Welcome to our Veterans Resources Page. The goal of this page is to offer access to the widest possible array of services, discounts and other opportunities available to veterans and their families. Just scroll down until you find what you’re looking for and click on the name to get to the corresponding website. Send suggested additions to info@iavmuseum.org.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Being listed on this page does not constitute an endorsement by the Italian American Veterans Museum or its board of directors. The museum and its board assumes no liability for losses or damages incurred by anyone availing themselves of these resources or any other resource referred to by the resources on this page.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Veterans Crisis Line
Rapid response for veterans in crisis
Homeless Veterans Chat Room
Rapid response for homeless veterans
Benefits enrollment
How to sign up for VA benefits
Health Care Enrollment
How to apply for VA health care
Hines VA Hospital
The Chicago-area’s main VA facility
Vet Centers
Assists with the transition from military to civilian life
Locations
A list of VA locations in Illinois
My HealtheVet
VA health care management portal
Video Connect
Video access to a VA care team
COVID-19 Updates
The latest information on vaccines for veterans
VA Podcasts
News-related interview shows on a variety of topics
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Illinois Veterans Service Officer
Cynthia McKee
Leyden Town Hall
2501 North Mannheim Road
Franklin Park, IL 60131
847-451-5111
Cynthia.McKee@illinois.gov
COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
ADVOCACY
Coalition of Veterans Organizations
Educating and advocating on behalf of veterans
ANIMAL SERVICES
America’s Vet Dogs
Service dogs for veterans and first responders
Canine Companions for Independence
Service dogs for veterans and veterans with PTSD
Dog T.A.G.S.
Service animals for veterans returning from the Middle East
K9s For Warriors
Training and pairing rescue dogs with injured and traumatized veterans
Kare 9 Military Ministry
Ministerial visits to injured and traumatized veterans
Pets for Vets Chicagoland
Training and pairing rescue dogs with injured and traumatized veterans
Pits for Vets (Facebook)
Training and pairing pit bulls with injured and traumatized veterans
Soul Harbour Ranch
Animal therapy and intervention
Tony LaRussa’s ARF Pets and Vets
Training and pairing rescue dogs with injured and traumatized veterans
United States War Dogs Association
Retired war dogs for adoption
Warrior Canine Connection
Training and pairing rescue dogs with injured and traumatized veterans
CAREER
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Employment services and special benefits for veterans
Job Hero
Resources and training
Rider University
General resource guide
DISCOUNTS
Chicago Clerk
No-fee vehicle stickers
ComEd
Electric bill financial assistance program
Cook County Assessor’s Office
Property Tax Relief through Veteran Homeowners Exemptions
Cook County Clerk
Military and veteran discount cards
Cook County Clerk
Free recording and storage of DD214s
CouponFollow
Military discount guide
Disabled Veterans Eligible for Free Entry with National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass
KinderCare
Childcare discounts
National Park
Free admission for veterans with disabilities
National Park
Free admission for gold star family members
Veterans Canteen Service
Discounts available to VA employees and veterans and families enrolled in VA health care
EDUCATION
Cafe Liberty
11-Week cooking school for veterans
George Washington University
Benefits for service members and veterans
Maryville University
Benefits for service members and veterans
University of North Dakota
Cyber Security Education and Training Resources for Veterans
FINANCIAL
Allen Lynch Foundation
Assistance and relief to veterans and immediate family members, Grants to veterans groups, events and causes
Debt Reduction Services
Free credit and debt counseling for active duty service members
Fiscal Tiger
Financial education and resources for service members, veterans and dependents
GENERAL
America Cares Too
A range of services for needy veterans and families
Catholic Charities
Housing, employment and other services
Combined Veterans of Berwyn
2020 virtual expo
Cook County Veterans Services
A variety of services available through the county and other sources
Illinois Joining Forces
Linking veterans with available services
TLS Veterans
Peer support and referral services for veterans
Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County
Housing and emergency services and assistance
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Chicago Veterans
Empowering veterans through life’s transitions
Clunker Junker
Veterans guide to driving and transportation
COVID-19 Military Support Initiative
Advocacies, information and support for the defense community during the pandemic
Guitars for Vets
Music therapy for PTSD
Help Heal Veterans
Therapeutic craft kits for hospitalized and homebound veterans
Illinois Chess Vets
Helping veterans through chess
Mankind Project Chicago
Empowering men to improve their lives and the world around them
Mattress Clarity
What veterans should know about sleep
Mesothelioma Veterans Center
Assisting veterans with mesothelioma
Road Home Project
Mental health care and wellness services
Veterans Smile
Free dental care for veterans in need
The Way Back Inn and Grateful House
Outpatient, residential and other services for addiction and dependency
Wounded Warrior Project
Assisting veterans with PTSD, physical or mental injuries and illnesses
HOUSING
Chicago Veterans’ Home
New veterans home on Chicago’s Far Northwest Side
Fisher House
Lodging during a medical crisis
Illinois Veterans Homes
Long-term residential care
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans
Housing, supportive services and community outreach
New Horizons
Transitional living, employment assistance, housing assistance and counseling
LEGAL AID
Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network
Free legal aid for Illinois armed forces
MEDAL OF HONOR
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Honoring the sacrifices of all Medal of Honor recipients
Father Capodanno Guild
Celebrating the life of Medal of Honor Recipient Fr. Vincent Capodanno
MUSEUMS, ETC.
Chicagoland Combined Veterans Museum, Library and Honor Roll
First Division Museum at Cantigny Park
Great Lakes Naval Museum Foundation
National Museum of World War II
Naval History and Heritage Command
National Museum of the American Sailor
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
ORGANIZATIONS
Chicagoland Veterans Command Post
SALUTES
Bugles Across America
Providing live taps for deceased veterans
Honor Flight Chicago
Honoring veterans with trips to Washington, D.C.
Wreaths Across America
Annual wreath-laying project at cemeteries across the country
