The Family Support Network works to uncover the resources, funding, and services needed to help people with developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives in their own homes. By focusing on the needs of both family members and individuals, we help break down barriers to clear the way for long-term success.
We make finding family services flexible and easy, using personal and professional experience to bring lifestyle benefits and support to all.
Inform
We connect the dots to the right resources, opening doors to smart choices.
Educate
Education brings everyone together, uniting families under informed plans of action.
Support
Help individuals live at home on their own with guided support.
We focus on family first, respecting all cultural, social, economic, and spiritual differences to help improve home-life dynamics and foster even stronger familial bonds.
Family Support Network aims to:
Keep families together
until the person with a disability chooses to live independently
Empower caregivers
to meet the many needs of their family member with a disability
Improve support
to families while minimizing the need and the cost of out-of-home placement
Allow family participation
in integrated leisure, recreational, and social activities
Make a positive difference
in the lives of people with disabilities as well as the lives of family members
More than 65 million Americans provide for a family member who has a disability, spending countless time and energy for someone they love. As part of the Arc of Illinois, our team is expertly connected and uniquely qualified to help families find the resources they need to continue giving the highest level of care and support possible.
Director
Shirley A. Perez is the Program Director of The Arc of Illinois’ Family Advocate Program and the Family Support Network. Ms. Perez has thirty-five plus years of advocating and collaborating with individuals, and their families living with disabilities. She is a business graduate of Metropolitan Business College and Kaplan University. She operated her own business, served on the board of directors for a provider agency for over thirty years, worked at an Independent Service Coordination agency (ISC) where she advocated for and assisted families in locating services by navigating the Illinois State system. In conjunction with the City of Chicago, Federal Home Loan Bank and The Illinois Housing Development Authority, she implemented a home-buying program for individuals living with developmental and physical disabilities. She has worked as a Special Project Advocate with the Illinois Life Span Project; met with families/guardians to explain the transition process and listen to their concerns as their family members’ transition into the community from State Operated Developmental Centers.
She currently serves on various Illinois Department of Human Services Committees including the Quality Care Board of Directors. She is a member of The Arc of the United States (The Arc), an active volunteer in both her community and church. She is the proud mother of an adult daughter (Tamekia), who lives in the community. Ms. Perez’s lived experience and her passion for advocacy is fueled by her desire to assist her daughter and other individuals living with disabilities reach their full potential and live a full life in the community. Her philosophy is, “everyone can succeed with the right supports!” She can be contacted at shirley@thearcofil.org.
Family Specialist
Troy has worked at the Division of Developmental Disabilities and brings problem-solving expertise for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, working closely with our Advocacy Liaison.
Outreach/Advocacy Liaison
Shakari collaborates with organizations that focus on underserved communities and individuals with I/DD, among other duties. She keeps the team focused and in touch with diverse audiences, ensuring our materials are understandable.
Need help? The Family Support Network is here for you.
“I want to thank The Director and Arc Family Support Network for helping my brother. Due to their help, we got a victory with DRS with an apology.
It's been extremely hard for me to reach out to others for help because so many people that I loved and trusted have forsaken our family. Mostly, they took advantage of us when we were most vulnerable. I am glad that I reached out to you and the Arc at an Arc FSN event.
Because of the compassion and knowledge that was demonstrated by this organization, not only was my brother able to get the services that he needed, we were given great favor with the Director and Supervisor of DRS.
I am so ever grateful."
