Our Blog
Did We Aid R. Kelly?
The hauntingly disturbing series Surviving R. Kelly, and the allegations against the once top-of-the-charts musician have captured our attention. Because Kelly is a high-profile celebrity, rumors, accusations, and charges of his sexually abusing under-age girls have...
Welcome to Our Newest Family Member!
We’re excited to have Maria Zeller Brauer join our team in the new position of Senior Director of Development. Maria graduated for the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana with a Bachelor of Arts, and received her Master of Arts from Indiana University. Prior to...
Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet
By now you’ve heard about the “Momo Challenge,” and that it was more fad- hype than horror. But nightmares of the disturbing sculpture reminded us there are dangers lurking for children online. These days it’s just as important for parents to protect their children...
7 Myths About Child Abuse
1. It isn’t in YOUR neighborhood The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) estimates that 1 in 5 children will be abused by the time they reach 18. Child abuse transcends all demographics. Not only is abuse happening around us all, but adults who were...
What Scams REALLY Cost
It’s a terrible feeling. You want to help, so you give the gift of your hard-earned money, time or talent to a charity, only to find out you’ve been scammed. Most of the charity’s profits go into the pockets of those who collected the money, not to help the cause. The...
Why Child Abuse is Your Problem
We’re all against child abuse, but it’s easy to think it’s someone else’s problem. In reality it’s your problem too. Victims are all around you: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) estimates that 1 in 5 children in our state will be abused...
$1 BILLION Worth of Gift Cards Go Unused Every Year
Maybe you forgot you had one in your wallet, or found one in birthday card you had stashed in a drawer. Maybe you remembered it, but could never think of what to use it for, or perhaps gourmet hot dogs just aren’t your thing. According to Market Watch, $1 BILLION...
Fifteen Facts about Foster Care
Shelter has 3 Foster Care programs Traditional Home-of-Relative Emergency Foster Care programs try to reunite families whenever it’s in the child’s best interest to do so, otherwise long-term care and adoption is sought The only age limit to be a Foster Parent is...
You Saved the Day!!
A HUGE thank you to all who contributed to our backpack drive! For weeks it’s been an incredible sight at our office seeing you drop off backpack after backpack, each one brand new and filled with all the supplies required to start the school...