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Open Your November Connections for News
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In this issue: Groundbreaking on New Home, National Runaway Prevention Month, Welcome New Board Members, Holiday Giving and More
Shelter's Home for Survivors of Human Trafficking to Open in 2025
On October 29, Shelter, Inc. broke ground on Illinois' first DCFS-licensed home for female, youth survivors of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. Our 12-bedroom home in Palatine is being developed in partnership with Housing Opportunity and Development Corporation (HODC) and Buffalo Grove's SI Container Build, Inc.
Shelter will provide comprehensive support services to help survivors build the skills, strength, and self-esteem they need to develop to their full potential. This project was made possible with generous support from The Foglia Family Foundation, The Canning Foundation, and The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, as well as a $5.1 million grant from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Shelter, Inc. Executive Director, Carina H Santa Maria reflected on the event, “The importance of this work cannot be overstated—these young survivors deserve a safe space where they can heal, rebuild their lives, and find hope for the future."
Human trafficking occurs every day across Illinois to children whose average age is 14, and youth exiting the commercial sex trafficking industry require specialized trauma-informed care. The opening of this home will finally offer Illinois a DCFS-licensed program to provide safe, supportive housing and case management for human trafficking survivors.
Imagine a school classroom of 30 students and in each sits a student who is experiencing homelessness. One in thirty youth ages 13 to 17 struggle with homelessness each year. This happens in every American community, including here in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
November is National Runaway Prevention Month and an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. Runaway youth face critical challenges which may include exchanging sex for food or shelter, selling drugs, or falling victim to human traffickers. LGBTQ+ youth have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness
With your continued support, Shelter's Emergency Group Homes and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program remain a lifeline for youth who need safety, stability, and mental health care.
If you know a young person who is struggling or in need of housing, please encourage them to call Shelter's 24-hour Hotline at 847.255.8060.
Shelter Staff Goes Above and Beyond
Staff at our Emergency Shelters and Transitional Living Program made sure the young people in our care had a very happy Halloween. Our TLP Coordinator, Jeff, stuffed goody bags full of treats for each of our youth, while Stacy, our Jennings Emergency Shelter Coordinator, cooked up a delicious seafood boil for the boys and girls to enjoy after returning from trick-or-treating. It's so important to our staff to create special moments and memories for our youth. And we are so lucky to have staff dedicated to our mission.
New Board Members Strengthen Community Ties
We are thrilled to welcome Rian Spencer and Arlen Gould to Shelter's Board of Directors. Rian Spencer is a Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor for Fifth Third Private Bank in the Chicago region with more than 20 years of financial services experience. She serves on a number of community boards, including the Walter E. Heller College of Business at Roosevelt University, the National Council of Jewish Women, and The Lilac Tree.
Arlen Gould is President of Arlen S. Gould & Associates, providing sales & marketing leadership for small to midsize companies. Arlen is serving his 30th year as a senior member of the Wheeling Elementary School District 21 Board of Education. He has been part of the leadership team of the Northwest Suburban Mental Health Task Force and fighting for full implementation of the referendum’s capability of improving services for those with mental health issues, disabilities and substance abuse. He is a founding member and former board president of BUILD Inc., which promotes positive outcomes for at-risk youths in Chicago.
A Journey from Foster Care to Adoption
Every child deserves a forever home filled with security, warmth, and belonging. This month, we honor adoptive parents, children, and advocates working to give children the love and support they need.
Click here to hear about Board Member Lindsey Tintera's journey from foster care to adoption with Shelter.
Congratulations to Shelter, Inc.'s Clinical Director, Sarah Galla, who recently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Continuing professional education puts Shelter staff at the forefront of child welfare practices, mental health therapy and case management. The smarter and more experienced we are as a staff, the better we can help our young people live to their fullest potential.
Giving Season is Upon Us!
In the next month your inbox and mailbox will likely be filled with many requests to support organizations who are doing meaningful work around the world.
As we prepare to celebrate Shelter's 50th anniversary, we are reflecting on how, with your help, we have been able to provide support, services, and safety to youth and families in need for half a century! We are also looking forward to Shelter’s future and invite you to be part of that vision.
In 2025, Shelter’s goal is to expand its Clinical Program to better serve the community, extending beyond the walls of our group homes and emergency shelters. This is your opportunity to make an impression on your community.
Be the bridge to ensuring youth and families receive the compassion, care, and sense of security they need and consider a gift to Shelter this holiday season.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Giving Tuesday is on Tuesday, December 2. A generous donor will be matching all gifts up to $10,000.
Look for our Half-Century of Hope letter to arrive in your mailbox soon and make a year-end gift that can change a child's life.
Your Next Target Run Can Build a Brighter Future Now through the end of the month, vote for us in the Target App or on Target.com to direct funds to support our work to protect children, strengthen families and transform communities. It's easy!
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
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