This month's Connections features a family's reunification
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In this issue:Reuniting Families, Calling all Foster Parents, Gifting Joy this Summer, Teaching Life Skills, Showing Our Pride, Development Director Search, If you Love Music, and More
Children Reunited with Family Thanks to Shelter's Support
Every June, National Family Reunification Month honors the resilience of families and the professionals who support them. But beyond awareness and advocacy, it’s the real stories, full of heartbreak, hope, and healing, that remind us why this work matters.
A recent story—a journey nearly 200 days long—happily ended where it began: with two children back home, and parents who never gave up.
In December, two young girls were removed from their home and their mother and father. The youngest child had suffered an unexplained injury, which prompted child welfare officials to intervene. The children were temporarily placed in foster care while the case was assessed. Denise Nutall, one of Shelter’s foster care caseworkers, began that day working to reunite the family.
“The parents were very dedicated,” Denise said. “They participated in all recommended services and were consistent in their visitation. Their efforts played a big role in bringing their children home.”
Reunifying a child with their family is never a decision taken lightly. Caseworkers weigh multiple factors, including a parent's progress in therapy, parenting classes, and other support services. Just as important is the child’s voice—particularly for older children—as well as the parent's ability to maintain a safe, nurturing home.
“The child’s well-being is always the top priority,” Denise noted. “Reunification only happens when it’s safe and appropriate for everyone involved.”
Seeking Foster Care Parents to Join Illinois' Foster Care Advisory Council
Are you a foster parent looking to make a meaningful impact beyond your home?The Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council needs passionate voices like yours. Established in 1995, the council works alongside the Department of Children and Family Services to:
Shape foster care policies
Advocate for families
Provide input on critical issues
Improve training
Collaborate on policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of children and families.
Learn moreabout the Council and how you can turn your experience into action.
Congratulations to CEO, Carina H. Santa Maria, who on June 13 was elected to be the Vice Chair of Statewide Foster Care Advisory Board. In her role, she will help to shape child welfare policy in Illinois and bring Shelter's work to the forefront.
Summer can be a difficult time for youth in care, but together we can turn it into a season of joy!The Joy Project: Summer Edition will provide safe, fun, and healing experiences all summer long—like group outings, art workshops, summer camps, nature adventures, and more. Donate to the Joy Project today and bring some summer sunshine to those who need it most. Your support will help them feel connected, confident, and cared for.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Village Treasure House, Shelter was able to purchase much-needed outdoor furniture for our Transitional Living Program (TLP) home, creating a welcoming space for residents to gather and connect. More than just tables and chairs, this gift became a hands-on learning opportunity, as our TLP Coordinator, Delvonte, guided our young adults in building the furniture themselves. Through teamwork and problem-solving, they created a beautiful outdoor area and gained practical life skills. When we work together, we can build brighter futures.
On Sunday, June 2, Shelter staff joined community supporters and walked with pride at the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade. It was inspiring to walk with so many who stand with the LGBTQ+ community. Shelter's CEO Carina H. Santa Maria shares, "At Shelter, inclusion is not a slogan—it's a commitment. We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ staff and youth, not just this month, but every day."
Make a Difference Through Music— Two Ways to Get Involved
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE ARBORETUM OF SOUTH BARRINGTON Wednesdays at 5:30 PM from June 18-August 13 Being a volunteer can be music to your ears! Volunteers are needed to assist with traffic and visitor flow. Come enjoy the sounds of summer while benefiting Shelter. Email Rools Jeanto volunteer
ROCKIN' THE HILL Saturday, July 26 Get ready to rock! Tickets are on sale now for Bunker Hill Charities' invitation-only concert benefitting Shelter and featuring the Stone Temple Pilots and Joan Jett.Purchase Tickets
It’s a small action with a big impact!Every share, like, and comment helps amplify our message and brings us one step closer to a future where every child grows up in a safe and loving home. Click below or scan the QR code to follow us. Together, we can raise awareness, inspire action, and make a real difference.
Shelter Youth & Family Services 1616 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 24-Hour Referral Line: 847.255.8060 www.shelter-inc.org
Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgroundsand identities.
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