SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

You Can Tell a Young Person They’re Safe. 
That Doesn’t Mean They Feel Safe.

During September and Suicide Prevention Month, we talk about warning signs and encourage young people who are struggling to reach out. But prevention needs to start earlier.

For a young person who has experienced trauma or instability, there can be a big difference between being told they are safe and actually feeling safe. Trust is built through consistency. When adults show up, tomorrow feels predictable, and someone notices when something changes.

In the CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 20.4% of high school students reported seriously considering suicide in the previous year, and 9.5% reported attempting suicide. Research points to several protective factors, including stable, supportive relationships with adults.

Look for Change. There is no single picture of a suicidal teenager. Sometimes the most important thing to notice is simply that a young person isn't acting like themselves. Adults don't need to diagnose what is happening. They need to notice the changes and be willing to ask the uncomfortable question, “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. What’s going on? Are you thinking about suicide?” They may not answer. They may say they're fine. But you've communicated something important: You noticed.

Prevention means helping young people know who they can turn to and making sure those trusted adults keep showing up. Sometimes suicide prevention is crisis intervention. 

 If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Village Board Gives Green Light to Expand Transitional Living Program

On Tuesday, September 8, the Arlington Heights Village Board approved Shelter’s request to expand our Transitional Living Program (TLP) home from six to 10 residents—an important milestone five years after opening the home in Arlington Heights.

“The expansion comes at a critical time," says Gina Ciulla, Shelter’s Chief Program Officer. "Demand for TLP has continued to grow and we’ve had a waitlist for some time.” 

TLP provides young men ages 17–21 who are aging out of the foster care system with a safe, supportive place to call home while they build the skills and confidence needed to become self-sufficient. 

“We are grateful to the Village of Arlington Heights for believing in and investing in these young people who are seeking to better their lives,” Ciulla says.

With the expansion, four more young men will have the opportunity to find stability, build confidence, and take steps toward a brighter future.

Shelter’s outgoing CEO, Carina H. Santa Maria, is an elected Arlington Heights trustee and abstained from the discussion and vote Tuesday.

Make Your Donor-Advised Fund Count On 
DAF Day, October 8

Have a donor-advised fund (DAF)? This DAF Day (or any day!) recommend a grant to Shelter and be the reason a child has a brighter future.

Why Give Through a DAF?
A DAF is a charitable giving account that lets you:

• • Give on your schedule and support causes you care about
  • Plan your giving by contributing now and recommending grants over time
  • Give with ease while your DAF handles the administrative details
  • Potentially receive a charitable tax deduction when you contribute to your DAF, subject to IRS rules and limits

Put your charitable dollars to work and bring hope to more children and families in our community. Learn more

Partners Making a Difference

Thanks to the invaluable support of partner organizations this past month, more youth and families in our community found safety, stability, and hope.

Vernon Township for support of Shelter's Clinical Program
City of Des Plaines for support of Shelter's Clinical Program
Byline Bank for general support

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Join Shelter’s team and help young women who have survived human trafficking heal, rebuild, and discover their full potential. We’re hiring a Supervisor, Therapist, and Youth Care Workers to provide compassionate support, stability, and hope as residents take meaningful steps toward healing and independence. If you are looking for work that makes a lasting difference, we invite you to join us in creating a safe place where young women can thrive.