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Your May Connections features ways your support is changing the future
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In this issue:Foster Care Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Major Gift Fuels Mission, 50th Event Wrap Up, Community Partners Making a Difference, Celebrating our Interns, Volunteer Opportunities, Upcoming Events, Now Hiring, and more.
"If I didn't have Shelter, I wouldn't have all these opportunities I have in life." Kaliyah's Story
When You Open Your Home, You Open a World of Possibility
Youth in foster care are like any other kids—with hopes, talents, and dreams. But many have faced tougher times than most adults ever will. This May, during National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor their courage and resilience and recognize the caregivers who support them through life’s most challenging moments.
The trauma of entering the child welfare system can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Without proper support, early adversity can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulty in school, work, and relationships. But with the right home and the right care, healing is possible.
At Shelter, we address both the physical and emotional well-being of children and families. Our Foster Care team currently supports 45foster families (66 children) across Chicagoland, identifying safe, stable, and loving homes while advocating for every child. Our Clinical team partners with them to provide trauma-informed counseling to children, their biological parents, and foster families—helping build trust, resilience, and hope.
Every child deserves a safe and nurturing home, and the mental health care needed to thrive. When we support their healing and growth, we unlock a future full of possibility.
Pictured from L to R: Christina Gaytan, Foster Care Director, Agata Nechev, Licensing Specialist, Gina Ciulla, Associate Director, and C'Erra Postlewaite-Mack, Foster Care Case Manager
Emergency Foster Families Provide a Lifeline in Crisis
In partnership with Let It Be Us, Shelter staff hosted a Q & A for prospective Emergency Foster Families on March 20 in Schaumburg and May 19 in Chicago. Emergency Foster Homes take in children in crisis situations for a limited time, providing a safe and supportive space for youth who have experienced inconsistent care. You can be the difference between a child surviving and thriving.
We are currently seeking Emergency Foster Parents with specific experience:
Education professionals | Medical care providers | Mental health care providers | Emergency responders | Individuals with parenting experience | Individuals with special needs experience
Thank you to all who celebrated Shelter’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 26 at Loft 21! What an amazing night it was—full of laughter, milestones, and memories, as we looked back on five decades of impact and the incredible people who made it all happen. Together, we raised $217,000 to protect children and help families thrive. A heartfelt thank you to our emcee, Regina Waldroup of NBC 5 Chicago, our Buckholz Award recipients, Denise and Gerry Fitzgerald, our dedicated sponsors, our incredible volunteers, and allwho made the night a success. Cheers to the next 50 years!
Building Has Begun!
Earlier this month, some of Shelter's Leadership Team visited S.I. Container Builds to see the exact containers that will be transformed into our new 12-bedroom home in Palatine for survivors of human trafficking. The modular home will be built off-site while the land is prepared and landscaped. This environmentally friendly construction method is efficient, economical, and will minimize Shelter's carbon footprint. See the rendering of the finished home.
Congratulations to Shelter's Clinical Interns, Briana Zagonek, MSW, and Melanie Klebanov, MSW, for earning their master's degrees and Kiera Shorey, BSW, for earning her bachelor’s degree! During their time as interns at Shelter, they gained practical experience working with children and families and a greater understanding of the child welfare system. Starting in the fall of 2024, the interns supported staff in the emergency shelters and by the time their internship ended in the spring of 2025, they had experience conducting intakes, assessments, and leading therapy groups. We are proud to mentor the next generation of changemakers and wish them much success on their professional journey.
True Change Happens When We Work Together.
This past month, Shelter staff engaged in building partnerships across the community and advocating for positive change that ensures safety, dignity, and opportunity for everyone. PICTURED BELOW (FROM L TO R):
1: Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria attended the Jan Schakowsky Power Lunch2: Shelter hosted a table at the Thrive Together Annual Mental Health Fair in Arlington Heights. Pictured with Executive Director Santa Maria is State Representative Nicolle Grasse and Arlington Heights Village Trustee Wendy Dunnington 3. Santa Maria is sworn in as new Arlington Heights Trustee4. Shelter's leadership team supported JOURNEYS at their women's luncheon 5. Santa Maria thanks Hey Nonny of Arlington Heights for hosting Rock 'n Roll Bingo to benefit Shelter's mission 6. Shelter staff attended the Domestic Violence Legislative Breakfast hosted by State Representative Michelle Mussman and Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence.
BUFFALO GROVE PRIDE PARADE Sunday, June 1 at 11 AM Join us as we walk together and stand with the LBGTQ+ community to celebrate love, identity, and inclusion. If you are interested in walking with Shelter, email rjean@shelter-inc.org. Click here for more information.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE ARBORETUM OF SOUTH BARRINGTON Wednesdays at 5:30 PM from June 11-August 13 Being a volunteer can be music to your ears! Volunteers are needed to assist with traffic and visitor flow. Come enjoy the sounds of summer while benefiting Shelter. Email rjean@shelter-inc.org if you are interested in volunteering.
ROCKIN' THE HILL Saturday, July 26 Get ready to rock! Tickets are on sale now for Bunker Hill Charities' invitation-only concert benefitting Shelter and featuring the Stone Temple Pilots and Joan Jett. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Use your skills to ensure the best living environment for youth and young adults in Shelter's care.Shelter is seeking a maintenance technician to perform facility preventative maintenance and repairs, plan and complete minor construction, assist and recommend purchases of supplies and equipment, and work with outside contractors as needed. Generous sign-on bonus, employee assistance program, and more!
Shelter Youth & Family Services 1616 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 24-Hour Referral Line: 847.255.8060 www.shelter-inc.org
Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgroundsand identities.
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