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In this issue: Corporate Philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Crain's Award, Gala, Winter Clothing Drive, Volunteering, Jobs at Shelter and More

Pictured above: Chicago-based Scrub LLC participated as a company in Shelter's annual 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz, raising money during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

Corporate Philanthropy is a Win-Win-Win

"Quiet Quitting," the latest hot-button workplace phase, is a post-pandemic trend for burned-out employees who become disengaged, less productive, and contribute no more than specifically required of them. To combat this trend and to retain staff, employers have found one of their most effective strategies is corporate philanthropy.

A broad definition of corporate philanthropy is when a company (of any size) and its employees support a nonprofit organization through giving and volunteering, thus positively impacting their community.

Everyone wins when corporations and nonprofits work together.

Win for businesses: Giving back to the community creates positive work environments and increases staff engagement. When employees contribute to something greater than themselves that they believe in, they become committed to their team's success.

Win for nonprofits: Shelter's corporate partners have helped sustain us since we began in 1976. Without the gifts of their time, talents, and treasures, we wouldn't be the leading child welfare agency we are today.

Win for the community: Our youth's welfare reflects our community's strength, and our corporate partners make a difference in the lives of our young people and families in need every day. Their willingness to help seems boundless, including holding donation drives, painting our homes, attending fundraisers, serving on committees, providing grants, and so much more.

As we approach the season of giving, we are so thankful for what we have been receiving! Thank you to our corporate partners--both long-standing and newly established. Your support has made such a difference in so many lives.

Partner Spotlight

We asked three of our long-time corporate partners to share how their company has supported Shelter, why they chose Shelter to be a partner in philanthropy, and how supporting Shelter benefits their business.
Comments edited for space.

Eric Rieger, Founder, and CEO of WEBIT Services in Naperville, shared these comments:

"We've been involved with Shelter in many ways since 2018. In addition to providing IT & Security for the organization, our team has volunteered on many occasions, and we are a sponsor for many of the events each year including the annual gala which is always a spectacular event.

It was clear from the first time we were made aware of Shelter that it is an extremely well-run organization that is making a difference in the lives of children in need in our community. There are a lot of organizations doing good things, but these children are the future and they desperately need our help. It was a very easy decision to partner with Shelter.

Supporting Shelter aligns with our core values and beliefs. We have a goal to positively impact 1200 organizations by the year 2030 and supporting Shelter aligns with that goal and puts us one step closer to achieving it."

Heather Moss, Private Equity Practice Lead at ADP in Elk Grove Village, shared these comments:

"Shelter is approved for ADP’s matching gift program on our Corporate Giving site. The ADP foundation has also provided a grant for Shelter these past two years since I’ve been a board member. Locally, ADP has been a sponsor in Shelter's annual gala and annual holiday gift drive supporting various Shelter programs.

I chose to support Shelter because it is a part of my community- close to my home, close to my work and supports our most vulnerable children.

The more I learn about ADP’s corporate giving and foundation along with the partnership of my local colleagues who offer their support in the community, the more I value my organization."

Rebecca Helkowski, Operations Leader at Zurich in Schaumburg, shared these comments:

"Zurich began supporting Shelter, Inc. in the 1980’s with the type and degree of support increasing over time. Zurich currently provides financial assistance through grants and is a sponsor of the annual gala, aligns volunteers to help with fundraising events or activities supporting the needs of the families, and has leaders serving on both the Board of Directors and Associate Board.

I was surprised by how little community awareness there was of the organization, but more taken aback by how hidden this portion of our community was. I easily saw how I could connect with the organization’s mission and knew it was one for which I could draw on my personal and professional network to support.

Zurich not only creates a positive public image through the support of Shelter, but can also make connections with customers and employees to broaden their network to include other like-minded, socially responsible, individuals and organizations. The dedication to community is one of the reasons employees enjoy working for Zurich. Supporting Shelter is an example of how Zurich identifies organizations that our employees care about and fosters employee engagement."

Did you know that most businesses will match the donation amount an employee gives to a nonprofit? Check with your employer to find out how to double your donation.

Is your business interested in partnering with Shelter through sponsorships, service projects, donation drives or event participation? Contact Maria.

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence May Suffer Long-term Difficulties

DCFS reports that children who witness domestic violence can suffer severe emotional and developmental difficulties that are similar to those of children who are direct victims of abuse. These challenges may include behavioral and emotional struggles that impact their social relationships with children and adults, cognitive problems that interfere with skill development and school performance, and long-term physical and mental health problems. In addition, the CDC has reported that in homes where violence between partners occurs, there is a 45% to 60% chance of co-occurring child abuse, a rate 15 times higher than the average.

Congratulations to Our Clinical Director, Gilbert Allen
Recipient of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Black Leaders and Executives Award

Congratulations to Shelter’s Clinical Director Gilbert Allen, who, with his brother Dr. Michael Allen, are among those who received Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Black Leaders and Executives Award of 2022. The prestigious award recognizes leaders who have contributed significantly to the Black community in various fields, from law and medicine to non-profits and academia. Gilbert leads Shelter's clinical team providing free mental health care to youths who have experienced trauma and their families.

Tickets, tables, & donations

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We are grateful to the following organizations who have made generous grants or gifts to Shelter this past month.

John Marshall Family Foundation

Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church

AH Holiday Trees

Fitzgerald Family Foundation Inc.

Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) for choosing Shelter as a beneficiary of their Blazing the Trail Benefit and hosting the "Kindness is Essential" drive to collect essential items for Shelter's programs.

Marc Poulos Painting for choosing Shelter as a beneficiary of their "Paint it Forward" program. Marc's team painted the common areas of the Buckholz Group Home free of charge.

Thank you Trivia Night attendees! Our sold out evening of friendly competition raised $12,000 for Shelter's "Share the Warmth" fund which help us fund the needs of our kids all winter long. Check out our TikTok to see highlights of the night.

We are hiring! Click here for open positions.
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child or adolescent, are motivated to create safer homes for all youth, and are interested in a rewarding career in the nonprofit industry, we invite you to consider becoming part of our Shelter, Inc. team. We seek team members who reflect our values of dedication, collaboration, positive attitude, inclusion, and passion.