In this issue:   Fiscal Year Accomplishments, Clinical Program Expansion, Golf Outing Recap, Thank You's, Upcoming Events, In the Community, Platinum Seal Awarded and more.

Our Year of Accomplishments

As the fiscal year 2023-2024 comes to a close, we reflect on all that we have been able to accomplish with your generous support. Together we are helping children and families break the cycle of abuse and neglect, and realize their goals and dreams.

One of our proudest moments was receiving approval from the Village of Palatine to build Illinois' first DCFS-approved home for child survivors of trafficking. We successfully secured funding to purchase land and build our home. We hope to break ground this fall.

Our dedicated staff impacted the lives of so many this past year--nearly 500--providing one-on-one support for 59 new parents through our Healthy Families program, creating 22  "forever families," and offering critical housing and support services for youth experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of the foster care system.

The impact of our work was recognized by grantors. We received the first community impact grant from Northwest Community Hospital and a behavioral health grant from Cook County to expand our clinical department.

New appointments to State Advisory Boards and committees will allow Shelter, Inc. to help shape child welfare policy in Illinois.

Our volunteer force is strong! This past year 190 volunteers provided nearly 1000 hours of service.

To cap off the year, we recently earned a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and four stars on Charity Navigator, so when you invest in Shelter, Inc., you can do so with trust and confidence.

These achievements and so many others would not be possible without the support of our community for which we are so grateful. 

With your help, we can build brighter futures.

Shelter, Inc. Awarded $273,000 Grant

We are thrilled to announce that Shelter, Inc. has been awarded a $273,000 grant from Cook County Health’s Stronger Together: Building a More Equitable Behavioral Health System in Cook County Initiative.

This grant will support the expansion of our clinical program into underserved communities in Chicago's north and northwest suburbs and help address the dire need for mental health services in our local schools.

Fifty-three organizations were selected from a pool of 320 applicants and $270 million in requests, with those that serve communities that score the highest on the Social-Vulnerability Index receiving priority. 

A Juneteenth Celebration to Remember
Shelter, Inc. staff made sure that Juneteenth was a meaningful day of celebration and remembrance. Our Transitional Living Program coordinator decorated the house, cooked a beautiful homemade lunch and led conversation about the true meaning behind the holiday and memories of time spent with family. Staff from our Buckholz emergency shelter took youth to DuSable Black History Museum, where the group had the opportunity to explore and experience the history of Juneteenth. Our staff is committed to creating positive holiday memories for the young people in our care and providing them with opportunities to learn and grow. 

Rounds that Count

What a great day we had hosting 95 golfers at Shelter, Inc.'s 20^th Annual Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing held on Tuesday, June 25 at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. Thank you golfers, sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped raise $77,000 to support Shelter's programs and services.

Garden of Goodness

Thank you Home Depot in Crystal Lake for donating plants and gardening supplies through Shelter's Team Depot funding. Volunteers from SEWA International Chicago Chapter's LEAD Program planted an herb and vegetable garden at our Buckholz emergency shelter. Our youth will tend the garden and enjoy fresh-picked tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce and more.

Thank You Grantors

Zurich Community Grants for their generous support of our Clinical Program

Jackson National Life Insurance Company and Village Treasure House for their generous grants in support of our emergency shelters

TUESDAY, JULY 16 AT HEY NONNY IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Enjoy a fun night of dinner, drinks and bingo while helping Shelter, Inc.'s kids and families. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT BUNKER HILL FARMS
Don't miss the concert of the summer, an invitation-only event! Bunker Hill Charities returns 20% of all tickets and sponsorships sold through Shelter, Inc. back to us! 

PLEASE SUPPPORT OUR VALUED PARTNER

 When we help a young person move into permanent housing, Chicago Furniture Bank assists us by providing furnishings to ease the transition into a new life chapter. The CFB is in need of donations. If you have gently used furniture, please schedule a tax-deductible pick-up today.