Your Connections features Child Abuse Prevention Month, COA Accreditation, Upcoming Events and More
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In this issue:  Child Abuse Prevention Month, COA Accreditation, Community Education Series, Upcoming Events, Jobs at Shelter and more

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5 Protective Factors Can Lower Risk of Child Abuse and Neglect 

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to reflect on how families and communities can work together to ensure all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes. 

Child abuse and neglect can be preventable if there is a collaborative effort of many systems-- education, health, social service, religious, mental health-- in supporting a family’s protective factors. Protective factors serve as buffers, helping parents find resources, support, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. 

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Parental Resilience Families experiencing multiple life stressors face more challenges coping with the everyday stress of raising children. Addressing stressors create stronger, resilient families that can provide a nurturing environment for their child.

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Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Understanding the course of child development helps parents provide positive discipline, have appropriate developmental expectations, and attend to the special needs of their child.

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Social and Emotional Competence of Children Parents are more responsive to a child’s needs when the child learns to communicate what they feel and regulate their emotions instead of acting out.

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Social Connections Having a sense of connectedness and emotional support from others can help parents care for themselves and their child.

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Concrete Supports in Time of Need  When families cannot meet their concrete needs, the healthy development of their child is at risk. Helping parents identify and access resources in the community helps parents protect and care for their child.


Research has shown that when Protective Factors are established in a family, the likelihood of child abuse and neglect diminishes. Click here to learn more about strengthening protective factors in your community.

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Shelter, Inc. Making a Difference

Did you see Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria, on NBC5 Chicago this past weekend? JC Navarrete sat down with Carina to discuss Child Abuse Prevention Month and Shelter's work during NBC5 Chicago's Making a Difference Segment.

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Digital Advocacy Day is April 16

Contact your member of Congress to advocate for increased investments for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention programming, family strengthening policies and economic supports that give families access to the resources they need.  

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Videojet Technologies "Wears Blue" for Child Abuse Prevention

On April 5,  Wear Blue Day, Videojet Technologies staff decked out in blue and went on a pinwheel walk to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. Thank you Videojet for sharing our vision that all children grow up and safe and loving homes.

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Learn more about how to spot the signs of abuse at
shelter-inc.org/CAPMonth

If you suspect abuse, call 1-800-25-ABUSE

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We are proud to announce that Shelter Inc. has officially received re-accreditation through Social Current, formerly known as the Council on Accreditation.

This significant accomplishment reflects Shelter's collective dedication and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service provision. COA reviewers conducted a meticulous evaluation, reviewing more than 700 items related to all aspects of our business. Receiving accreditation is not only a testament to the quality of Shelter, Inc. but also a crucial requirement for sustaining our contracts with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). 

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Making Memories

One of the things that makes Shelter, Inc. special is our staff's commitment to going beyond for the young people in our care. This past spring break was a perfect example.

Recognizing that breaks from school and regular routine can be hard on our youth, our Group Home Coordinator, Mario, was determined to create a fun and memorable week. He organized outings for both our Jennings and Buckholz Group Homes, taking the youth roller skating, to the arcade and the movies. He also planned a self-care day for them. Kids experiencing trauma need more than just a roof over their heads. Compassion, support and care can change the life a child,

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Saturday, April 20 from 9:00am-12:00pm
Buehler YMCA in Palatine

As a member of the United Palatine Coalition, Shelter, Inc. will be one of 40 local providers and organizations participating in the 2nd Annual Wellness Resource Fair. The aim of this event is to promote wellness and connect individuals to valuable resources. Free healthy activities for all ages, educational workshops promoting positive mental health, money-saving tech skills, health screenings and more. Click here for more information.

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Wednesday, May 8 from 9:00am-12:00pm
District 21 Community Service Center and Administrative Office

Join us for a fascinating workshop with Dr. Gary Mallon, an internationally recognized expert on LGBTQ+ children, youth, and family issues particularly as they relate to child welfare and  juvenile justice. 3 CEU credits.

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Tuesday, June 25 at 1:00pm
The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison

Join us for a day of award-winning golf at the Preserve at Oak Meadows and to celebrate 20 years of the Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing!

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Saturday, August 3
Bunker Hill Farms in McHenry

Don't miss the concert of the summer, an invitation-only event featuring Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line with Parmalee. Bunker Hill Charities returns 20% of all tickets and sponsorships sold through Shelter, Inc. back to us! 

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KeHe Cares Foundation for generously providing funds to renovate and equip the game room at Shelter's Buckholz Group Home. 

Our new game room will serve as a stress-free zone where youth can relax, unwind and momentarily forget about their difficulties. It will also provide them an opportunity to connect with others, fostering a sense of community and friendship, which is crucial for those experiencing isolation and trauma.

ADDITIONAL THANKS TO...

Elk Grove Township and Palatine Township for supporting Shelter through community grants

Kiewit for the donation of 100 hygiene kits

Girl Scouts Troop 47301 for the donation of cookies for our group homes and foster families

Our dedicated volunteers who came out on Saturday, March 16 to support the Shamrock 5K.

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National Volunteer Week is April 21-27
To our dedicated volunteers who sort donations, hang up flyers, drop off food, paint walls, rake leaves, enter data and help at our special events... a huge THANK YOU! We can't do what we do without YOU! Your time, talent, and expertise is valued and appreciated!

 

 

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

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