Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home, but some families experience challenges and turmoil that lead to instability and trauma for children and youth. Each year, our generous donors and funders give so that every young person facing a crisis has access to shelter and support when they need it.
As the 2023-2024 fiscal year ended, we reflected on our growth, accomplishments, and community connections. Together we have been able to help children and families break the cycle of abuse and neglect and realize their goals and dreams. Hear from Shelter’s Executive Director in this video.
Growth
Shelter, Inc. proudly received approval from the Village of Palatine to build Illinois’ first DCFS-approved home for female child survivors of human trafficking. To support this program and its survivors, we also successfully secured funding to purchase land and a $5 million grant from DCFS to build our home with a groundbreaking planned this fall.
With recognition from grantors on our work, we were thrilled to receive the first community impact grant from Endeavor Health and a $273,000 behavioral health initiative grant from Cook County to expand our clinical department. The expansion of this program will provide essential services to children and families in underserved Cook County.
To support our visions of growth and furthering our impact, our organization was restructured to add essential new positions that will enhance our capabilities.
Impact
In the past year, Shelter’s dedeciated staff was fortunate to provide resources and support to nearly 500 youth and families. 59 new parents received one-on-one support through our Healthy Families program, 22 “forever families” were established through our foster care program, and critical housing and support services were providedfor youth in crisis, youth experiencing homelessness and young adultsaging out of the foster care system.
Our impact will be felt even more deeply with Shelter, Inc. having received a Medicaid contract allowing our team of trained experts to provide free mental health services to children and families in our care.
Achievements
We proudly share that Shelter achieved accreditation excellence by completing COA accreditation with top scores in all categories.
Shelter also earned a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and four stars on Charity Navigator, enabling supporters to invest in Shelter, Inc.with trust and confidence.
Involvement
To continue advocacy efforts and community involvement, Shelter’s Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria, received remarkable appointments. Carina was appointed to the Illinois Foster Care Council, the Cook County Child Death Review Board, and the Child Policy Board, giving Shelter an opportunity to shape child welfare policy in Illinois.
Our volunteer force is strong! This past year 190 volunteers provided nearly 1000 hours of service.
These achievements and so many others would not have been possible without the support of our community. Thank you; we are so grateful. With your help, we can and will build brighter futures.