Your Connections newsletter features Pride Month, Graduation, Summer Events and more!
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In this issue: Celebrating Pride, Reflections of a 60's Child, Congrats to our Graduates, Upcoming Events, Thank You's, Now Hiring, Father's Day Gift and More
We Are Stronger Together
Throughout the month of June, we celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community and their contributions to our society. While parades and marches are often part of Pride celebrations, it is also time to reflect on our work as an agency: not only how we support young people in our care, butalso how we support one another.
At Shelter, Inc., we believe in creating an environment that values and celebrates differences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workspace free from discrimination and bias where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.
We understand that our diverse backgrounds and experiences make us stronger as a team, and we are proud to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
This Pride Month, let us celebrate the progress that has been made toward equality, while also recognizing that there is still much work to be done. Let us stand together as allies, advocates and champions of diversity and inclusion.
The first time I went to New York City, I was going to see Dreamgirls, the Broadway musical based on the rise and fall of Diana Ross and the Supremes, the legendary singing group.The other two things I wanted to do while in New York was visit Greenwich Village and see what all the hubbub was about. I wanted to see the location of the Stonewall Riots.
As a child of the 60’s, I was raised in chaos – between assassinations and riots and marches, I started reading the paper at a very early age. I had aunts and uncles who were close in age to me, so I spent a lot of time with them, and they were following everything.I was very aware of the start of the gay rights movement.New York City Police had been targeting alternative, or gay bars for a long time.
In the wake of the Civil Rights Movement and Women’s Rights Movements, gay people were beginning to see an opening to speak up for themselves and what they wanted. The night of June 28, 1969, was the turning point. The Police entered and attempted another shake down and the bar patrons decided to fight back.
Thank you to all who came out to walk with us in the 2024 Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on Sunday, June 2. Shelter, Inc. is proud to sponsor this family-friendly event that brought together more than 100 community organizations to celebrate Pride. A special shout out to SEWA International, our long-time volunteer partner, for showing up in big numbers to support Shelter's commitment to providing safe, supportive and inclusive spaces for our youth and families.
Making Memories for our Teens
This month we had the privilege of celebrating the graduations of three young people from our Transitional Living Program and Buckholz Emergency Shelter.Two of the teens graduated from high school (Taft High School and John Marshall High School) and one from eighth grade. We are so proud of them and applaud their hard work and determination to succeed while managing difficult life circumstances.
Knowing how important it is to create good memories, Shelter Inc.'s dedicated staff went beyond to make these celebrations special with festive decorations, goody bags, sweet treats and a celebratory dinner. Our TLP Case Worker attended graduation and enjoyed cheering on one of our youth as he walked the stage to receive his diploma.
We take great pride in being there for the young people in our care. They know they can count on us to provide needed support and compassion.
We wish them all the best and encourage them to believe in the beauty of their dreams!
Shelter's Volunteer Coordinator, Zoe McGrath, attended the Brightpoint Summer Block Party on June 7 in Palatine to share information about Shelter's programs and services with members of the community. Thanks to all who stopped by to learn more!
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! Registration closes on Monday
TUESDAY, JUNE 25 AT 1:00PM The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison
Don't miss the 20th anniversary celebration of the Michael Portelli Golf Outing at the award-winning Preserve at Oak Meadows.
Since 2004, this cherished event has brought together hundreds of golfers who share Shelter, Inc.'s vision that every child will grow up in a safe and loving home. Your support can help Shelter, Inc. end the cycle of child abuse and meet the critical needs of the most vulnerable young people in our community.
Join us to celebrate the amazing volunteers who make an impact at Shelter, Inc.! Whether you are a volunteer of many years or new to volunteering at Shelter, come grab a slice of pizza as a token of our appreciation. Volunteers are vital to Shelter's mission, THANK YOU for making a positive difference!
TUESDAY, JULY 16 AT HEY NONNY IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS Enjoy a fun night of dinner, drinks and bingo at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. Shelter, Inc. is the beneficiary of the night’s Rock ‘n Roll Bingo.
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!
Barrington Junior Women's Club for awarding Shelter Inc. seed money to start a "Home Improvement Fund" to keep our emergency shelters safe and dignified
Wheeling Township for renewing our partnership to support Wheeling residents in our programs
Honor the men in your life who are fathers in every way! Your tribute gift ensures that Shelter, Inc. can continue to be a lifeline for children in crisis or suffering from trauma.