All colleges and universities in Illinois have a benefits navigator to assist in identifying campus, community, state and federal resources and benefit programs for which they might be eligible. ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp students can work with Claire Heffron-McKinney, MA, LPC, CDVP, ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp benefits navigator, to identify important resources both on campus and in the community.
Appointments
Benefits navigator services are offered in-person, virtually via Teams or Zoom, or by phone. Please call 217-786-2591, text 217-786-2591 or email Claire to book an appointment.
If you need immediate assistance, please call 211 to be connected to community resource information. If you are in immediate need of mental health services, please call 988. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
For a referral for service, access the form below, and Claire will respond within two working business days.
ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp resources
Claire can assist with referrals to campus resources:
- ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Food Pantry
- Community housing referral information
- Undocumented student support
- Talkspace tele-mental health
- Accessibility services
- ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Child Development Center
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
- Referrals to ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Title IX coordinator, support for domestic violence, stalking, sexual violence support and resource information
Community resources
Claire can assist with referrals to community resources:
- ÌÀÍ·Ìõapp Child Development Center
- Clothing referral information
State and federal benefits
Claire can explain how to apply for and provide referrals for state and federal benefits:
- Post-secondary education services for youth in care. If you are a student exiting DCFS/youth in care, you might be eligible for educational funding. For more information, visit the .