Outreach

Creating an Empowerment Plan

Uncertainty can occur for a variety of reasons. It can be helpful to have a plan for navigating times that feel scary, unknown, and unstable. Being prepared can help you feel empowered to deal with your challenges.

Stay in Touch with Emotions

I am feeling…

  • Scared
  • Hopeless
  • Exhausted
  • Frustrated
  • Sad
  • Overwhelmed
  • Angry
  • Confused
  • Anxious
  • Fed-up

How can I manage these emotions?

  • Exercise
  • Meditate
  • Spend time with friends
  • Laugh
  • Engage in spiritual practices
  • Listen to music
  • Get creative
  • Cook
  • Volunteer
  • Unplug from technology

Questions to Consider

  • How have my needs changed during this time of uncertainty?
  • What will help me feel safe right now?
  • What is my plan to manage my uncertainty?
  • Who are safe people I can check in with if needed?
  • Where can I find more information if I need to educate myself more?
  • What materials can I prepare to have if needed?
  • What campus resources are available to support me?
National Crisis Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Call: 800-273-8255
Text: 741741

  • Support for BIPOC: Text STEVE to 741741
  • Support for College Students: Text START to 741741
  • Support for Veterans: Text CONNECT to 741741
  • Support for LGBTQIA+: Text HOME to 741741

Trans Lifeline: Peer support service run by trans people for trans/questioning callers 877-565-8860

National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Legal Resources

University YMCA New American Welcome Center
The New American Welcome Center provides legal assistance on family-based immigration matters and humanitarian immigration relief. NAWC is accredited to provide legal advice on immigration issues and prepare immigration forms.
nawc.universityymca.org/
217-417-5897

Immigration Law Clinic
Led by law professor Lauren Aronson, the Immigration Law Clinic in the College of Law represents non-citizen clients in a multitude of immigration matters, including: affirmative applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for immigrant victims of crimes, for abused, abandoned or neglected children, for individuals seeking asylum, permanent residence status or naturalization; for defense in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review; and in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
law-clinics@illinois.edu
217-244-9494