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In this issue: Pride Month, Spring Event Wrap Up, Volunteering, Upcoming Events, Thank You's, Jobs at Shelter

June marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community and their contributions to our society. While parades and marches are often part of Pride celebrations, it is also time to reflect on our work as an agency: how we support young people in our care and how we support one another.

At Shelter, we believe in creating an environment that values and celebrates differences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workspace free from discrimination and bias where everyone feels safe, respected and supported,

We understand that our diverse backgrounds and experiences make us stronger as a team, and we are proud to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

This Pride Month, let us celebrate the progress that has been made toward equality, while also recognizing that there is still much work to be done. Let us stand together as allies, advocates and champions of diversity and inclusion.

As a child welfare agency, we regularly see the tragic results of parents locking their children out of their homes and lives because of their sexual or gender identity. These young people often struggle against violence and discrimination just for being their true selves.

LGBTQIA+ youth are over-represented in the child welfare system. For example, one-third of kids in foster care identify as LGBTQIA+ while they only represent 4.5% of the general population.

Shelter is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. Our professional staff understand the unique challenges of LGBTQIA+ youth. Shelter provides safe, stable spaces for young people to freely express themselves, and the structure and guidance needed to support them in becoming responsible, healthy adults.

Learn More: Be an LGBTQ+ Youth Ally

Shelter Joins Buffalo Grove Pride Parade

We had a great time walking in the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade on Sunday, June 4. Shelter is proud to be a sponsor of this amazing community event. Thanks to all of the Shelter volunteers and staff who participated and showed their support.

Golfers Hit the Links to Raise $56,000 for Shelter

It was a perfect day for the 19th Annual Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing on June 7. Golfers played at the award-winning Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison and together helped us raise $56,000 for Shelter's programs. Thank you to all who attended and to our generous sponsors. A special thanks to our Golf Committee and dedicated volunteers.

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.

Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates

In addition to hiring Clinical team members, Shelter also is hiring for our Group Homes and Foster Care Program. Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We seek team members who reflect our core values: Respectful, mission-driven, collaborative, inclusive, evolving mindset and solution-focused. Click below to learn more.

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

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