Your Gift, Your Impact

🧡Your gift of $50 
Provides a wellness and comfort kit for a child entering our Emergency Shelter

🧡Your gift of $100
Provides essential clothing for a child entering our Emergency Shelter

🧡Your gift of $250
Funds a trauma-informed therapy session with a licensed clinician

🧡Your gift of $500
Funds activities and outings for youth that promote a sense of belonging and normalcy

MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT!
Find out if your employer will match your gift. Many do!

Ribbon cutting ceremony marks the opening of a new home for child survivors of human trafficking. Cutting the ribbon: HODC Executive Director, Richard Koenig and Shelter Youth & Family Services CEO, Carina H. Santa Maria. DCFS Chief Deputy Director, Child & Clinical Services, Keith Polan is pictured to the left of Koenig.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Major Milestone
On Monday, December 15, Shelter Youth & Family Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Illinois’ one-of-a-kind DCFS-licensed home for youth survivors (ages 12–18) of human trafficking, marking a major milestone for the state’s efforts to protect and support children.

"Today’s ribbon cutting reflects what is possible when a vision, leadership, and community come together to protect the most vulnerable children,” said Shelter Board President Lindsay Tintera.

Human trafficking occurs every day across Illinois for children whose average age is 14, and youth exiting the commercial sex trafficking industry require specialized trauma-informed care. Shelter’s new northwest suburban residence will provide safe, stable housing and individualized care tailored to survivors’ recovery needs. 

CEO Carina H. Santa Maria reflected on seeing her long-time vision come to fruition, "I am so proud to be part of this project. The opening of this new home marks an incredibly important milestone for Illinois and for the young women who will now have access to the support they desperately need."

Shelter expects to welcome the first residents in early 2026.

Read Press Release

Make an even greater impact this holiday season 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
    
    
  • Gift Card Donation: 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, Suite 150, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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

"Santa's Helpers" Give Time and Joy
This month, staff shopped for and volunteers wrapped holiday gifts for children and teens in our care. More than just giving of their time, these volunteers are helping to create moments of joy and a sense of belonging for youth who need it most. Thank you!

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, including joining our new volunteer committee, contact Rools Jean.

Partners Making a Difference

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

Discover Brighter Futures Fund for general support
Cuore e Mani Foundation for general support
Grace Unfolding Yoga for "Adopting-a-Need" and donating gift cards for children and families in our care 

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.