Community resources and support

Organizations and supporting resources for Children Special Health Care Services families in Macomb County.

I want to:

General resources

  • A Kid Again: Free local events and activities for families who have a child facing a life-threatening condition. 
  • The ARC of Macomb County: The Arc’s emphasis is on community inclusion through employment, independent living, and community participation so that each person served is a valued member of the community and will be able to achieve their greatest potential. In keeping with this basic philosophy, The Arc offers person-centered services and supports regarding an individual’s vocational, social, educational, and residential needs and desires.
  • Disability Network: Disability Network Oakland & Macomb is a Center for Independent Living. Independent Living changes attitudes, expands community options, removes barriers, and increases choice. 
  • Early On: Early On is a statewide early intervention system that provides a range of family services and supports to help infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months who have developmental delays or established conditions that may lead to delays.
  • Emergency and Medical Planning: A booklet developed by Emergency Preparedness with CSHCS kids in mind. This printable resource will allow you to carry all of your child's important medical information with you wherever you go.
  • Emergency Preparedness: None of us like to think about emergencies, but it helps to be prepared. Emergency planning for children with special health needs requires extra attention to details in order to preserve a delicate medical balance for your child.
  • The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs: The Family Center offers emotional support, information, and connections to community-based resources to families of children and youth with special health care needs.
  • Julie’s List: This website assists those in S.E. Michigan in finding the resources they need in the privacy of their own home, office, or even on their phone! The extensive list is all known resources in a six county area.
  • Macomb Community Action: Macomb Community Action provides an array of services designed to ensure inclusion and promote independence. These services range from Head Start to the Macomb Food Program.
  • Macomb County Community Resource List: This list contains several local community resources and the phone number where each organization can be reached. Resources like food assistance, legal aide, housing, transportation, and more can all be found here.
  • MI Bridges: Apply for benefits, manage your case & explore resources.
  • Michigan ABLE Plan: A MiABLE account is in addition to – not a replacement for – other government programs. For example, Medicaid eligibility is never affected.
  • Michigan Alliance for Families: Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education. We help facilitate parent involvement as a means of improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities. Michigan Alliance for Families can assist you in knowing your rights, effectively communicating your child’s needs, and advising how to help them develop and learn.
  • Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Michigan is home to approximately 1.3 million individuals with disabilities. Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) provides specialized employment and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed or retaining employment.
  • The Right Connection: “The Right Connection” Resource Directory was developed by the Macomb County Youth Council, a subcommittee of the Macomb County Inter-Agency Council, for use in assisting families in locating free, low-cost or unique human services in Macomb County.
  • Social Security Disability Income: Your child, if younger than age 18, can qualify if they have a medical condition or combination of conditions that meets Social Security’s definition of disability for children, and if his or her income and resources fall within the eligibility limits.
  • Transition to adulthood: Youth with special health care needs will need to make the transition from pediatric care to adult care. Health Care planning should also include learning independent health care skills, finding adult health care providers, and getting proper health care coverage.

Condition-specific resources

  • American Diabetes Association: Regardless of where you are with diabetes—newly diagnosed, fighting type 1 or type 2, or being there for a loved one—there’s something you should know: help is here.
  • Arthritis Foundation: The Arthritis Foundation is boldly leading the fight against juvenile arthritis (JA) and other childhood rheumatic diseases. We understand your unique needs and challenges, and offer the focused attention you and your family deserve.
  • Autism Society: The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. We provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates.
  • The Delphine Alfred Duncan Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Our Supportive Services Program helps clients acquire support for the essentials of life; our Advocacy Support Program helps them understand their legal rights. Explore sources for products and communication equipment, get acquainted with important national programs, understand your rights and review educational opportunities.
  • Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan: The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is dedicated to empowering individuals with seizure management tools. We invite you to take a look at how our programs and services demonstrate that commitment.
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation: The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is part of a network of affiliate organizations that work closely together on a daily basis to significantly improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy.
  • Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Pediatric cancer is the number one cause of non-accidental death among children. But no parent is ever prepared for a diagnosis. At Pediatric Cancer Foundation, we’re working toward a future where no parent has to be.
  • Sickle Cell Foundation: To enable individuals with sickle cell anemia to live lives to the extent possible unhampered and uncompromised by their sickle cell conditions.
  • United Cerebral Palsy: Founded in 1949, UCP of Metropolitan Detroit (UCP/Detroit) is one of over 100 affiliates of United Cerebral Palsy. UCP/Detroit is Southeast Michigan’s source for information & referral and services for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends. We work to advance the independence of all people with any physical, mental or emotional limitation that society calls a "disability" and to secure their right to self-determination and inclusion.