In this issue:  New Home for Child Victims of Human Trafficking, Back to School for Teens Experiencing Homelessness,, Healthy Families Graduates, Welcome New Board Members, Upcoming Events, Thank You's, Jobs at Shelter

Shelter, Inc. Receives Approval to Build New Home for Child Victims of Human Trafficking

On Monday, August 7, the Palatine Village Board unanimously voted to move forward with Shelter Inc.'s plans to build the first DCFS-approved home for child victims of human trafficking in Illinois. 

Thank you to the Palatine community for sharing our vision and to the many friends of Shelter who attended last week's Board meeting to voice support for this life-changing project.

When people hear about human trafficking, they assume it’s not happening in our community—but it is. Shelter's new home will provide the help and healing these young girls need to live life to their fullest potential. 

Thank you John and Rita Canning for generously supporting this project. We will be sharing additional funding opportunities with you in the months ahead, as well as our plans and progress.

Together we can help the most vulnerable young people and foster positive change that will resonate for generations to come.  

Below: On August 9, ABC7 News interviewed Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria about Shelter's new home. Click here to watch. Click here to read a recent opinion piece in the Daily Herald.

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Offers Housing and Support

Going back to school can bring about a wide range of emotions for any student. But for students who lack a stable residence, "Back to School" time can intensify feelings of anxiety and stress.

Youth “homelessness” does not necessarily mean young people are living on the streets. It means they do not have a stable, fixed or adequate home. These youths may be “couch surfing” at friend’s or relative’s homes or living with their parents but lacking basic needs, such as food, personal hygiene, and supervision. 

Every student experiencing homelessness in the United States is entitled to the same access to education as their housing secure peers. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects this right. These students are guaranteed equal access to education and transportation, and are connected to supportive resources like Shelter, Inc.

Shelter's Youth Experiencing Homelessness (YEH) Program takes a housing-first approach and provides individualized support and comprehensive services to increase the safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of youth experiencing homelessness. Services for young adults ages 14-24 are free, voluntary and confidential, and are open to all, including those who are pregnant, LGTBQIA+, delinquent or developmentally disabled. Shelter can help teens:

• Arrange housing in an apartment for up to two years
• Apply for benefits, find work or seek vocational training
• Get health care and mental health therapy
• Establish achievable goals and learn the necessary skills to live on their own

Youth homelessness is not only an urban problem. Cook, Kane, DuPage, Lake, and McHenry counties make up over 30% of all homeless youths in Illinois. If you know a teen that may need assistance, please make a referral or have them reach out directly to YEH@shelter-inc.org.

Click here to learn more about the McKinney-Vento Act

Healthy Families Celebrates Seven Graduates

On August 9, participants from Shelter's Healthy Families program came together for a Summer Celebration & Graduation at the Palatine Park District. Families enjoyed the indoor play space, rock painting and dinner. Seven children were honored for graduating from the  program and moving on to kindergarten. Their parents also celebrated recent successes, including buying a new home,  starting a new job as a pharmacy tech and completing a medical billing and coding program.

Healthy Families is a nationally recognized home visiting program that offers five years of free, one-on-one support for first-time parents who face multiple challenges. For many at-risk parents, Healthy Families is the first time they have a reliable, compassionate support system and someone invested in their success. Click here to learn more.

Shelter Participates in National Night Out

On August 1, Shelter staff (Agata Nechev, Licensing Specialist in Foster Care, and Danielle Kraus, Special Events Coordinator), represented Shelter at Arlington Heights' National Night Out, a national community campaign and free, family event that aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while promoting a true sense of community.

 

Dr. Nina Mcilree, M.D.
Director of Wellbeing and Employee Experience, Zurich North America

Nina joined Zurich Insurance in 2005. As the Vice President of Medical Management in Workers Compensation, she directed and transformed the medical services supporting injured workers recovery and return to work. In December of 2022, she transitioned into her current role of Director 
of Wellbeing and Employee Experience where she oversees the creation and implementation of an integrated wellbeing strategy for this national insurance carrier.  Prior to joining Zurich, Nina worked for 10 years as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago/Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.  

Lindsay Tintera
Director of Marketing, KeHE Distributors

Lindsay Tintera has spent more than two decades as a branding expert in the marketing field supporting the gaming, healthcare, and food distribution industries. Lindsay is currently the Director of Marketing at KeHE Distributors, leading a team through strategic planning and communications, marketing and data analytics, and marketing technology. As a former foster parent with Shelter, Inc. and now an adoptive parent, Lindsay brings personal passion and business savvy to Shelter, Inc.’s board of directors. 

Zurich North America for selecting Shelter as a grant recipient. Funds awarded will be used to support Shelter's Clinical program.

Buffalo Grove Rotary for granting Shelter funds to purchase new car seats for children in our care.

Good neighbors Network for donating New College Student Baskets.

Project Save Our Skin for donating skincare supplies and toiletry items for children and families in our care.

Heaven on Earth Candles for donating needed school supplies for kids in our Emergency Group Homes.

Christmas in July Race Volunteers (pictured below)
Thanks to your participation, Shelter raised $1,500!

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and

nurturing homes, please support us today.