Good Vibes, Great Cause
COME CELEBRATE FIVE DECADES OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Join us at our 50th Anniversary Celebration at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire, a modern, loft-style venue. Come enjoy a unique culinary experience provided by Paramount Events, laughs supplied by The Second City Works, and music by DJ JL DeLeon! Be the bridge from Shelter's past to a brighter future for children and families in our community. Tickets on sale now!

Discover more event information and sponsorship opportunities.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Foster Care Team Hits Major Milestone

Shelter's foster care team achieved a major milestone that is difficult for most child welfare agencies to accomplish: Completing 100% of their required monthly in-person visits.

Visiting every child in their foster home, sometimes twice a month, is very challenging. There are many reasons in-home visits don't happen, including older youth running away or refusing to meet with agency staff, children and foster parents getting sick, people going on vacation, or simply miscommunication. In addition, all of the children and foster parents must be present at visits, and some families desire to limit social workers coming into their homes.

For all these reasons, it is a great accomplishment that Shelter staff were able hit the 100% goal for more than six months, a testament to the commitment of our staff and the strong relationships they have forged with foster children and families. 

Shelter Social Workers on the Forefront 
of Positive Change

March is Social Worker Appreciation Month, Women's History Month, and a chance for us to put a spotlight on our own team of talented women social workers.

At Shelter, 20% of our staff are social workers, many of whom hold advanced degrees. They work tirelessly every day to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities.

Beyond simply providing clinical therapeutic interventions, our social workers take a holistic approach to care and provide a range of support. Whether it's advocating for a child in the foster care system, assisting a family in finding stable housing, or implementing programs aimed at preventing child abuse, our social workers are at the forefront of positive change. 

These inspiring women sit on the shoulders of the trailblazing social workers whose spirit and courage have shaped our work, including Chicago’s own Jane Adams and Ellen Gates Starr, founders of Hull House. These women paved the way for progress and equality, leaving an indelible mark on society through their leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Thank you, Shelter social workers for your dedication and commitment to building a brighter future.

Staff Pursue Graduate Degrees
We are so proud of our staff who strive for excellence both professionally and academically. Congratulations to Hunter Towne, Shelter's coordinator of the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program, who was accepted into a competitive program at Illinois State University to obtain a Master's Degree in Clinical-counseling Psychology, and to Briana Zagonek, Shelter's second-year master’s level intern, who has been accepted into Adler University's Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) program. 

Thank you to the Chicago Bears organization for providing funding to furnish twelve bedrooms in Shelter's new home for survivors of human trafficking.

ADDITIONAL THANKS TO:

Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime for providing child victims and witnesses support materials 

EcoLab Foundation for providing funds to support our
emergency shelters

Schaumburg Township for providing a grant to support Shelter's programs for Schaumburg residents
 

Your Vote, Your Voice

On April 1, voters in many Chicago suburbs will have the chance to shape their communities in critical municipal elections. Local officials play a pivotal role in confronting the pressing issues of our time, including funding for non-profit organizations like Shelter and protecting the freedoms and rights of our most vulnerable clients.

Mark your calendar, plan your vote, and help build a better future for children and families in our community. Please use the following links to determine where and how to vote and if you are registered to vote.

Cook County

DuPage County

Lake County

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you want to contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for our community's youth? Shelter is seeking a dedicated professional to fill the new role of CSEC (Commercial Exploitation of Children) Program Supervisor at our new home for survivors. Join our team and make a lasting impact.