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
The Latest from
Our Blog
Dial 988: Mental Health Hotline Launches July 16
Help is only 3 numbers away. As of Saturday, July 16, the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline will go into effect, routing calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255.) Trained counselors will take anonymous calls and texts to the hotline 24/7.
Celebrating Pride Month
Colorful parades, joyous picnics, and inspiring festivals are becoming entrenched in June around the world to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The tradition began as a commemoration of when members of the queer community, in 1969, fought back against the violence of anti-gay police at the Stonewall Inn in New York. It signaled a new resistance and sense of pride by all who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and questioning.
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
May 8 from 9:00am-12:00pm
District 21 Community Service Center and Administrative Office
959 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling
Join us for a fascinating workshop with Dr. Gary Mallon, PhD, an internationally recognized expert on LGBTQ+ children, youth, and family issues as they relate to child welfare and juvenile justice. Click here to learn more and register.
June 25 @ 1:00pm, The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Join us for award-winning golf and to celebrate 20 years of the Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing! Register HERE.
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
1616 Arlington Heights Road,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
