Your Connections features Foster Care Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Upcoming Events and More
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In this issue: Foster Care Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Welcome Kayla Torres, Upcoming Events, Now Hiring and More
Kids Never Outgrow the Need for Family
As you read this, there is a child in need of someone to say, “I will take care of you. I will help you. I will love you." Who will answer that call and say, 'I am here'?
May is National Foster Care Month when we recognize the courage of young people in foster care and give thanks to those who care for them during their time of greatest need.
Shelter, Inc. actively licenses individuals interested in becoming foster parents for youth from birth to 21 years old. Our dedicated team of specialists is currently working with 67 foster families across Chicagoland to ensure the well-being and safety of children while advocating for their rights and best interests.
Foster Care Month also serves as a platform to advocate for policy changes and resources that address the unique needs of children in foster care. Recently, Shelter, Inc. staff headed to Washington D.C. to engage with representatives from Senator Tammy Duckworth's office and discuss concerns affecting children in the Illinois foster care system (see below).
Click here to learn more about Shelter's Foster Care Program.
Will you open your heart and home to children and adolescents who have been displaced due to abuse, neglect or family crisis? For information about licensing, call 847.590.6190, x35 or visit shelter-inc.org/foster-care
Every Child has the Right to Quality Mental Health Care Especially children in crisis or those who have experienced trauma. Without intervention, child abuse's life-long effects may include mental health disorders, chronic illness, suicide drug addiction and more. Shelter, Inc.'s Clinical Program provides free and flexible counseling to the young people in our care. Youth receive personalized case management and counselors coordinate with external providers and stakeholders such as school counselors and family physicians. Case management takes a whole-family approach, offering comprehensive healthcare that can break the cycle of child abuse and neglect for generations to come.
We are currently expanding our Clinical Services team and are seeking qualified counselors. Click here to learn more.
Clinical Director, Sarah Galla, MSW, LSW, represented Shelter, Inc. at Thrive Together, a community mental health fair held on Monday, May 6 at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Shelter, Inc. joined State Reps Mary Beth Canty and Mark Walker, Cook County Commissioners Maggie Trevor and Scott Britton, and more than 20 local organizations to sponsor the event and share available mental health resources with attendees.
Thank you, Dr. Gary Mallon, PhDfor sharing your insights and expertise on working with and supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families in the child welfare system. Dr. Mallon's May 8 workshop for local case workers, social workers and child advocates was presented as part of Shelter, Inc.'s Community Education Series.
Shelter, Inc. Outreach Coordinator, Zoe McGrath attended SEWA Milan at the 18th National Conference hosted by the SEWA International, Chicago Chapter. There she met with SEWA's national executive team, local leaders, and volunteers including Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman(pictured right) and Madhu Uppal of AIANA Leads(pictured middle). SEWA has been a long-time volunteer partner of Shelter, Inc.
Our team is growing! Shelter, Inc. welcomes Kayla Torres, a dedicated and results-driven development professional with a proven track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and community outreach. As the new Annual Fund Manager for Shelter, Inc., Kayla will be responsible for growing Shelter’s donor base, renewing and upgrading donor support, and strengthening relationships with donors. Learn more about Kayla's experience.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2 IN BUFFALO GROVE Come out and walk with Shelter, Inc. at the fun,family-friendly Buffalo Grove Pride Parade that features 100 community organizations. A Pride Picnic follows at Mike Rylko Community Park that includes live music, family entertainment, food and drinks.
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! Volunteers needed, sign up below.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT BUNKER HILL FARMS Don't miss the concert of the summer, an invitation-only eventfeaturing 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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