Parenting Resources
As a pro-choice and pro-abortion reproductive justice organization, Reproductive Transparency Now believes that you should be supported in any decision you make regarding your pregnancy. If you are seeking abortion care, please visit our Abortion Resources page.
If you or someone you care about are about are seeking financial or practical assistance to support your family, please consider looking into the services and organizations listed below. Please note: These programs and organizations are primarily focused on Illinois, Cook County, and City of Chicago residents.
To find diapers, formula, and other supplies:
Free Diapers - Greater Chicago Food Depository
Find free diapers for Cook County families. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is partnering with Share Our Spare to deliver diapers to food pantries and other partners. Use their map to find a site giving away free diapers. Please call before you go!
Share Our Spare - Partner Agency Directory
Share Our Spare (SOS) ensures every Chicago area child, ages 0-5, has the essential items they need to support their health and development and equip them for a strong start. SOS does not work directly with families but rather partners with a network of respected social service agencies across the region, who distribute diapers, wipes and other baby care items to children and families in their care.
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.
To find financial assistance for your family:
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk. Click here to learn how to apply for benefits through a state agency.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Link is provided via the Illinois Department of Human Services. TANF provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with one or more dependent children. TANF provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical. Some families that qualify for TANF may also qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Coaches in New Moms' programs partner with young families to decrease stress, build social connections, and set and track personalized goals. Together with their New Moms coach, young moms build the foundations of thriving futures for themselves, their children, and their communities. Check out their programs in Housing, Job Training, and Family Support.
City of Chicago Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
RAP provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent.
Link is provided via the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Homeless Prevention Program provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. To get services, contact a provider from this list.