In this issue:  Human Trafficking Awareness Month, MLK Day, Year-End Thank You's, Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities, Now Hiring

"Human trafficking is not something that only happens to adults in other countries; it occurs every day across Illinois to children whose average age is 14."  
--Outgoing Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith

On any given day in Chicago, there are an estimated 16,000-24,000 women and girls who are trafficked. Recent news stories uncovered sex trafficking--a form of human trafficking--in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, highlighting that the problem is right here in our backyard.

Sex trafficking occurs when a child under the age of 18 is involved in a commercial sex act, including prostitution, sexually explicit performance or production of pornography in exchange for something of value (money, food, clothing, shelter, drugs, alcohol, etc.). 

While it is true that any child or youth can become a trafficking victim, some form of vulnerability tends to be a common thread among victims (Polaris Project, 2014). People in sex trafficking situations almost always know and even trust their traffickers. Sometimes, traffickers provide material support – a place to live, clothing, a chance to “get rich quick.” Other times they offer emotional support or a sense of belonging.

At Shelter, Inc., we are working to reduce trafficking by increasing our supports and services to the most vulnerable young people in our community, including runaway youth and youth experiencing homelessness, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and young people in and aging out of the child welfare system.

Young people who come through our doors are supported by Shelter's trauma-informed staff who help them make improvements in recovery and achieve educational and vocational gains. 

Human trafficking cannot be prevented by any one individual, community, organization, or government. We must partner to protect, and work to improve the lives of those we serve.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we're here to provide the support you need.

Shelter's 24-hour Referral Line: 847.255.8060
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888.373.7888

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these word in 1957 in Montgomery, Alabama, and his message is just as powerful today. Volunteering unites Americans of all ages and backgrounds and helps to build strong communities. Make today a day on instead of a day off and commit to helping in your community all year long.

Join Shelter, Inc.’s Volunteer Facebook Group and Email list to learn about ways you can make a difference.

Thank You to All Who Participated in Our Holiday Gift Drive!

Because of your generosity  we were able to fulfill 170 wish lists, bringing joy to so many children and families this holiday season!

Thank You!
From All of Us At Shelter, Inc.

Thank you to the many donors who supported our year-end fundraising through annual contributions, monthly giving and increased gifts this year!

Your investment in Shelter, Inc. will truly help us "go beyond" to bring hope and healing to children in crisis, young people experiencing homelessness, first-time parents in need of support, foster families and others at-risk and in-need. With partners like you, we can and will build a brighter future.

A warm welcome to new donors who joined the Shelter, Inc. family of supporters with a first-time gift, and a special thank you to the Paz Family Foundation and the Misniak Family for their generous matching gifts.

Have You Wondered What Happens to Children in Care Who Have Nowhere to Go?

Join us virtually on January 23 to learn about being an Emergency Foster Home with Shelter, Inc. These special homes take in children in emergency situations for a limited short period of time providing them care and safety at a critical point in their lives. Shelter, Inc. provides Emergency Foster Parents wraparound services, supporting foster parents and ensuring children receive what they need. Emergency Foster Parents receive additional financial support. 

Volunteers Needed

Shelter, Inc. is partnering with Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove for Alpine Fest! Come out and help with games (like hammerschlagen and stein-holding), hand out information, sell raffle tickets, and more.
All funds raised from the games and raffle benefit Shelter, Inc. 

Every year the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County coordinates an unsheltered homeless count called the Point in Time (PIT) Count. During this single night, dozens of volunteers canvass the streets and attempt to count every person living outside in suburban Cook County and connect them to resources. The results of the Unsheltered Point in Time Count are reported to the federal government in order to secure funds for homelessness programs and create a baseline for continued efforts to end homelessness in suburban Cook County. 

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, please support us today.