Welcome to Our Shared Resources--Let's Share the Good Stuff !

This page shares resources—mostly in the McHenry County area—that the Eagle Foundation has personally used and found helpful; while not a full directory, each listing reflects our experience and is shared in the spirit of community support. 

Categories include Fun Stuff, Community Support & Services, and DHS & PUNS (with how-to-sign-up help) 

FUN STUFF

• America the Beautiful Pass
  A federal pass that provides access to all U.S. national parks and federally managed recreation lands. Great for families, outdoor enthusiasts, veterans, and individuals with disabilities — one pass covers entrance fees at hundreds of sites nationwide.

More info / Purchase: nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Phone: (888) 275‑8747

• Gardens of Woodstock
  A peaceful, welcoming garden space in Woodstock, IL, with paved paths perfect for a gentle stroll. While not very large, it’s free to walk around and enjoy when there isn’t an event. The gardens feature ponds, waterfalls, and a variety of plants, making it a beautiful spot to relax, explore, and connect with nature. It’s also a popular venue for weddings and other events, providing a scenic backdrop for photos and gatherings.

More info: gardensofwoodstock.com
Address: 5211 Swanson Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: (815) 337‑2509

• Kingston Lanes Bowling and Sports Lounge
  A family‑owned bowling alley in Woodstock, IL and longtime supporter of our community, home to the Eagles Bowling Club with a welcoming vibe for bowlers of all abilities. They offer open bowling, leagues, and a fun, social atmosphere that’s great for families, friends, and group nights.

• Address: 1330 S Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098
  Phone: (815) 338‑2105
  Website: kingstonlanes.com

• Lippold Park Mini Golf
  An outdoor, family-friendly mini golf course in Crystal Lake, IL, with 18 holes. Indoor restrooms are available in an air‑conditioned building, making it comfortable for breaks on hot days. A fun spot for players of all ages!

Address: 1500 Crystal Lake Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 459‑2160

• Little Layla's Cool Birdhouses – Unique and charming birdhouses, handcrafted by the friendly local owner who loves bringing a little joy to every garden. Also sets up at many Woodstock Square outdoor events!

Address: 1095 Pingree Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

• MCC Planetarium
  A community‑accessible planetarium at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake that brings the wonders of space and astronomy to life with immersive dome shows and live presentations. Shows are open to the public (reservations recommended) and feature engaging themes about stars, planets, Earth, and the universe — great for kids and adults alike. The space is educational, inspiring, and a fun way to learn more about the night sky.

Address: 8900 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
More info / Shows: mchenry.edu/planetarium

• Cycling WIthout Age
  An international non profit program. They give recreational rides on three wheeled tricycles called trishaws. Their mission is to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults of mchenry county.
  More info: mchenrycounty@cyclingwithoutage.com 

• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Health & Fitness Center
  A welcoming, inclusive fitness center with a friendly staff and a positive, accessible environment for all abilities. The space is lively without being overwhelming and offers a comfortable mix of fitness levels.

The center features multiple pools, including heated therapy-friendly options, lap pools, outdoor pools, water slides, and family swim days, with equipment available for both workouts and play. There’s also a basketball court for casual games or practice.

A wide range of fitness classes is offered, including an Inclusive Movement program designed for adults with intellectual disabilities. Members can work out independently, with a trainer, or alongside a caregiver — caregivers may attend at no cost when assisting.

Additional amenities include free nutrition and wellness classes, a bright upstairs workout area with a track and machines, indoor tennis courts, and flexible locker room options. Memberships can be paused when needed, adding flexibility and affordability.

Whether you’re stopping in for a workout or spending the day, it’s a great place to move, relax, and recharge — with steam, sauna, and showers available to finish your visit.

More info: nmhfc.com
Address: 10450 Algonquin Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 815-444-2990

SPRED  (Special Religious Development) is a Catholic ministry that provides faith formation for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities 

PROGRAMS

• Adult Down Syndrome Center (Park Ridge)  – Full medical office at Lutheran General providing medical and wellness support for teens and adults with Down syndrome. In-person is about an hour away, the online programs are wonderful and have webinars on all things Down syndrome, where you always learn at least one new thing!
  (Programs include wellness check-ins, music and art social groups, and educational webinars.)
  Address: 1610 Luther Lane, Park Ridge, IL 60068
  Phone: 847‑318‑2303
  Website: advocatehealth.com/health-services/adult-down-syndrome-center

• Clearbrook  – Services and supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities, including social, residential, employment, and personalized programs.
  (Programs include arts, recreation, social groups, and employment supports.)
  Local Office: 6500 Northwest Hwy, Suite 2A, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
  Phone: 815‑893‑0828
  Website: clearbrook.org

• FINDS (Family Ideas Network for Down Syndrome) – Local parent support network for families in McHenry County and surrounding areas.
  (Programs include parent networking, music and art social groups, and community activities.)
  Address: 1035 Abbey Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (P.O. Box 1441, Crystal Lake, IL 60039)
  Phone: 815‑529‑7275
  Website: findsdownsyndrome.com

• MCCAB (McHenry County Community Adult Day Program) - Adult day and community support program in McHenry County.
  (Programs include social groups, music and art activities, and recreational programs.)
  Please provide any local address or website so it can be fully formatted.

• NADS – National Association for Down Syndrome  – Provides support, information, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and families; workshops and helpful info online.
  (Programs include advocacy, educational workshops, and social events.)
  Local Address (IL office): 1460 Renaissance Dr, Suite #102, Park Ridge, IL 60068
  Phone: 630‑325‑9112
  Website: nads.org

• NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association) – Year‑round recreation programs for all abilities — sports, arts, social events, camps, and more.
  (Programs include inclusive sports, music and art social groups, camps, and special events.)
  Local Address: 285 Memorial Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
  Phone: 815‑459‑0737
  Website: nisra.org

• Pioneer Center & NISRA “Bright Program”  – Day program partnership serving adults with developmental disabilities that focuses on personal growth, independence, and social skills.
  (Programs include social groups, music and art activities, and skill-building programs.)
  Location: Huntley Park District (Deicke Park), 11419 S IL‑47, Huntley, IL
  Info: via Pioneer Center or NISRA registration offices (huntleyparks.org)

• Project SEARCH at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital
  A nine‑month, work‑based training program for young adults (18–24) with disabilities that helps build real job skills and supports the transition into competitive employment. Participants complete a series of internships in hospital departments with coaching, career exploration, and hands‑on experience designed to grow confidence and workplace skills. 

More info / Contact: projectsearch@parents‑alliance.org
Phone: (630) 440‑1835
Location: Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, 10400 Haligus Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
Website: parents‑alliance.org/page/project‑search

• SPRED at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church  – A faith formation ministry for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that helps participants grow in faith, friendship, and inclusion through small-group sessions and shared worship experiences. SPRED meets regularly throughout the year (Sept–May) and welcomes participants and volunteers alike.

More Info: Visit the SPRED ministry page on the St. Thomas website or contact Beth Montanaro at 815-715-6035 / bethmontanaro@yahoo.com to learn more or join a session. 

Location: 451 W Terracotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 | Phone: (815) 455-5400

PUNS and How to Sign Up

PUNS
Illinois wait-list for developmental disability services
Get your name on this list!
Call: 1‑888‑DD‑PLANS | TTY: 1‑866‑376‑8446 to connect with your local ISC
Website: d46.org

• How to Register for PUNS (Developmental Disability Services)

To get on the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) database — the list used for planning and selecting developmental disability supports in Illinois — you should:

• Call the Division of Developmental Disabilities hotline: 1‑888‑DDPLANS (1‑888‑337‑5267) or TTY 1‑866‑376‑8446 and follow prompts to connect with your local Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency, who will help you register.

• PUNS registration is the first step for waiver and many long‑term supports; make sure your information stays current (update it annually).

PUNS Registration: To get on the waitlist for developmental disability services, call 1‑888‑DDPLANS (1‑888‑337‑5267) | TTY: 1‑866‑376‑8446 to connect with your local ISC. (dhs.state.il.us)

Website: dhs.state.il.usvgt

DHS Disability Services and How to Sign Up

Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Provides state support and community services for families and adults, including in-home care, personal assistant (PA) programs, SNAP, medical coverage, and employment supports. Their programs are designed to help people live independently, stay connected, and get the support they need to thrive.

How to Sign Up:

• Online: Apply for benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance) via the ABE portal: abe.illinois.gov
  
  

• By Phone: Call the DHS Help Line: 1‑800‑843‑6154 | TTY: 1‑800‑447‑6404
  
  

• In Person: Visit the local Family Community Resource Center: 512 Clay St, Woodstock, IL 60098 | Phone: (815) 338‑0234
  https://wr.dhs.illinois.gov/wrpublic/wr/dynamic/referral.jsf or by calling  local DRS office at  847.931.2360 .

• SEIU Healthcare (Union for DHS/Provider Workers)  – The union that represents many home care and personal assistant (PA) workers through the Illinois Department of Human Services. They can help with questions about union membership, benefits, contracts, and member support.

Member Resource Center: 1-866-933-7348 (866-933-SEIU) | Main Office: 2229 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608 | Phone: 312-980-9000

Website: seiuhcilin.org

(SEIU also has a general provider union line at 1-866-933-7348 for questions about collective bargaining and worker support.) 

                          How to Sign Up for DHS Services (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.)

You can apply for Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), cash assistance, and other benefits through the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS):

• Online via the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal at https://abe.illinois.gov — this is the main online application for Medicaid, SNAP, and cash assistance.
  
  

• By phone: Call the DHS Help Line at 1‑800‑843‑6154 (TTY: 1‑800‑447‑6404) and ask to start an application or get help finding your local office.
  
  

• In person: Visit your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) (like 512 Clay St in Woodstock) and ask staff to help you apply. You can also request a paper application to complete and return.

Community Support & Services

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
  Helps with retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits
  National Help Line: 1‑800‑772‑1213 | TTY: 1‑800‑325‑0778
  Local Woodstock Office: 2450 Lake Shore Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098 | (877) 405‑7828
  Website: ssa.gov

• Medicaid (Illinois HFS)
  Health coverage and support for eligible individuals and families
  Statewide Phone: 1‑800‑843‑6154 | Local McHenry County DHS: 512 Clay St, Woodstock, IL 60098 | (815) 338‑0234
  Website: illinois.gov/hfs

• Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)
  Benefits and community support for families and adults
  Statewide Help Line: 1‑800‑843‑6154 | Local McHenry County Family Resource Center: 512 Clay St, Woodstock, IL 60098 | (815) 338‑0234
  Website: dhs.state.il.us

• McHenry County Mental Health Board
  Supports local mental health programs
  Phone: (815) 334‑4560
  Check their town hall meetings—they’re eager to hear from the community and there’s lots to learn!
  Website: co.mchenry.il.us/mentalhealth

HJYU

• The Arc of Illinois  

 Advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Local Chapter (Crystal Lake / McHenry County): 850 N Eastwood Dr, Suite 1, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 | Phone: (815) 459‑1686

Website: thearc.org/illinois 

=Options & Advocacy
Advocacy and support for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities
Phone: (815) 338‑4481
Website: optionsandadvocacy.org

• McHenry County Housing Authority
  Provides public housing and rental assistance
  Address: 1125 Mitchell Ct, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 | Phone: (815) 338‑7752
  Website: mchenrycountyhousing.org

• McHenry County Family Community Resource Center
  Local DHS services including SNAP, cash assistance, medical coverage, and employment supports
  Address: 512 Clay St, Woodstock, IL 60098 | Phone: (815) 338‑0234
  Welcoming spot to get information, ask questions, and connect with helpful programs
  Website: welfareoffices.org