Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

In this issue: Healthy Families Program, Identifying and reporting abuse, Remembering AJ Freund, 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz, Healthy Families Webinar, Volunteer Week, Jobs at Shelter, and more!

Leah's Story: A Helping Hand Prevents Neglect

Child neglect, a form of child abuse, can be defined as not meeting a child’s needs in any of four areas: physical, medical, emotional, or educational. Yet, some of a child’s needs, like food and shelter, are more obvious than others.

Until babies come with instruction books, parenting skills need to be learned. Some learn from their parents or other family members. For those without the benefit of positive and knowledgeable role models, parenting can be especially frightening and overwhelming.

At 16, Leah was 8 months pregnant, feeling scared and alone. She lived with her grandmother, who worked full-time at night and her older sister who worked during the day. She’d never given much thought about her own future and knew nothing about caring for a baby. She had no money of her own, no job, no other place to live, and no one who knew how to help her.

Leah heard from a friend about Shelter’s Healthy Families home visitation program and found the courage to call. She was told the program was free, voluntary, and confidential, so she figured she had nothing to lose.

800-25-ABUSE
Protecting Children is a Responsibility We All Share

If you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect, call the DCF 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first. 

Your confidential call will not only make sure the child is safe, but also help provide the child’s family with the services they need to create a safe, loving and nurturing home. In non-emergency situations, anyone may report suspected child abuse or neglect using DCFS's new Online Reporting System.  You do not have to have proof of the abuse. If you suspect a child is being hurt, call the hotline. You can make a report without giving your name. 

Click here to see what information is needed when you make a call to the hotline.
To learn more about the hotline or making a report, visit the Illinois DCFS website 
Click here to learn the warning signs of abuse. 

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Register for the 5K or make a donation from April 18-24 and Shelter's Board will match your contribution dollar for dollar up to $2000!

Did a colleague forward you this newsletter? To subscribe, click here.