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
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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?
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Let It Be Us is Partnering with Shelter Inc. to Recruit Homes for the Emergency Foster Care Program.
The Emergency Foster Care Program aims to provide children with somewhere to go temporarily, on an emergency basis, so they receive the special kind of care and safe environment that a well-supported foster home can provide while they stabilize from the disruption they’ve experienced.
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 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.
Shelter’s Clinical Director Receives Crain’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives Award
Congratulations to Shelter’s Clinical Director Gilbert Allen, who, with his brother Dr. Michael Allen, are among those who received Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Black Leaders and Executives Award of 2022.
Shelter Partners With Let It Be Us for Emergency Foster Care Program
Shelter is proud to announce a $2,000,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to partner with Let It Be Us for a new Emergency Foster Care Program.
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