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In this issue: Kids and the Mental Health Crisis, How Lady Gaga is Helping, TLP Open House, High School Homelessness, Advocacy Opportunity, Funding Need, Upcoming Events, Thank You's, Jobs at Shelter

Is Back to School Back to Normal?

HOW YOU CAN HELP SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

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.

Increasing rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm, aggression, eating disorders, and other behavioral issues in youth prompted a National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health by professional organizations in 2020. Yet, tragically, the increase continues.

What's gone wrong? It's no secret that stress levels in kids and adults have been on the rise for years. With the pandemic came social isolation, financial insecurity, fear, and grief that added more stress, overwhelming children and families.

Isolation has also meant access to mental health services has been delayed or obstructed. Hospitals and clinics are overbooked and understaffed, and schools are struggling to get resources. When a youth has a mental health crisis, they can't wait 3 months for an appointment any more than one who has appendicitis.

What can be done? Like so many other locks in life, education is the key. It's critical to know the signs of someone struggling with mental health issues and how to respond to them.

Please join us for an open house and tour of Shelter's new home for the Transitional Living Program. We will be celebrating the hard work and dedication of our civic leaders, generous donors, community volunteers, local businesses, and Shelter staff. RSVP required.

Do you know a teen who is "couch surfing?"

The school year is quickly approaching and there are young people in our community who may lack stable, fixed, or adequate housing. Youth Homelessness is not only an urban problem. In Illinois, the counties of Cook, Kane, DuPage, Lake, and McHenry account for more than 30% of the state’s homeless youth population. Shelter’s Youth Experiencing Homelessness (YEH) program takes a housing-first approach and provides individualized support and comprehensive services to increase the safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of youth experiencing homelessness. It is voluntary and confidential. For more information, contact Juleesa Rivera.

Youth in care beyond age 18 have better outcomes

Society has changed since we first established foster care to cover youth until age 18, with young people often relying on parents and other family members as they seek steady employment, housing, and education opportunities, and yet we continue to expect young people in foster care to become independent on their 18th birthday.

Federal data tells us that compared to youth that “age out” of care at age 18, youth who remain in care have better outcomes across multiple measures: they have higher rates of employment, housing, school attendance and graduation, and health coverage. They also have lower rates of incarceration, drug treatment referrals, and giving birth or fathering a child.

The Access to Foster Care to 21 Act will give all young people the option to remain in care, making support and services available regardless of where they live and allowing them the opportunity to achieve such improved outcomes.

Tell your Representative to cosponsor this important legislation today via the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA).

Budget Cuts Will Impact Shelter's Programs

Budget deficits have limited Shelter's funding, impacting our Healthy Families abuse prevention and Youth Experiencing Homelessness programs. Service necessities like travel and communications on which our programs depend have been jeopardized. Approximately $50,000 is needed for each program to continue meeting the critical needs of our community’s children and families in crisis. Please help us fund the gap by making a donation today to our Bridge the Gap Fund.

Thank you to the following organizations who have made generous grants to Shelter this past month. We appreciate your support and thank you for sharing our hope and vision that all children grow up in safe and loving homes.

Village of Arlington Heights for funding a new roof at our TLP
Great Lakes Frigate of the Buccaneers Confraternity
4imprint

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, please support us today. 

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