Leading With Strategy and Heart

Shelter is thrilled to welcome Kristen Daniels as our new Chief Development Officer. Kristen brings over 20 years of experience leading fundraising, Board development, communications, and external relations for mission-driven organizations across the region, including Bernie’s Book Bank, Saint Viator High School, and Clearbrook. She has a proven record of strengthening donor relationships, expanding community partnerships, and growing organizations with both strategy and heart.

At Shelter, Kristen will oversee all aspects of our fundraising efforts, from major gifts and special events to corporate partnerships and donor engagement, helping us continue to expand our reach and impact as we grow to serve more youth and families.
Send Kristen a welcome message.

Shining a Light on Runaway Youth
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL RUNAWAY PREVENTION MONTH

Each year, thousands of young people run from homes marked by instability, abuse, or rejection, often disappearing into dangerous situations. Many trade safety for survival, facing risks like exploitation and trafficking. LGBTQ+ youth are especially vulnerable, facing a 120% higher risk of homelessness.

Your support ensures that Shelter’s Emergency Shelters and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program remain a lifeline to young people in crisis when it’s needed most. Together, we can make sure no young person feels invisible or alone.

If you know a youth in need, please share Shelter’s 24-hour Hotline: 847.255.8060

Construction Update: Hope is Taking Shape!
Siding was added to our new home for survivors of human trafficking, transforming simple shipping containers into a warm and welcoming home. Work is progressing on the interior, and the home is expected to open in January 2026.

Pictured: ICOY CEO Andrea Durbin, State Representative Suzanne Ness, State Representative Mary Beth Canty, Shelter CEO Carina H. Santa Maria

ICOY Honors Legislators Making a Difference

On Friday, November 7, Shelter hosted the Illinois Collaboration on Youth's (ICOY) "Champion of Youth Award" ceremony where Illinois Representatives Mary Beth Canty (Illinois 54th District) and Suzanne Ness (Illinois 66th District) were recognized for their outstanding work in the General Assembly advancing family and child wellbeing. We are so grateful for their commitment to the issues that are central to Shelter's mission, and their continued collaborative partnership on policy and advocacy, especially during these challenging times.
Read Press Release

A Big Step Forward for Organizations that Care
for Children and Families

Thanks to the leadership of ICOY and State Representative Suzanne Ness,
a new bill (HB762) is advancing through the Illinois legislature that
could make a big difference for organizations like Shelter Youth &
Family Services.

Community-based agencies provide foster care for nearly 75% of Illinois youth in care—over 13,000 children statewide. These organizations must carry liability insurance to operate, but skyrocketing costs are forcing them to divert funds away from essential services like counseling, housing, and family support. HB762 directs the Illinois Department of Insurance to study these rising costs and find ways to make coverage more affordable and sustainable for child welfare providers. The bill has passed the Illinois House and is now moving to the Senate. Read press release

How Taylor Swift Fans are Supporting Shelter
A huge thank you to Debbie Bohn for raising over $2,600 in gift cards to support Shelter’s mission by hosting a Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Bridal Shower! Her creativity and generosity help provide safety, resources, and hope for children and families in need.

Want to host your own fundraiser and make an impact?
Reach out to Christine Roerig to get started!

Partners Making a Difference

Thanks to the invaluable support of the following organizations and charitable funds, more youth and families in our community found safety, stability, and hope.

All Saints Lutheran Church for providing funds for new rugs and driveway re-pavement at our Buckholz Emergency Shelter 

Kilwins Confections for selecting Shelter as a recipient of a recent fundraising initiative

 Light Up Your Holidays for lighting up our holidays with festive
outdoor lights and holiday decor at our emergency shelters and
transitional living home.

This holiday season, we’re inviting the community to make an even
greater impact through Shelter's Adopt-A-Need program, a new way to support youth and families in lieu of our traditional gift drive. Instead of purchasing toys or gifts, you can help us meet real, immediate needs
by contributing through:

• • Corporate Sponsorships: Make a monetary donation on behalf of your company or team to directly support youth and families this season. Contact Kristen Daniels, Chief Development Officer
    
    
  • Individual Giving: Donate gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Amazon. Your generosity empowers those in our care to choose the gifts they want and need most. Send to 3227 N. Wilke Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Your generosity helps ensure every young person we serve experiences comfort, care, dignity, and connection during the holidays.

Are you or someone you know looking to work with purpose in a rewarding career? Shelter is growing and we are hiring for many new positions, including therapists, foster care case workers, and supervisory staff for our new home for child survivors of human trafficking. Click below and learn how you can be the reason a child has a bright future.