In this issue:  Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Foster Care Advisory Council, Home is Where the Heart is Gala, Coat Drive, Thank You's, Clinical Team Jobs

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence May Suffer Long-term Difficulties

DCFS reports that children who witness domestic violence can suffer severe emotional and developmental difficulties that are similar to those of children who are direct victims of abuse. These challenges may include behavioral and emotional struggles that impact their social relationships with children and adults, cognitive problems that interfere with skill development and school performance, and long-term physical and mental health problems. In addition, the CDC has reported that in homes where violence between partners occurs, there is a 45% to 60% chance of co-occurring child abuse, a rate 15 times higher than the average.

Shelter’s professional staff is trained to provide trauma-informed care. This approach shifts the focus from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to understanding “what happened to you?” Our Clinical team provides counseling to children in our programs, eliminating barriers of cost and transportation by providing free services on-site. Understanding the impact of trauma gives Shelter staff the tools to help the young people in our care build healthier lives and better futures.

Shelter's Executive Director Selected to the Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council

Congratulations to Shelter's Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria, MSW, LCSW, who was recently selected to Illinois' Foster Care Advisory Council. Carina, along with other council members, will provide guidance to the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services on all matters involving the provision of foster care to abused, neglected or dependent children and their families. Having a seat at this table allows Carina to be instrumental in both local and statewide planning initiatives and efforts to improve child welfare service delivery. 

New Federal Rule Proposed in Support of LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care

Nearly 1 in 3 children in foster care identify as LGBTQI+ youth. Because of family rejection and abuse, LGBTQI+ children are overrepresented in foster care where they often face mistreatment and discrimination because of who they are.

The Biden Administration has proposed a new rule that would require every state’s child welfare agency ensure that LGBTQI+ children in their care are placed in safe and supportive homes where they will be protected from mistreatment related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, where their caregivers have received training on how to meet their needs, and where they can access the services they need to thrive. Read the White House Fact Sheet to learn more.

Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities.

Sarah Galla joins Shelter, Inc. as a Behavioral Health Counselor, a new position focused on building health equity in suburban Cook County and funded through the Cook County Behavioral Health Initiative Grant that Shelter received in March.

Sara will be responsible for providing therapeutic services to underserved children and families, and will also provide outreach, training and education to community stakeholders.

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She combines a solid foundation in social and political dynamics with a passion for youth mental health and wellness. With an additional degree in holistic nutrition and as a certified yoga teacher, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the interconnectedness between physical and mental well-being.

Sarah approaches treatment with a holistic and trauma-informed lens, fostering positive change in individuals and communities. Her experience includes policy advocacy, case management, community outreach, individual therapy, crisis intervention, stabilization, and de-escalation. She holds certifications in trauma-informed care and treatment of child and adolescent depression and anxiety. Sarah is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the International OCD Foundation, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Welcome, Sarah!

Want to Change the World?
There's Nothing to It!

Join us for a night of pure imagination and help raise the critical funds Shelter needs to stop the cycle of child abuse and create brighter futures for kids and families in our community.

Shelter's Home is Where the Heart Is Gala is on Friday, November 17 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago. Come enjoy curated cocktails, a live band and DJ, and a delicious dinner. Bid on unique silent auction items and live auction experiences knowing that your support truly makes a difference!

Purchase a table and become a Shelter Champion.
Donate tickets, travel, wine or sports memorabilia to our auction.
Can't make it but would like to support Shelter? Click here.

November 7 from 7:00-8:30pm
Barrington’s White House
145 W. Main Street in Barrington

Let It Be Us and Shelter, Inc. invite you to be a part of an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in need. Every child deserves a safe and loving home, especially during times of crisis. By becoming a licensed emergency foster home, you can provide the stability and care that these children need in their most vulnerable moments.

Learn about the critical need for emergency foster homes

Hear personal stories from individuals who have made a profound impact on the lives of these children

Get a clear understanding of the licensing process

Is your company or organization looking for opportunities to engage employees and  give back to the community? Shelter is seeking partners for our Winter Coat Drive. Contact Zoe for information.

Thank you, Kilwins of Arlington Heights for choosing Shelter as a beneficiary of your August Month of Giving.

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