In this issue:  Annual Report, Black History Month, Endeavor Health Partnership, Project for Awesome, Upcoming Events, Thank You's, Now Hiring and more!

We’re Changing Kids’ Lives and Making Our Community Stronger in the Process

When it comes to kids, there’s no such thing as the status quo. During the fiscal year of 2022-2023, Shelter, Inc. continued to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our community.

One of our proudest moments was being selected as one of 18 recipients out of 140 applicants to receive a Cook County Behavioral Health Expansion Initiative Grant. This funding allows for the expansion of our Clinical Program and is making mental health therapy more accessible to children and families in underserved suburban Cook County.

We also launched a new Emergency Foster Care Program in partnership with Let It Be Us to fill a critical need for stable, shorter-term housing for young people who have experienced inconsistent and difficult placements. 

Our dedicated staff impacted the lives of so many this past year, providing one-on-one support for 56 new parents, creating seven "forever families," and offering critical housing and support services for youth experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of the foster care system. These achievements and so many others would not be possible without the support of our community for which we are so grateful.

Learn more about the impact of Shelter's work by reading our Annual Report (below). Together we are helping children and families break the cycle of abuse and neglect, and realize their goals and dreams.

February is Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, Shelter, Inc. honors the many influential Black social workers, both past and present, who have worked and continue to work tirelessly to relieve people's suffering, fight for social justice, improve lives and strengthen communities.

Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on the past, but also an opportunity to renew our commitment to actively working to dismantle systemic barriers and advocating for positive change within our organization and community. We must also examine our work within the child welfare system and acknowledge the systemic racism that exists around children of color and work hard to fight against these injustices.

Throughout this month, let us engage in meaningful conversations, education and reflection about the rich and complex history of Black Americans. Let us take this opportunity to learn from the past, celebrate the present and inspire hope for the future.
 

SEWA USA Honors Shelter, Inc. for Dedicated Service to the Community

On January 20, Shelter, Inc. was honored by Sewa International- Chicago Chapter for dedicated service to the community at SEWA's Milan 2024 event. We are proud to be a LEAD program partner working with high school volunteers on their journey to becoming community leaders.
Pictured above: Zoe McGrath, Development Coordinator, with Nags Rajaram and Reena Shukla, Program Coordinators for SEWA Chicago LEAD program.

Volunteers Needed

Get your Irish on and invite your friends to help celebrate St Patrick’s Day! Come out and be a course volunteer with Shelter, Inc. or sign up to run or walk the 5K. When registering, use coupon code "Shelter" to receive a 15% discount. The coupon is valid until 2/23.

Volunteer

Register to Walk/Run

 

Watch and Vote: Tell the world that you think Shelter, Inc. is AWESOME!

Shelter, Inc. is participating in #ProjectforAwesome, and we need your help!  Watch our video submission and vote for Shelter, Inc. at projectforawesome.com during the 48-hour livestream on February 16-18. The more votes we get, the better chance we have to win a portion of the funds raised. Last year, more than $3 million was raised and distributed to over 30 charities chosen by the community. Join us and the founders of Project for Awesome in an effort to "decrease world suck!"

Tickets on sale February 21

Mark your calendar to join us on Saturday, August 3 at Bunker Hill Farms for a an invitation-only concert featuring Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line with opener Parmalee. Bunker Hill Charities returns 25% of all tickets and sponsorships sold through Shelter, Inc. back to us! Don't miss this concert at a beautiful, intimate venue with top-tier service.

Watch your email for the link to purchase tickets.
Sponsorships are available. Contact info@bhcharities.org

Buffalo Creek Brewing for partnering with us for Alpine Fest held on January 26-27. With the help of our amazing volunteers (pictured above), we raised over $1,700 for Shelter, Inc.!

Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights for donating diapers, wipes, formula and other baby essentials for children in Shelter's programs.

Chinmaya Mission Chicago in Willowbrook for donating new blankets for our Emergency Group Homes and Transitional Living Program.

Additional thanks to...

The Community Foundation for McHenry County for granting funds for Shelter Inc.'s Emergency Group Homes.

Monthly Giving is a Great Way to Support Shelter, Inc.

Your recurring donation ensures Shelter, Inc. will have the funding it needs each month for an entire year to provide emergency housing, free mental health care, clothing, household essentials and more to children and families in crisis. Monthly donations are automatically charged to your credit card and may be changed or suspended at any time.

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