Additional Resources

None of us can do the work alone. This section includes helpful tools, guides, and links created by other organizations and agencies that are doing thoughtful, important work. These external resources are here to support you in finding the right information when you need it.

Note: Many of these resources have been curated over a long period of time, and there is currently a lot of information being removed from federal websites. If you find a link that is no longer working, please reach out and we can have it removed (Updated May 4, 2025)

Disability Resources

Disability Laws

The United States has several important disability laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Some of the key laws include:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. It also applies to the United States Congress

Rehabilitation Act: Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, passed in 1973, made it illegal for programs that receive federal funding to discriminate on the basis of a disability. It defines people with disabilities as those who have a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): This law ensures that students with disabilities have the right to an "appropriate" education and provides protections against barriers to access, supports, and services

National Disability Institute's Financial Resilience Center (FRC) - an online resource hub designed to assist individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions in building financial resilience. Launched in response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the FRC offers free, accessible information and tools to help users navigate financial difficulties.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources.

The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough (10 years working) – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings.

More information about applying for SSI:

General Resources

United Way 211 Hotline

211 is a free phone service that helps people find local community services and resources. If you need help with things like food, housing, healthcare, or emergency assistance, you can call 211.

United Way Page for Individuals New to the US: https://www.211.org/get-help/new-us When you call 211, you should be able to ask for help in many different languages. If you don’t speak English, the 211 operator can connect you to someone who speaks your language, or they can use an interpreter service to help you.

211 Website Locator for Your State: If you look up 211 + your City/State, there should be a website available with local information.

Domestic Violence Resources

LiveYourDream.org: Provides quick resources, links, crisis hotlines, and information about fellow organizations serving domestic violence victims. Call 1-800-799-7233 for crisis and counseling services.

DomesticShelters.org: Offers an online directory of domestic violence shelters and programs. You can search by location to find shelters near you.

Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA)

n 1984, Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which established the Crime Victim’s Fund ("the fund"). The fund, administered by the Office for Victims of Crime, provides financial assistance to victims of crime through state-based compensation programs and indirectly through state grants that help finance state victim service organizations.

Victims can apply for funds to cover expenses related to the crime.

Under VOCA, victims can apply to be reimbursed for the expenses they’ve already paid and costs they know are coming. A claim must be submitted to a state’s victim compensation program to apply for victim compensation. The National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards state program directory has a listing of each state’s victim compensation office and contact information.

Immigrant Specific Resources for Domestic Violence:

National Immigrant Family Violence Institute (NIFVI) - NIFVI is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence in immigrant communities. It provides individualized technical assistance, training, and specialized resource materials on the unique issues faced by immigrant communities in combating domestic violence.

Futures Without Violence and Casa de Esperanza - These organizations offer helpful information outlining tactics used by abusive partners to target immigrant victims

Battered Women's Justice Project - offers an advocate's guide focusing on the needs of newly-arrived battered immigrant women whose immigration status is unsettled. The guide explores how to more effectively respond to battered immigrant women, how immigration status is used as a weapon in domestic violence cases, and the options open to immigrant victims.

Futures Without Violence- This organization provides recommendations for working with immigrant women, emphasizing that non-profit organizations are explicitly exempt from verifying immigration status as a condition for providing services. They also offer information outlining tactics used by abusive partners to target immigrant victims.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: They maintain a directory of service providers with experience working with immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, U-visa crimes, and human trafficking

National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project (NIWAP) maintains a directory of service providers with experience working with immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, U-visa crimes, and human trafficking. Find attorneys, advocates, and other legal assistance in your area.

Educational Resources

What Is the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

An IEP provides a specialized program of instruction to students who have been identified under the law as having a particular educational disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations to general education students so that they can access the curriculum.

What is the referral process for an IEP?

The parent notifies the school of their desire to have child evaluated for an IEP. The school then has 90 Days from receipt of the Letter to develop an Individualized Education Plan for the child. The school has 90 days from IEP request to evaluate and address the requested need.

The National Disability Rights Network - NDRN provides resources focused on disability rights in education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other relevant laws. They advocate for students with disabilities and offer legal support.

PACER Center- PACER offers extensive information on student rights for children with disabilities. They focus on resources related to special education law, rights under the IDEA, and advocacy for families and students.

National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC)- Provides educational and legal resources to youth, especially in areas related to school discipline, civil rights, and educational equality.

Resources for the Elderly

You may be eligible for certain services if you are considered elderly. Most programs in the United States will consider you elderly if you are 65 or older.

Administration for Community Living - https://acl.gov/ 

Some resources through ACL include:

  • Disability Assistance and Information Line - The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.

  • Eldercare Locator - The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator has been linking those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.

  • LongTermCare.gov - Long-term care (LTC) is a range of services and supports you may need to meet your personal care needs. At some point in our lives, about 60 percent of us will need assistance with things like getting dressed, driving to appointments, or making meals. Planning is critical, but many people are not sure what is covered by insurance, and people are often misinformed about what is covered by Medicare.

Rides in Sight - information about transportation options for older adults in local US communities.

All states have at least one program that provides assistance to elderly individuals living outside of nursing homes. In many states, assistance may be offered to other disabled individuals. For more information on Medicaid Home Benefits, see

https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/medicaid-waivers/home-care

Food Security Resources

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program. Known previously as "food stamps," SNAP benefits can help you stretch your food budget if you have a low income. If a client comes through the Reception and Placement (R&P program, their caseworker will help them apply for SNAP They will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to access their SNAP benefits.

Many low-income women and young children can get healthy food to add to their diet through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC also offers nutrition counseling and referrals to health, welfare, and social services.

For a list of benefits a client can access through WIC, see USDA WIC Benefits and Services. For WIC, you need to apply in the state you currently live and be one of the following: Pregnant, Breastfeeding, Postpartum, or have a child under five years old.

HIV/AIDS Resources

HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) - https://www.hivma.org/ResourcesForImmigrants/ - provides a document that offers information for healthcare providers and public health officials working with immigrants living with HIV or tuberculosis. It also includes information on immigration policies and resources to identify HIV care sites and providers outside of the U.S.

InReach - https://inreach.org/ -has created a web and mobile resource platform designed to facilitate the safe navigation of LGBTQ+ people fleeing persecution, including asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, and youth. The platform includes verified legal, medical, mental health, and social services for those living with HIV/AIDS as well as those at high risk. It can match users with affirming HIV/AIDS-related care, including testing, prevention education, referrals, and support groups.

HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) - https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/hopwa - HOPWA is the only Federal program dedicated to addressing the housing needs of low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Grantees partner with nonprofit organizations and housing agencies to provide housing and support to these beneficiaries.

Language Access Resources

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION? Interpretation is spoken language while translation refers to the written language.

  • Translated documents take time to complete

  • Translators can use dictionaries and additional resources to find the perfect phrase.

  • Language is often very technical - translators must have high grammatical knowledge

  • Interpretation is done in real-time as people are speaking to each other

  • Interpreters must be able to understand specific terminology (medical, legal, etc) as well as slang to be able to convey the accurate meaning of the conversation

LEP.gov: LEP.gov provides various interpretation resources, including information on who is an interpreter, federal resources, interpreter videos, and the National Language Service Corps

Office of Justice Programs: The Office of Justice Programs offers guidance and resources for providing meaningful access to programs and services for LEP individuals, including services for oral interpretation and written translation of vital documents

HHS.gov: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides resources for LEP individuals, including the need for interpreters for effective communication in healthcare settings

Laws Around Language Access

The legal requirements for providing interpretation services in healthcare settings are governed by various federal laws and regulations.

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin and requires that agencies receiving federal funds provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

  • Executive Order 13166: This order reinforces the requirements of Title VI, mandating that federal entities provide interpreter services for LEP individuals.

  • Department of Health and Human Services Standards: The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care, updated in 2014, include provisions related to interpretation services, requiring health organizations to offer language assistance to individuals who have limited proficiency in English.

Health Resources

Important Health Care Laws

Some important US health laws and regulations include:

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It affords similar protections against discrimination to Americans with disabilities as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and other characteristics illegal. It became law in 1990 and guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

  • The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) - The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a United States federal law enacted in 1986 to ensure public access to emergency services regardless of an individual's ability to pay. It requires hospitals with emergency departments to provide a medical screening examination to anyone who requests it and prohibits them from refusing to examine or treat individuals with an emergency medical condition.

  • The law applies to all individuals, not just Medicare beneficiaries, and mandates that hospitals with dedicated emergency departments adopt and enforce policies and procedures to comply with its requirements

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law requiring national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. HIPAA-covered entities include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. The law is enforced by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and violations may result in civil monetary penalties or criminal penalties

  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA) addresses health insurance coverage, health care costs, and preventive care. The law has three primary goals: making affordable health insurance available to more people, expanding the Medicaid program to cover all adults with income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and supporting innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care.

Access your Medical Information on Your Phone

As of April 5, 2021, the federal rule on Interoperability, Information Blocking, and ONC Health IT Certification—which implemented the 21st Century Cures Act—went into effect. Known as the “Cures Rule,” this national policy requires healthcare providers give patients access to all of the health information in their electronic medical records “without delay” and without charge.

Homeless Resources

Learn the landlord and tenant rights for your state.

If a client anticipates being late or unable to pay rent, let the landlord know. You may be able to request a repayment plan (or at least avoid collecting late fees!)

The SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national program designed to increase access to the disability income benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SOAR is designed for eligible adults and children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Assistance: - https://www.hud.gov/states - HUD offers a list of resources and services for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including a directory of shelters, helplines, and information on how to contact housing counselors. Be aware lot of HUD information is currently being removed from their webpages and information may be limited (May 4, 2025)

Homeless Shelter Directory - https://nche.ed.gov/shelter/ - Resources such as the Homeless Shelter Directory, Covenant House, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Grantees, ShelterListings.org, The Salvation Army, and The United Way offer information on homeless shelters and support services across the US.

LGBTQIA+ Resources

For Immigrants:

Boundless - Provides a breakdown of common questions and helpful resources for LGBTQ immigrants during each stage of the immigration journey, including information on LGBTQ immigrant rights, LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers, K-1 visas for LGBTQ couples, LGBTQ health resources, and inter-country adoption information.

Rainbow Railroad - Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGTBQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) - Offers training and resources to ensure that legal services address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ immigrants due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Their manual, "LGBTQ Immigration: Ensuring Equality for All," provides practice tips and legal guidance for service providers of all levels of experience

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) - Provides legal services to low-income immigrants who identify as LGBTQ or are living with HIV. They offer assistance to asylum seekers, bi-national same-sex couples, survivors of violent crimes, and LGBTQ immigrant detainees. However, their direct representation work is limited to the Midwest, mostly appearing before Chicago immigration courts.

Immigration Equality - Works to secure safe haven, the freedom to live openly, and equality for LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation.

QUA - LGBTQ Ukrainians in America - This organization provides assistance and support to LGBTQI+ Ukrainians living in the United States, offering aid, legal support, networking, events, learning and sharing, integration assistance, and a watchdog report. They also connect a network of LGBTQ+ people and allies in America who are ready to assist Ukrainian refugees and distribute funds to LGBTQ Ukrainian community members on the ground during the crisis of Russian aggression.

InReach - InReach aims to serve as a comprehensive, digital one-stop-shop for the diverse, intersectional LGBTQ+ community: InReach lists verified services for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, refugees and other immigrants, LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) folks, LGBTQ+ youth and caregivers, and more LGBTQ+ communities.

Mental Health Resources

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Offers information on finding mental health care providers, including primary care providers, federal resources, national agencies, advocacy and professional organizations, and state and county agencies..

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Provides the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and SAMHSA's National Helpline for free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and substance use disorders.

Mental Health First Aid - Offers resources for finding information or getting connected with help for various mental health and substance use problems, including helplines and support groups

Informed Immigrant - Informed Immigrant provides resources for managing the mental health of immigrants and their families. It offers tips for managing emotional and spiritual well-being and service organizations lookup tool to find healthcare and local mental health services.

The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) - offers a list of migrant mental health resources, including culturally specific services and services in Spanish. It also provides a toll-free, confidential hotline for families seeking mental health services

Self Care Resources

Because you can’t give someone else water if your own well is dry.

Service providers are often so focused on supporting others that they neglect their own well-being. This can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and decreased effectiveness. Prioritizing self-care is essential for sustaining the energy, empathy, and clarity needed to serve others well.

What Does Self-Care Look Like?

  • Proritizing Your Needs - Taking a Bath or a Shower

  • Getting Plenty of Sleep or Taking a Nap

  • Going on a Walk or Run

  • Doing something you love to help re-energize you (painting, sewing, gardening, writing, or any other hobbies)

  • Reaching out to a friend who energizes you in a positive way to meet up for dinner or coffee

Suggested Resources for Self-Care

Look to Sesame Street for all the best self-care tips!

Sesame in Communites Resource Center also has lots of great resources for supporting the kids in your life: resources cover tough topics such as divorce, emergencies, foster care, grief, homelessness, incarceration, military caregiving, parental addiction, displacement and resettlement, traumatic experiences, and violence.