Resources
Reputable Links For Any Parent
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends every parent visit this website. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 paediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. This website contains general information related to your child’s health issues with more specific guidelines.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others.
Parents Med Guide
These guides are designed to help patients, families, and physicians make informed decisions about obtaining and administering the most appropriate care for a child with ADHD or depression.
Childhood Bipolar Disorder
The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation is the first charitable organization solely dedicated to the support of research for the study of early-onset bipolar disorder. Our board is a remarkable one, made up of dedicated parents, treating professionals and world class clinical investigators and basic science researchers.
Detect Autism Early
When a developmental delay is not recognized early, children must wait to get the help they need. This website contains very helpful information that help you to undergo all the ways you should measure your child’s growth.
The PDD Assessment Scale/ Screening Questionnaire
The questionnaire available below is an experimental screening tool based on the DSM-IV criteria for autism which states that to be diagnosed as autistic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In this website you can find most general information about the Immunizations for your child such as immunization Schedules, Recommendations, Vaccines in United States, Vaccines side effects and lots more valuable information. We recommend parents to read this information and then talk to us for the further procedures. Our professionals will provide you our best advice, we work with your concerns, and eventually we follow your directions.
American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization
This website is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) complete Immunization resource center, for parents as well as healthcare professionals.
We are here to help guide you and your child every step of the way!
Cerebral Palsy Guide
This national organization provides free educational information, financial options and emotional support for parents and children affected by cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Group
Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, brain injuries, or birth injuries. They offer information and support to help provide resources and education to those affected by CP.
Advent Health Ocala Support Groups
- Weight Loss Support Group
Offers interactive and informative monthly support group experiences from peers, emotional support, recipe and clothing exchange and post-surgery life. Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm in Auxiliary Conference Center, contact 352-351-7200. - Diabetes Support Group
Free of charge, the group provides tips, techniques and support you need to help manage your diabetes. Range from insulin pump patients to non-insulin dependent patients. Call 352-620-8600 for a referral.
Advent Health Ocala Virtual Classes
- VIRTUAL BABY CARE BASICS CLASS
Whether you’re a new parent, adoptive parent, or a grandparent who needs a quick refresher, this class will give you the foundation you need to care for a newborn baby. Topics include: Bathing, Choosing a Pediatrician When to call the Pediatrician, Diapering, Feeding, Newborn Characteristics, Newborn Procedures, Swaddling, and much more.
- VIRTUAL BREASTFEEDING CLASS
You want to provide nourishment and comfort to your newborn — and breastfeeding does both. You might already know the many benefits: important nutrients added immunity against infections, lowered allergy risk, and, of course, intimate skin-to-skin bonding. But for a new mother, the experience can present both physical and emotional challenges. Our Breastfeeding Class gives you caring support and careful preparation. The single-session class is taught by an experienced Registered Nurse charged with turning feeding into comfort for both you and your baby. This class is offered at no cost if you are giving birth at AdventHealth Ocala.
Heart of Florida Community Resources: Facility through Marion County (income based)
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CHILDRENS SERVICES/SERVICIOS PARA NINOS
Marion County Children’s Alliance: 438-5990
Children’s Home Society/Healthy Families: 732-1355
Children’s Medical Services: 369-2100
Dept. of Children Families Access Info Line: 866-762-2237
Early Learning Coalition: 369-2315
Florida Healthy Kids/Kid Care: 888-352-5437
FDLRS/Child find: 591-4300
Food for Kids Backpack Program: Contact child’s school. “Back Pack Program.”
Healthy Start: 629-0137 Ext. 2275
Marion County Children’s Alliance: 438-5990
North Central Early Steps: 800-334-1447
Summer Break Spot Meal for Children: 671-4190
WIC/Nutrition: 622-116
Educational Resources:
- Able United
- Website: http://www.ableunited.com/
- Phone Number: 1-888-524-ABLE (2253)
- Florida Center for Student with Unique Abilities
- Website: http://fcsua.org/
- Phone Number: 407-823-5225
- Florida Department of Education
- Website: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/
- Phone Number: 1-800-447-1636
- Step Up for Students Scholarships
- Website: https://www.stepupforstudents.org/for-parents/
- Phone Number: 1-877-735-7837
- Education Materials: education.com
- Education Materials: www.openculture.com
Useful Links
American Academy of Pediatrics
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthy Children (AAP Content)
Counseling & Youth Resources
- A Safe Haven for Newborns – 1(877)767-2220 (Confidential Helpline)
- Bethany Christian Services – 1(407)877-4006 Pregnancy/Counseling (Counselor Travels)
- Boys & Girls Club of Marion County – (352)690-7440
- Childhood Development Services (352)629-0055
- Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc. – (352)369-2315
- Episcopal Children’s Services – (352)547-8083
- Florida Guardian ad Litem – (352)812-6971
- Florida Kid Care – 1(888)540-5437
- Heart of Florida Youth Ranch – (352)595-7100
- Kid’s Central – (352)732-0457
- Marion County Children’s Alliance – (352)438-5990 (Monica Bryant)
- PACE Center for Girls – (352)369-0571
Counseling/Mental Health Resources
- Arnette House – (352)622-6135
- Big Bear Behavioral Health, Inc. – 1(800)840-2528 EXT. 1
- Camelot Community Care – (352)671-7884
- The Centers – (352)291-5500
- Center for Autism & Related Service (CARD) – (352)273-0581
- Children’s Home Society – (352)334-0955
- Choices, Chances, Changes – (353)622-0062
- Faithfully Guided Health Center – (353)521-0631
- Families First – 1(813)290-8560 option #4
- Florida Dept. of Children and Families – 1(866)762-2237
- Growing Well Family Behavioral Services – (352)465-2444
- Hospice of Marion Country – (352)873-7400
- Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection – (352)873-4739
- Ignite Community Counseling & Resource Center – (352)512-0090
- Interfaith- The Center for Life – (352)662-4204
- HIV/LGBTQ Crisis Line – 1(866)488-7386
- Life Stream Behavioral Center – (352)742-1590
- National Alliance on mental Illness (NAMI) – (352)368-2405
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1(800)273-TALK (8255)
- Omega Behavior Analysis, LLC – (352)629-1940
- Saving Mercy (Substance Abuse Counseling) – (352)629-6902
- Urban Counseling – (352)390-6656
- Youth and Family Alternatives – (352)344-2933
- The Vines Hospital – (352)671-3130
Credit Counseling
- Green Path (Assist with Debt, Mortgage, Rental, etc.) – 1(888)776-6735
- Consolidated Credit Solutions (pre-purchase housing counselling) – 1(877)201-7780
- United Financial Counselors of Florida (Foreclosure Counseling, Financial Education, Housing Advice) – 1(954)372-4370
- U.S Department pf Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Housing Advice, Foreclosure Counseling) – 1(800)569-4287
Elderly Services
- AARP – 1(888)687-2277
- Marion Senior Services – (352)620-3501
- Social Security Admin – 1(800)772-1213
Employment/ Job Training
- Career Source (Citrus, Levy & Marion) – (352)840-5700
- Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Help People with physical or mental disabilities get a job) – (352)291-9550 ext. 1838
- Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) – (Skills and Training, Job Placement, Support Employment) – (352)368-3788
- Camelot Community Care (Skills and Training, Help find Work, Support Network) – (352)67-7884
Financial Support/ Services
- American Red Cross – (352)622-3457
- Brother’s Keeper – (352)622-3846
- Community Action – 1(844)356-8136
- Dept. of Children and Families – 1(866)762-2237
- Marion Country Homeless Council – (352)732-369
- Ocala Housing Authority – (352)369-2636
- Temporary Assistance or Needy Families (TANF) www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/help
- www.uwc.org-United Way 211
- Marionfl.org
- Housing Finance Authority of Marion Country
- Renal Housing Application (Government Tab)
- Job Corps – -800-733-5627 – (6-24) Residential Career Training Program Complete your High School Education
Food Pantries In Marion Country
- Annie Johnson Pantry – (352)465-7959 or (352)489-8021 (Serves 5 Countries M, W, F, 8:30am to 11:00am
- Belleview United Methodist Church – (352)245-2100 (Belleview) 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 9:00am to 11:00am
- Bethel Baptist Church – (352)239-4845, 2nd & 3rd Saturday 9:00am to 12;00pm. Call ahead, also they can fill out a USDA application (just need name, address and valid ID)
- Brother’s Keeper Pantry/Soup Kitchen – (352)622-3846, Mon & Fri 9:00am to 11:30am, Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:00am to 2:30pm (For application only.)
- Christ’s Church Pantry – (352)895-2649, Mon & Thurs 9:00am to 12:00pm (valid ID required)
- Community of Gratitude Pantry – (352)288-3499 (Ocklawaha) Tues 9:00am to 10:00am, Thurs 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Sat 10:00am to 12:00pm (Belleview to Umatilla)
- Fellowship Baptist church Pantry – (352)629-5379 (Fellowship) Third Saturday 9:00am to 11:ooam
- First Baptist Church of Belleview – (352)245-9106, Tues & Thurs 9:00am to 12:00pm
- First Baptist of Forth McCoy Pantry – (352)263-0789. First Fri 10:00am to 12:00pm (Drive Thru)
- Gateway to Hope Pantry/Soup Kitchen – (352)694-3414, Sat 9:00am to 10:30am (Can get emergency food anytime all they have to do is call)
- Interfaith – (352)629-8868. Mon-Fri 9:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 3:30pm (If raining hard it will be closed)
- Kingdom Revival Church – (352)454-5361 (Todd Childs) Wed 10:00am till the food is gone.
- Love Inc – (352)245-8774 (Belleview) and Summerfield residents only)
- Marion Country Vets Helping Vets – (352-433-2320, Mon – Thurs 8:00am to 10:30am
- Marion Oaks Assembly of God – (352)347-3001
- Mt. Zion United Methodist Church – (352) 59-2476 (Reddick area) Fri 9:00am to 2:00pm
- Oak Griner Baptist Pantry – (352)622-8625.es 10:00am to 1:00pm (Call First)
- Salt Spring Hope Pantry – (352)685-2501 (Salt Spring Area) Tues 9:00am to 11:00am (Must provide valid ID and live within a five mile radius of Salt Spring)
- Salvation Army Pantry – (352)629-2004, Mon – Fri 9:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 3:30pm
- Shepherd’s Lighthouse – (352)347-6575 (Belleview Area) Food Pantry for Clients living there only.
- St. John the Baptist Pantry – (352)489-9112 (Dunnellon residents only) Tues & Thurs 10:00am to 1:00pm
- St. Jude Catholic Community Pantry – (352)347-0154(Marion Oaks Area) Jan thru Oct, 2nd and 4th Thursday 10:00am to 12:00pm, Nov thru Dec, 1st and 3rd Thursday 10:00am to 12:00om
- St. Marks Church – (352)622-4475, Mon thru Fri 9:ooam to 11:ooam
- St. Theresa Pantry Soup Kitchen – (352)245-1359 or (352)245-2458. Soup kitchen, Mon thru Fri, 11:00am to 1:00pm, Pantry Mon thru Fri, 9:00am to 12:30pm (Belleview and Summerfield residents only). Must provide valid ID.
- Starting Point Church/Food Pantry(352)245-5920, 3rd Saturday of the month, 9:00am to 12:00pm (must provide ID and call ahead) (Summerfield area only)
- Villages View Pantry – (352)307-7303, Wed and Fri only, 10:00am to 1:00pm (Summerfield are only)
- Wings of Faith Pantry (Operation Compassion) – (352)687-4600, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesday to the month 8:00am to 11:00am
Hot Meals and Other Food Programs
- Full Cart (Feeding children everywhere) – 1(888)891-6447
- Moms Meals (Home Delivered Meals) (Nationwide) – 1(877)508- 6667
- SNAP EBT by Amazon https://www.amazon.com
Health Education/ Services
- American Cancer Society – (352)629-4727
- American Heart Association – 1(800)242-8721
- American Society for Death Children – 1(800)942-2732
- ARC Marion – (352)687-2210
- CHIP-InsureKidsNow.gov (Income too high to qualify for Medicaid)
- Florida Center for the Blind, Inc – (352)873-4700
- March of Dimes – (352)629-7555
- Medicaid-HealthCare.gov
- Sickle Cell Disease- www.sicklecellnefl.org
- WIC-www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and children-wic
Dental and Vision Assistance
- Mobile Dental Unit Ministry (Florida Baptist Convention) – 1(800)226-8584 ext 3100
- Dental Care Program (Florida Department of Health) – (352)622-2664
- Dental Clinic (Santa Fe Community College) – (352)395-5655
- Adult and Pediatric Dentistry (Heart of Florida Health Center) – (352)732-6599
- Ronald McDonald Care Mobile – 1(239)658-3000 (dental and Vision Care)
- Care Program (Variety) – (352)945-0820 (Dental)
- Altrusa International Inc of Ocala (njones0705@hotmail.com) (Vision)
- Lions Club – 1(847)254-598 (Vision)
- Freedom Clinic – (352)421-5510 (Vision and Dental)
- Florida Center for the Blind, Inc – (352)872-4700
Medical Resources
- Advent Health – (352)351-7200
- Deliverance Outreach Ministries (Free Clinic Services) (325)694-2805
- First United Methodist Church (Assists with Birth Certificates) – (352)622-3244
- Florida Health Dept. (Immunization, Dental, etc.) – (352)629-0137
- Heat of Florida Health Center (Assists low-income and uninsured residents) – (352)595-7777
- Three Angels Clinic (Free medical care for the uninsured) – (352)509-6350
- Langley Health Services (Sliding Scale) – (352)680-0324
- Interfaith-Center for Life Hope Clinic (Uninsured and low-income families) – (352)877-9907
- Ocala Community Based Outpatient Clinic-VA-Ocala (All income levels accepted) – (352)369-3320
- West Marion Community Hospital – (352)401-1000
Prescription Assistance
- Altrusa International Inc of Ocala – njones0705@hotmail.com (Need Application for vision assistance)
- Center of Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNF) (Wheelchair Ramps) – 1(877) 629 – 8840 or email kelkins@cilncf.org
- Good RX – www.goodrx.com – Get a GoodRx Prescription Discount Card for Free
- Insulins Valyou Savings Program – 1(833) 813-0190
- Interfaith (Presscriptions and Readers Eyeglasses) – (352) 629-8868
- Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program – 1(800) 652-6227
- *****Lice Authority (Send completed for to Tom Butler)*****
- Lions Club – Helen Anderson – 1(847) 254-1598 (Need Application ffor Vision Assistance)
- Making Life Accessible (Home moderation & Accessibility Program) Ramps, grab bars, roll in shower, Accessible toilets, Ceiling track systems – (352)429-9191 or email info@makinglifeaccessible.com
- Medicaid for Aged or Disabled – SSI-Related Medicaid
- NeedyMeds.Org – Find help with the cost of medicine
- Patient Advocate Foundation – Copay Relief – 1(866) 512-3861
- Patient Help Network-Prescription Assistance Programs (Speak to a live agent) – 1(866) 218-0694
- Prescriptions Savings Card- by Script Save Well RX – www.wellrx.com
Legal Assistance
- Community Legal Services – (352)629-0105
Education and ESOL Services
- Marion County Literacy Council – (352) 690-7323
- Florida Virtual School – 1(800) 374-1430
- Friends of the Public Library – (352) 873-8574
- Marion Virtual Shool – (352) 236 0568 ext. 50047 Christi Dunning
- Southern Scholarship Foundation – 1(850) 222-3833 (serving Florida Gulf Community College, Florida A&M University, Florida State University, Flagler College(Tallahassee)
- Workforce Development’s Youth Program (Ged Assistance) – (352) 291-9550 ext. 1838 or apply here
- Refugee Center Online (Online GED Prep) – https://therefugeecenter.org/
- Florida Department of Education (Veterans Diplomas) – 1 (850) 245-0446 or visit https://fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/veterans-diplomas.stml
- Robin Ford, Manager, Office of Homeless Prevention – (352) 629-8250
Permanent Housing
- Habitat for Humanity – (352) 351-4663
- Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse-Search housing inventory by Geographical area
- Florida Housing Search – 1(877)428-8844
- Marion County Homeless Council (352) 732-1369
- Ocala Housing Authority – (352) 369-2636
- Housing Locator – COC – Brithan Schultz – (352) 816-5878
Shelters in Marion County
- Arnette House (Youth) – (352) 622-6135
- Covenant Children’s Home (Dunnellon) – (352) 489-2565
- Domestic Violence Center/Sexual Assault Center – (352) 622-8495
- Hands of Mercy (Teen Mothers) – (352) 347-4663
- Interfaith (Women and Children) – (352) 629-8868
- Project Hope (Single Mothers and Children) – (352) 624-4673
- Salvation Army – (352) 732-8326
- Shepherds Lighthouse (352) 347-6575(Single Mothers and Children-Belleview)
- Saving Mercy – (352) 69-6902
Transportation
- Annie Johnson Thrit Store – (352) 465-7957
- Brother’s Keeper – (352)622-3846
- Belleview United Methodist Church – (352)245-1076
- Goodwill – (352)629-4020
- Helping Hand of Ocala – (352)547-4212
- Hospice Thrift Store – (352)236-5932
- Humane Society – (352)732-8424
- Interfaith (352)629-8868
- Kid to Kid Closet (The Pearl Project) – 1(678)787-3215, http://thepearlproject.org/support.groups
- Love Inc- Centsible Furnishings – (352)245-8774. (Belleview and Summerfield Area)
- Pay it Forward Outreach – (352)620-8545
- Salvation Army Thrift Store – (352)732-4469
- Shepherds Lighthouse – (352)347-6575
- St. Theresa Social Services (352)245-0650
- Wings of Faith (352)694-1158
Utility Assistance
- Brother’s Keeper- Once every 12 months for 2 years – (352)622-3846 (As funds are available)
- Central Florida Community Action- Appointment line – 1(844)356-836.(352)732-3008 LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Charter Communications – Free Internet Access – 1(844)310-1198
- Clay Electric -Salt Springs – (352)685-2111 (Directs Clients to Project Share)
- Interfaith – (352)629-8868
- Ocala Electric Utility – (352)629-2489 (Extension, Medical Seal identification and directs customers to United Way, FEMA and DCF for utility assistance).
- Project Share- Salvation Army – (352)732-8326 (As funds are available)
- Sumter Electric Cooperative (Extensions, Angel Fund and Pennies from Heaven) – (352)489-4390 (Must have SECO Electric)
Veteran Services
- Marion Country Veterans Service – (352)671-8422
- Veterans Helping Veterans (The Ritz) – (352)390-8089
- Veteran’s Village (The Ritz) – (352)562-7872
- Florida Department of Education (veterans Diplomas) – 1(850)245-0446 https://fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/veterans-diplomas.stml
- Silent Warrior Foundation (Emergency Assistance for Financial, Food, Clothing, and Shelter) https://silentwarriorfoundation@gmail.com
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Housing help, Health Screening, Food, Clothing, VA Social Security Benefits Counseling) http://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asap
- Building Homes for Heroes (Veterans Home award Program) (Housing Advice, Homebuyer Education, Long-term Housing) https;//buildinghomesforheroes.org/for-veterans/ – 1(407)803-5398
- Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp. – 1(866)618-3328, or https:www.dmccorp.org
Veterinary Assistance
- Feeding Pets of the Homeless (Emergency Veterinary Care, parvo, swallowing of Foreign objects, open skin lesion, broken bones, ear infection, palpable growth, skin mites, vaccinations) – 1(775)841-7463 or https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/
- RedRover (Assistance for pets of Domestic violence victims, kennel or veterinary care if available) https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/
For additional assistance – Dial 211, United Way’s free 24-hour information and referral hotline, to receive:
- Parent Support Resources
- 24-Hour Crisis and Suicide Prevention
- Utilities, Housing and Food Assistance
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Childcare Resources