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In this issue: Experiencing Vicarious Trauma, New Clinical Director, Funding Cuts, Upcoming Events, Thank You's, Jobs at Shelter

You May Be Experiencing Vicarious Trauma

With modern technology that brings us news instantly, we are constantly being hit with a tsunami of trauma and violence. Mass shootings, including the recent tragedy in Highland Park, terrorism, natural disasters, and global warming seem to lurk everywhere. Though we aren’t experiencing the actual event, merely witnessing the video is enough for us to respond with secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

If you or someone in your family experience vicarious trauma, you’re with a rapidly growing majority. Especially children, whose brains are even less equipped to comprehend visions of violence, can have their mental health negatively impacted by watching even a few minutes of a traumatic event.

Our brains have various ways of letting us know we’re on overload. Examples include anxiety, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, trouble sleeping, trouble focusing, nightmares, depression, and personality changes.

While you can’t control a tsunami, you do have some control over how you react to it. Tips:

• Take a break from exposure to the news, or at least cutback
• Spend more time with people and activities that bring you joy
• Share kindness with others
• Accomplish short-term goals like cleaning out a desk drawer
• Take time to connect with nature
• Give yourself permission to be human and reach out for help when you need it

Learn More: Self-Care From Secondary Trauma, Coping for You and Your Children, Triggers for Trauma in the News, How To Talk To Your Child About the News

Click HERE to learn how you can help the Highland Park community.

Social Worker, Advocate, and Author, Gilbert Allen Joins Shelter's Staff as Clinical Director

Join us in welcoming Shelter’s new Clinical Director, Gilbert Allen MSW, LCSW. Originally from Waukegan, Gilbert, the proud father of two daughters ages 12 and 14, now resides in Chicago. He said it’s been a long road on his journey to get to Shelter, and he is “thrilled and thankful” for the opportunity to be part of our team.

Gilbert, who has a license and master’s in social work, has devoted his career to working with those who have challenges, including mental health, poverty, and kids from adverse situations. He previously worked at Maryville Academy, where he honed his leadership skills.

Being a “people person,” Gilbert has already been building relationships and is looking forward to taking Shelter’s clinical department to the next level. He said what is especially near and dear to him is “impacting youth by showing a positive image of a Black male social worker.”

Gilbert also works with his brother giving keynote speeches and writing books about their lived experiences.

Budget Cuts Will Impact Shelter's Programs

State budget deficits have led to drastic cuts in 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 Treasure House 
Northfield Community Church
Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates

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

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