COVID-19 Information & Resources

PACTT is taking precautions and following recommendations and guidance set forth by the CDC, IDPH, Cook County Department of Public Health, and other state and federal agencies.

support

  • Mental Health Support: The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0.

    Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.

  • Resource Finder: Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services.

  • Chicago Public Schools - free meals available at local CPS schools. To find the location and times nearest to you, click HERE.

  • Internet Access - Comcast is offering free internet access to low-income families during the closures. Information HERE.

  • Rogers Park Community Response Team - Info and resources local to the Rogers Park community.

  • Autism Society of America’s Mental Health Toolkit


covid-19 information / guidance


Autism + Covid-19 resources

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How you can help …

ADVOCATE

Advocate for Disability Funding in COVID-19 Package Our direct support professionals (DSPs) cannot “work-at-home” and need to be compensated for their courageous efforts. Please use this email tool to ask Congress that the COVID-19 relief legislation include increased funding for developmental disability supports.

DONATE

We at PACTT hope you are safe and healthy as we all navigate the current crisis. Many of you have inquired about how you can help PACTT make sure that our participants can also remain safe and healthy during this challenging time. You will find information on this page outlining the Covid-19 emergency plan at PACTT. Given the uncertain nature of this crisis, PACTT has decided to start an emergency relief fund in order for you to support the agency during this extraordinary time. The emergency relief fund will be used to address the increased needs for staff and the organization during this time.

We have been fortunate to receive a grant from one of our supporting foundations that will match all contributions you make to this fund up to $30,000. These funds will be used to address increased compensation and assure that we have ample supplies during this time. Caring for the individuals we support has and will always come first. PACTT staff are facing critical challenges during this time in carrying out the essential work in our group homes and across the agency. In gratitude to the incredibly courageous and compassionate members of the PACTT team who are working in the homes, PACTT has boosted the hourly wages of this group of workers by about 15% as a small token of appreciation. Additional relief fund monies will be used to continue to build stronger compensation and additional resources needed during this time.

If you do wish to support the emergency relief fund, you can do so by clicking the donate button at the top of this page or by mail at:

PACTT Learning Center

712 Belleforte

Oak Park, IL 60302

Please be sure to note “COVID-19” on your contribution. On behalf of PACTT staff members, thank you for your help and confidence in our exceptional care. Stay healthy!