on ESL, GED, citizenship, and employment preparation.
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PHYSICAL HEALTH
In the case of an emergency, please call 911.
To connect with World Relief about physical health please contact the Refugee Health Coordinator.
Below is a list of primary care providers in Chicago:
- ACCESS Booker Family Health Center
- AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital Evanston
- CommunityHealth
- Dr. Sein-Khiong Yeo, MD (speaks Burmese)
- Endeavor – Swedish Covenant Hospital
- Erie Family Health Centers
- Evanston Hospital
- Evanston Outpatient Clinic
- Fresenius Kidney Care Neomedica North Kilpatrick
- Hamdard Health Alliance
- Sheridan – Howard Brown Health
- Lawndale Christian Health Center
- Mount Sinai Hospital – Sinai Health System
- PCC Community Wellness Center
- North Center – Physicians Immediate Care
- Sinai Medical Group, Cicero, IL
- Swedish Hospital | Part of Endeavor Health
- Tapestry 360 Health
- UMANA – Ukrainian Medical Association of North America
Below is a list of dentists in Chicago:
- Asian Human Services
- Erie Family Health Center Chicago Office (Skokie Office)
- Illinois Masonic Dental Van @ EZRA
- UIC College of Dentistry
- Chicago Dental Society Foundation Clinic
- Dental Lifeline Network Illinois Donated Dental Services
Below is a list of vision providers in Chicago:
- Lawrence Eye Care Associates, P.A.
- LensCrafters in Chicago, IL, 225 N Michigan Ave
- Department of Ophthalmology | Northwestern Medicine
- SEE & SAVE OPTICAL
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology Faculty Practice (COFP) | UI Health
- Chicago Vision USA
- Eyebuydirect
- Zenni Optical
- Illinois Eye Institute
- Express Glasses
Below is a list of urgent service providers. Reminder: in the case of an emergency, please call 911:
- Immediate Care Chicago | Urgent Care | Walk In Clinic
- NorthShore Immediate Care Center – Chicago at Sauganash | NorthShore
Below is a list of types of health insurance options. You should first reach out to your employment counselor to explore insurance options through your employer.
The Chicago Foot Care Clinic, located at 5749 N Kenmore, offers Screening clinic offering glucose screening, blood pressure checks, and Primary Care referrals on the third Saturday of each month from 10:30 am-12 pm.
For STI and HIV testing and treatment, please visit the City of Chicago website.
If you are uninsured, you can explore access to healthcare through the following organizations:
- CommunityHealth
- Compassionate Care Network
- Hayat Clinic
- Heartland Alliance Health
- IAMA Charitable Foundation Community Health Clinic
- John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
- NeedyMeds
- Esperanza Health Centers (sliding fee scale)
- Erie Family Health Centers (sliding fee scale)
- Tapestry 360 Health (sliding fee scale)
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MENTAL HEALTH
In case of a mental health crisis, dial 988.
To connect with World Relief about mental health please contact the Family Case Management Program Manager or the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Training Officer and please complete the World Relief Chicagoland Counseling Center Referral Form.
Below is a list of mental health providers:
- Tapestry 360 provides Behavioral Health and MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Program, primary care, psychiatry, referrals, peer support, discounted prescriptions, and substance use/addiction counseling
- Cook County Behavioral Health Program is accessible to people with any kind of insurance. Call 844-433-8793, for assistance setting up services/appointments.
- The Kedzie Center (for people who live in the Albany Park neighborhood)
- Trellus
- Find a mental health clinic near you
- Find mental health support – City of Chicago
- City of Chicago Mental Health Centers
- Screening, Assessment and Support Services through the City of Chicago (for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for children, call 1-800-345-9049)
You can also find a mental health provider near you with this map.
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HOUSING
To connect with World Relief about mental health please contact the Housing Specialist.
For furniture needs, please contact the Chicago Furniture Bank. Please note that you will need to share your landlord’s phone number and a signed copy of your lease.
For issues regarding discrimination, fair housing, and tenant rights, please contact Northside Community Resources.
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IDENTITY AND INCLUSION
Below is a list of community organizations and centers within Chicago:
- Rohingya Cultural Center
- Centro Romero
- Middle Eastern Immigrant and Refugee Alliance
- Syrian Community Network
- United African Association
- Afghan Refugee Task Force
In the case of discrimination, please refer to your caseworker or the Latino Union of Chicago.
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OTHER RESOURCES
CHILDCARE:
Below is information about accessing childcare in Chicago:
- Chicago Public Schools Early Learning
- Early Head Start/Head Start Program
- Early Childhood Alliance (Skokie, supports everyone 0-5 years old with home visits. Childhood/Preschool/Day Care applications for those living in Skokie)
- Illinois Action for Children provides financial assistance with childcare
- Activity Booklet for ages 4-9 in multiple languages focusing on children’s mental health
- Chicago Park District Programs
- For access to car seats, please contact Northwestern training for a free car seat following the carseat training. You can also call the number on the back of your insurance ID card and ask for member services to get a free car seat
INTERPRETATION:
Below is information about accessing interpretation and translation services:
- When a document needs to be professionally translated, please contact ALTA Language Services or RushTranslate.
- The Tarijimly App provides volunteer interpreters over the phone and short document/email translation. Please note this service cannot provide conference calls without a subscription.
- The Afghan interpreter hotline provides Dari and Pashto interpretation at (855) 685-2998.
- The Polish American Association provides Ukrainian, Russian and Polish interpretation at (833) 242-3842.
TRANSPORTATION:
If you need information about transportation resources, please contact the World Relief Volunteer Coordinator.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
To access domestic violence services please contact the World Relief Intensive Case Worker or Groups Coordinator.
- Apna Ghar is an organization that provides critical, comprehensive, culturally competent services, and conducts outreach and advocacy across communities to end gender violence.
- Centro Romero’s Domestic Violence Program provides counseling, support groups, court advocacy, and community presentations.
DRIVERS LICENSE:
The Illinois DMV provides resources for free and online about driver’s tests and car purchases. The website can be used to make an appointment for a license on the same day.
- Nova Driving School has classes and vehicle support for a driving test by calling 773-489-2712. It costs $175 for an hour training and to rent a car for drivers test
DISABILITY RESOURCES:
If you have a disability, the Division of Rehabilitation Services may be able to help you find a job or live at home independently. Referrals for caregivers can go directly to Soeung at Forever Life care by email (ssan@foreverlifecare.com) or at this website.
- Driving Rehabilitation Program helps current drivers with vision loss evaluate their driving skills, stay apprised of Illinois State laws and determine eligibility to continue driving.
- Illinois distributes free bus cards for seniors and people with disabilities.
ELDER CARE RESOURCES:
If you need elder care assistance, please contact World Relief’s Senior Services Team.
- If you are seeking a Caregiver for seniors or a person with disabilities please reach out directly to Soeung at Forever Life care by email or at this website.
- Alzheimer’s Association of America, Illinois Chapter Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
TRANSPORTATION:
PACE (Paratransit) provides door-to-door transportation for people who have applied and been approved for $3 each way: call 312-663-HELP (4357). Medicaid Member Services can also provide transportation if you call the number on the back of your Medicaid Insurance ID card (ex: Blue Cross Community Health, or County Care).
FOOD:
FINANCIAL LITERACY:
LIBRARIES:
OTHER:
- For low-cost Internet Essentials, call 1-855-846-8376.
- For low-cost phones:
- For low-cost clothing in Chicago
- Church of Ascension on Wednesdays from 10 am – 2pm
- Evanston Vineyard
- Fourth Presbyterian Church-Chicago Lights Social Services
- First Church-United Methodist Church of Elmhurst
- New Hope in Christ from 9 am – 12 pm on the 3rd Friday of each month
- Garfield Community Service Center at 9 am on Monday through Friday)
- Care for Real
- For utility assistance (low income electricity and gas) contact LIHEAP.
FOOD ACCESS:
Below is information about food access resources:
- Food for Friends provides support to anyone in need with no documentation required on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at 5749 N Kenmore Avenue
- Meals on Wheels Program provides one month of free meals including weekends
- Onward Neighborhood House’s Food Pantry provides support at St. Peter’s Church on Thursdays from 4 – 6 pm
- The Food Pantry Locator can help you find food services near your home
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES:
For World Relief’s Immigration Legal Services, please make an appointment by calling (773) 583-9191.
World Relief Aurora
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
- To connect with the World Relief Aurora Office, please call 630-906-9546.
- More information about World Relief English Classes
- Community College classes are based on residence. See more information about Waubonsee Community College English classes here and Elgin Community College English classes here.
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EMPLOYMENT
- For World Relief Career Workshop schedules, contact World Relief staff. If World Relief Workshops are unavailable, explore the local library’s events schedule and WorkNet Batavia’s schedule here.
- For resources about discrimination on work authorization, explore the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division website and their Immigrant and Employee Rights resources. You can also call their hotline phone number at 1-800-255-7688.
- See resources about workplace discrimination through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website or the USAHello website.
- Resources from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission about harassment
- EDUCATION
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PHYSICAL HEALTH
In the case of an emergency, please call 911.
Below is a list of primary care providers in the DuPage area:
- Community Organizations (kanehealth.com)
- Aunt Martha’s Healthcare – Aunt Martha’s (auntmarthas.org)
- Community Health Partnership CHP Aurora Health Center – Community Health Partnership of Illinois (chpofil.org)
- Advocate Aurora Health Expert Health Care in the Midwest | Advocate Aurora Health
Below is a list of emergency services in the Aurora area:
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MENTAL HEALTH
In case of a mental health crisis, dial 988.
- To connect with World Relief about mental health please contact them directly or complete the World Relief Chicagoland Counseling Center Referral Form.
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HOUSING
Below is a list of resources to explain your rights as a tenant:
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IDENTITY AND INCLUSION
- East Aurora Counseling, LTD offers community support groups in English and Spanish, with focus on LGBTQIA+ community supports. They also offer counseling.
- Islamic Center of Naperville offers many youth activities and clubs, service times, and community events!
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OTHER RESOURCES
See information about tutoring services at the Aurora Public Library.
See domestic violence resources at Hesed House and Wayside Cross
Habitat for Humanity has resources about affordable homeownership.
See financial literacy resources in different languages here.
See the list of libraries in the Aurora area below:
The Waubonsee Community College has entrepreneurship resources through the New Venture Academy.
WorkNet Batavia has a calendar of events for and job seeker services.
World Relief DuPage
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
- To connect with World Relief about English classes, please send an email to the Education Program Specialist.
- See information about World Relief English Classes in Dupage and Aurora here.
- See information about College of DuPage English Classes here. Contact the College of DuPage to request the test registration link and express interest in English classes.
- See information about Elgin Community College English Classes here.
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EMPLOYMENT
- To connect with World Relief about employment, please send an email to the Employment Services Manager.
- Connect with your local library for events and WorkNet DuPage’s schedule.
- If you are facing discrimination on work authorization, contact the Civil Rights Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice or call their hotline phone number at 1-800-255-7688.
- See resources about workplace discrimination through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website or the USAHello website.
- See resources from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission about harassment here.
- EDUCATION
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PHYSICAL HEALTH
In the case of an emergency, please call 911.
Below is a list of primary care providers in the DuPage area:
Below is a list of dentists in the DuPage area:
Below is a list of emergency service providers in the DuPage area:
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MENTAL HEALTH
In case of a mental health crisis, dial 988.
- To connect with World Relief about mental health please contact them directly or complete the World Relief Chicagoland Counseling Center Referral Form.
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HOUSING
Below is a list of resources to explain your rights as a tenant:
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IDENTITY AND INCLUSION
- The Islamic Center of Naperville offers many youth activities and clubs, service times, and community events! You can explore their website here.
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OTHER RESOURCES
The Merry Tutor is an organization that provides free tutoring to K-12 students and offers high school students the opportunity to volunteer as tutors.
https://www.themerrytutor.org/
The International Rescue Committee has a car buying tutorial here. You can research car values here. Driver test, car purchase
Habitat for Humanity has resources about affordable homeownership.
For eldercare resources, dial 2-1-1. Below is a list of additional eldercare resources:
- DuPage Care Center (dupagecounty.gov)
- Home Delivered Meal.pdf (revize.com)
- Ride DuPage – Official Website for Transportation Assistance in DuPage County
See financial literacy resources in different languages here.
Below is a list of local libraries:
- Home | Wheaton Public Library (wheatonlibrary.org)
- Home | Carol Stream Public Library (cslibrary.org)
- Naperville Public Library, IL | Official Website (naperville-lib.org)
- St. Charles Public Library District (scpld.org)
- West Chicago Public Library District (wcpld.info)
The College of DuPage has an entrepreneurship certificate program. The Wheaton Public Library has entrepreneurial resources here.