In this issue:  Honoring Social Workers, Cook County Appointment, Success Stories, Emergency Foster Care Q & A Meeting, Upcoming Events, Now Hiring

Social Workers on the Forefront of
Positive Change

March is Social Worker Appreciation Month and an opportunity for us to put a spotlight on our own team of talented social workers.

At Shelter, Inc., 20% of our staff are social workers, many of whom hold masters degrees in social work. They work tirelessly every day to keep our kids safe and our families supported.

Beyond simply providing clinical therapeutic interventions, our social workers take a holistic approach to care and provide a range of support. Whether it's advocating for a child in the foster care system, assisting a family in finding stable housing, or implementing programs aimed at preventing child abuse, our social workers are at the forefront of positive change. 

This year's theme "Empowering Social Workers" underscores Shelter, Inc.'s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where social workers are supported, valued, and able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others

As this month is also Women's History Month, we pay tribute to the trailblazing social workers whose spirit and courage have shaped our work, including Chicago’s own Jane Adams who won the Nobel Prize and Dorothy Height who won the Congressional Gold Medal. These women paved the way for progress and equality, leaving an indelible mark on society through their leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Thank you, Shelter, Inc. social workers for your dedication and commitment to helping our children and families thrive.

Investing in a Brighter Future

We are proud to share the impact Shelter, Inc. has had recently working with children and families in our community. The good news below is a result of strong and trusting partnerships between our staff and their clients, and examples of how Shelter, Inc. protects children, strengthens families and transforms communities.

Our foster care team recently reunited two girls, ages 4 and 6, with their biological father after the girls spent nearly a year with a foster family. For Shelter, Inc. staff, reunification is always the goal if it is in the best interest of the child. Foster Care Director, Christina Gaytan said that she and her team were honored to share this journey with the family. She says, "Reunification isn't just about bringing families back together; it's about restoring hope and rebuilding futures."

A youth in our Transitional Living Program (TLP) earned his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate and was accepted into the National Guard. He will be sworn in this summer and has applied to be a Combat Medic Specialist.

Shelter, Inc. has developed a relationship with Impact Behavioral Health and their housing services. They have assisted in providing stable housing and supportive services to youth exiting the foster care system from our TLP. Shelter, Inc. has placed two youth in stable long-term housing.

Staff Learn About Resources for Clients
On February 23, our Healthy Families program hosted a webinar, Immigration 101, for staff to learn about immigrant rights and resources available to some of our client families. The presentation was given by Jocelyn Aranda-Ortiz from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.

On February 13. Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria (left) and Associate Director, Gina Ciulla (right), joined Partners for Our Communities Executive Director, Kathy Millin, at POC's Calling all Revelers fundraiser. Shelter, Inc. is proud to partner with POC in Palatine to provide critical services and support for under-resourced children and families.

On February 29, Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria attended the House Adoption and Child Welfare Subject Matter Hearing on Understanding a Foster Parents Role in Child Welfare. Shelter, Inc. foster parents also attended to testify about their experiences and make recommendations on the child welfare system.

On February 29, Shelter, Inc. staff celebrated the completion of our Council on Accreditation visit at Bowlero in Buffalo Grove. Site reviewers evaluated over 700 standards to ensure that our organization is being operated at the highest level. 

Tuesday, March 26 from 7:00-8:30pm
Barrington's White House
145 W. Main Street, Barrington

Have you wondered what happens to children in care who have nowhere to go? Join us to learn about being an Emergency Foster Home. These special homes take in children for a limited time, providing them care and safety at a critical point in their lives. Come hear personal stories from foster parents and learn about the licensing process. 

Join us on Saturday, August 3 at Bunker Hill Farms for a an invitation-only concert featuring Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line with opener Parmalee. Bunker Hill Charities returns 20% of all tickets and sponsorships sold through Shelter, Inc. back to us! Don't miss this concert at a beautiful, intimate venue with top-tier service.

Mark your Calendar:
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 

WEAR BLUE on April 5 to show your support for child abuse prevention and post a picture on your socials. Tag @shelterInc on Facebook and Twitter or ShelterIncAH on Instagram. Use the hashtags #WearBlueDay #GreatChildhoods or #GoBlueIllinois

You may be wondering why you haven’t heard from us yet about Shelter, Inc.’s annual spring events, Cooking with Class and the 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz.

Over the past few months, we have spent much time reflecting on how we as an agency can adapt and evolve to best serve the growing needs of our community. This has included a deep dive into our fundraising efforts, including evaluating our special events and the resources required to host them.

After careful review, we have made the difficult decision not to hold Cooking with Class and the 5K this spring. We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we share in that sentiment. Both events have been cherished traditions for many years. We are so grateful to all of our past attendees for their support.

We have lofty goals for the work we want to do and the impact we know we can make. Only by focusing our fundraising efforts strategically can we address the demands of the current mental health crisis and provide life-changing services to kids and families in under-resourced communities.

As Shelter, Inc. approaches it's 50th year, we recognize the need to continue to grow and change. We hope you will join us on the journey. Stay tuned!

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, please support us today.