Chicago’s own Jane Adams who won the Nobel Prize in 1931, Dorothy Height won the Congressional Gold Medal, Wendy Sherman was awarded the National Security Medal…all social workers of whom we are proud. But we are equally proud of Shelter’s social workers, who may not get the same fame or glory, but day after day, impact the lives of children.

Few people know what goes on behind the scenes at a social welfare agency, and it’s easy to assume social workers and other boots on the ground staff show up 9-5, take care of business, and get on with their lives. But that isn’t reality.

Especially in the past two years during the global pandemic, social service workers have put the welfare of our children above their own interests. First, there is no 9-5 job because the needs of children in crisis aren’t restricted to 9-5.

The “great resignation” that has left staffing shortages in every field has impacted social service agencies particularly. With less staff, Shelter’s teams have voluntarily sacrificed their own time to ensure all shifts are covered and services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Shelter’s staff have gone above and beyond to keep kids safe. Beyond providing their support to clients, they have cleaned surfaces, sprayed areas, enforced CDC guidelines with masks and testing and social distancing, putting themselves at risk. For many, this has been twice, sometimes even three times a day, at Shelter’s group homes as well as their own.

It’s no secret that COVID has had a devastating impact on youths. COVID has increased families’ stress, causing more triggers for abuse; children have been in isolation, had their education interrupted, and been cut off from social and emotional support. There have been more suicides, drug addiction, and trauma for children everywhere.

Shelter’s staff remain committed to lessening the impact of trauma and keeping kids safe. Whatever their personal challenges may be, social service workers leave them at home to focus on those in their care, helping them reach their full potential, have pride in who they are, and take joy in life.

No one becomes a social worker for money, fame, or glory. Shelter’s workers are here because they are deeply committed to helping youths, families, and our community become stronger and more resilient.

For every social worker who brings back the spark in a child’s eyes, who wakes up thinking of new ways to help, or brings a family back together, we say THANK YOU!