Built by the community, for the community.

Founded in 1975 by a police officer from Arlington Heights, Shelter, Inc. has become a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs and
services that children need to build safer, healthier and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need.

Each day in Illinois, nearly 200 children will be victims of abuse and neglect.

Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by ensuring safe, healthy and nurturing environments to children, their families and our community. Our programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our Vision and Mission

Our vision is that every child will grow up in a safe and loving home.

Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by providing a comprehensive network of support to children, their families and our community to create safe, healthy and nurturing homes.

 

Since 1975, Shelter, Inc. has been a lifeline to children and families in crisis or suffering from trauma. 

Number of People Served

Days of Care Provided

Hours of Service Provided

Volunteer Hours Donated

Support & Resources

Will you open your heart and your home to a child in need?

Are you pregnant or know someone
that is?

Do you know a teen who is in need of housing?

Do you know how to spot and report signs of child abuse?

Our Stories

Protecting Children, Strengthening Families, Transforming Communities.

Staff share what it really means to work at Shelter, Inc. and bring hope to the children, young people, and families that we serve. This video was featured at Shelter’s 2023 Home is Where the Heart is Gala: Golden Ticket.

Sophia's Story

Sophia is a survivor. This is her story about how Shelter, Inc. supported her on her journey to overcome childhood abuse and human trafficking.

Divine’s Story

Divine shares her story about how the TLP gave her the family she never had and the support she needed to feel valued.

Christian’s Story

Christian shares his story about how the TLP helped him feel hopeful about his future.

Transitioning to a Better Life

Shelter’s Transitional Living Program (TLP) gives young people who have aged out of foster care something they never had: a real chance at an independent, successful life.

Leslie and Naydeli's Story

 

Teen moms, Leslie and Naydeli, tell their stories of how Healthy Families has helped them throughout their children’s development journeys.

The Tintera Family

The story of how Shelter, Inc. helped the Tintera family on their journey from foster care to adoption.

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The Latest from
Our Blog

Read our blog to stay informed about child welfare issues, opportunities for advocacy, and news from Shelter.
Not Feeling So Merry or Jolly?

Not Feeling So Merry or Jolly?

If the holidays don’t make you feel warm and fuzzy and fill you with cheer, you aren’t alone! Most of us, a whopping 88% of people, feel stressed by the holidays, and 64% of people with mental health challenges feel worse.

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence May Suffer Long-term Difficulties

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence May Suffer Long-term Difficulties

Children and youth who have been exposed to domestic violence are more likely than their peers to experience a range of difficulties. 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.

Is Back to School Back to Normal?

Is Back to School Back to Normal?

More than two years since the pandemic began, students are again heading back to the classroom, and we all want to breathe a sigh of relief that things are back to normal. But today’s “normal” isn’t the same as it was pre-COVID

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

March 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, The White House in Barrington

Have you wondered what happens to children in care who have nowhere to go? Join us at this casual, in-person fireside chat to learn about being an Emergency Foster Home with Shelter, Inc. Click here for more information and to register.

 June 25 @ 1:00pm, The Preserve at Oak Meadows

Mark your calendar to join us for award-winning golf and to celebrate 20 years of the Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing! Registration opens on April 1.

Contact Shelter

If you or a child or adolescent you know are in crisis, Shelter, Inc. is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you locate appropriate services.

To make a referral for placement, call our 24-hour service at 847.255.8060

847.255.8060

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1616 Arlington Heights Road,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004