Be a Dream Maker

We are so grateful to Studio North for their generous in-kind creative support for Shelter's 2026 Gala. 

We are deeply saddened by the recent tragic death of 8-year-old, Markell Pierce of the Round Lake Beach community. Our hearts go out to the young boy’s family, siblings, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss. Incidents of abuse and neglect are devastating for children and families, and they underscore the importance of our collective commitment to child safety, prevention, and early intervention. If you have concerns about a child’s safety, please contact local authorities, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, or Shelter’s 24-hour Referral Line at 847-255-8060.

Read Full Statement

Hospital Partnership Strengthens Healthy
Families Referral Network

Shelter Youth & Family Services has formalized an agreement with
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to serve as a key referral source for Shelter’s nationally recognized Healthy Families Program. More women deliver their babies at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital than at any other hospital in the Chicago suburbs. This partnership creates a vital pipeline connecting first-time parents facing multiple challenges to five years of free, one-on-one home visiting support, helping children and families thrive from the very beginning.

Community Partners Join Together to Support New Moms

Shelter's new support group will offer moms and moms-to-be a safe and welcoming space to share tips, talk through challenges, and build community during pregnancy and early motherhood. Having trusted support during this time can reduce isolation, ease stress, and help parents feel more confident navigating everything from newborn care to accessing local resources. This Spanish-speaking support group, led by parents and facilitated by a trained professional, is offered through a partnership with Shelter's Healthy Families Program, Brightpoint and Legacy Medical Care in Arlington Heights. Both in-person and virtual options are available.

For information, call 847.595.0235 or email vgalvan@shelter-inc.org

Celebrating Black History with Our Youth

For 100 years, Black history has been uplifted through stories of resilience, leadership, creativity, and courage that continue to shape our communities today. This month is both a reflection on the past and a call to carry that legacy forward through action, equity, and care for one another. In that spirit, Shelter staff have shared meaningful conversations with our youth about the significance of the month, historic Black leaders, opportunities at historically Black colleges, and other engaging lessons. 

New Board Member Phil Pritzker Brings Business Expertise and Community Focus

Phil Pritzker brings nearly four decades of leadership in real estate management, operations, and governance to Shelter's Board of Directors. His experience includes executive oversight of large residential properties, leadership roles in business, and 36 years of service in public education, including as President of both the CCSD 21 (Wheeling) school board and the Illinois Association of School Boards. He and his wife, Susan, are parents of five daughters and grandparents to ten. Says CEO Carina H. Santa Maria, "We are thrilled to have Phil on our Board. His business expertise and deep commitment to community service will be instrumental in guiding Shelter into the next half-century."

Vernon Township Mental Health Board Awards
Grant to Shelter

Shelter Youth & Family Services is proud to be one of 17 nonprofits awarded
a grant in the second round of the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board’s FY2026 Community Grants program. A total of $232,200
was distributed to organizations providing mental health care, substance
use recovery, and services for individuals with developmental and
intellectual disabilities.

Shelter’s grant will support our Clinical Program, which provides free mental health therapy to children and families in our programs. “We are thankful that Vernon Township continues to recognize Shelter's role in supporting youth mental health and is investing in services that make a real difference in our community,” said Clinical Director Nicole Kawa.

Read More

Pictured: Carina H. Santa Maria, CEO with two MSW candidates from Dominican University

 "Social workers belong not only in therapy rooms,
but also in boardrooms and legislative offices."

CEO Carina H. Santa Maria joined Dr. Sheila Yousuf-Abramson and Dr. Tabahi of Dominican University to speak with more than 150 MSW students for NASW Advocacy Day to discuss the growing de-professionalization of social work and its impact on clients, communities, and democracy. She shared her journey from clinical social worker to CEO of Shelter, Arlington Heights Village Trustee, and candidate for Illinois State Senate, emphasizing that social workers belong not only in therapy rooms, but also in boardrooms and legislative offices. The panel encouraged students to see policy and politics as an extension of ethical practice, reminding them that social work is evolving and the next generation is ready to lead.

Pictured: Kristen Daniels, Chief Development Officer, Tom Drake, Board Member, Lindsay Tintera, Board President, Dee Williams, Chief of Staff, Carina H. Santa Maria, CEO, Christine Roerig, Chief Marketing Officer, Arlen Gould, Board Member

Chamber Celebrates Meaningful Community Work

We were honored to attend the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce's Ramp Up Success Gala: Boots, Bourbon & Business and be nominated for Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year. While we didn't take home the award, the nomination itself is a powerful reminder of the collective impact made possible by our dedicated staff, board, volunteers, partners and supporters. Congratulations to this year's nominees and thank you to all who make our mission possible.

Partners Making a Difference

Thanks to the invaluable support of the following organizations and charitable funds this past month, more youth and families in our community found safety, stability, and hope.

Village of Arlington Heights for investing in enhanced fire safety at our Transitional Living Program home, helping create a safer environment where young men can focus on their future with stability and peace of mind.

EcoLab Foundation for Investing in youth stability through Emergency Shelter care.

Village Treasure House for support of our Emergency Shelters and funds to purchase cribs and beds for Foster Care families.

Make a real difference in the life of a young survivor of human trafficking.

Shelter is now hiring for multiple positions at our new residential therapeutic program. Learn how you can be the reason a child has a bright future.