Shelter staff share the importance of creating awareness, this Child Abuse Prevention Month. WATCH NOW. 
You can help build awareness too by sharing this link on your socials.

Wednesday, April 29 from 4:00-6:00 pm
3227 N. Wilke Rd., Suite 150 in Arlington Heights

Join us for an Open House and ribbon-cutting celebration at our new office! Stop by to learn more about Shelter’s programs, meet our staff, and see how we’re supporting our community. Bring the whole family—there will be kids' activities and refreshments.

Pinwheels symbolize the joy and innocence every child deserves and our vision of a world where all children grow up in safe and loving homes. Local businesses and organizations such as Wheeling Township (pictured above) planted pinwheels to show their support for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Helping Parents Thrive So Children Can Too

Shelter’s Healthy Families home visiting program provides up to five years of free, one-on-one support for first-time parents facing challenges such as isolation, mental health concerns, or financial stress. By meeting families early and where they are, the program helps reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.

Through regular home visits, trained staff build trusted relationships with parents, offering guidance on stress management, positive discipline, health, and child development while connecting them to vital community resources. As parents gain confidence and stability, they are better able to create safe, nurturing environments where their children can thrive.

Know a new parent who could use extra support? Contact Lynn Puckelwartz, Healthy Families Program Director.

National Home Visiting Week | April 20-24

Join us in honoring Shelter's home visitors and the positive impact they make on supporting child development, strengthening maternal and child health, and nourishing family relationships. We are so proud of our Healthy Families team and applaud the compassion, commitment, and care they bring to their work every day. Staff will celebrate with a team breakfast followed by an outing at a local pottery studio.

Experience & Expertise
We are so proud of our staff who strive for excellence both professionally and academically. Congratulations to Ileana Carpena, Healthy Families Bilingual Family Support Worker, on becoming a Licensed Social Worker. 

Gala Gratitude: Oh, What a Night! 

Our hearts are full of gratitude for everyone who made Shelter’s 2026 Gala, Where Dreams Begin, truly unforgettable. Because of your generosity, more young people will feel safe enough to dream again and believe in what’s possible.

Together, we raised $250,000.

Every ticket, every raised paddle, and every winning bid became a spark of hope for children and families in our community facing abuse, neglect, and crisis. The critical funds raised will provide safety today while creating pathways to healing, stability, and opportunity for tomorrow.

With deep appreciation, we thank our emcee, Regina Waldroup, Buckholz Award recipient Sheriff Tom Dart, our generous Dream Team, dedicated volunteers, and all who helped bring this special evening to life.

Missed the event? It's not too late to make a contribution.

Watch the highlights video!

We asked Gabe, a graduate of Shelter's Transitional Living Program, to write a letter about his dreams.
Hear his words and learn how having people who supported him made his dream to become a nurse
a reality. Watch now.

TONIGHT! 
April 21 from 6:00 –7:30 pm
Giordano’s in Oakbrook Terrace

During Child Abuse Prevention Month, one of the most powerful things you can do is consider becoming an Emergency Foster parent. You can offer a safe, supportive home for children in crisis and help them move from surviving to thriving.  Come have all your questions answered!  

National Volunteer Week: April 19-25

Join us in honoring Shelter's amazing volunteers who give time, energy,
and compassion in ways that make a lasting difference. Through their kindness, they bring comfort, dignity, and joy to the children and families
we serve, showing them that they are valued, supported, and never alone. Thank you for all that you do—you are truly the heart behind our mission. 

Partners Making a Difference

Thank you to the following organizations for providing everyday essentials and funding that help meet immediate needs of our children and families.

Village Treasure House for providing funds to supply diapers for children and families in need.

Journeys The Road Home for providing winter coats for young people in Shelter's care.

 J3 Events, Inc. for including Shelter once again as a beneficiary of their annual Shamrock Beer Run & BrewFest

Work With Purpose

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