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In this issue: The Trauma of Domestic Violence, Community Education Series, Golf, Year in Review, Healthy Families Graduates, New Hires, Jobs at Shelter

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Children Who Witness Domestic Violence May Suffer Long-term Difficulties

Ninety percent of youth in the child welfare system report having been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their life. Many have experienced more. Each traumatic event can cause invisible wounds that can change how a child develops.

Witnessing domestic violence is one such event, an adverse childhood experience (ACE) that can have a lifelong impact.

Children and youth who have been exposed to domestic violence are more likely than their peers to experience a range of difficulties. 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.(For more information on the potential negative effects of domestic violence on children, visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network website.)

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. 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.

How Does Shelter Help Children Who Have Experienced Trauma?

Shelter’s professional staff is trained to provide trauma-informed care. This approach shifts the focus from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to understanding “what happened to you?”

This year Shelter was selected as one of only 11 agencies in the state of Illinois to participate in Northwestern University’s Think Trauma Training. This interactive training curriculum educates child welfare professionals about the impact of trauma on the development and behavior of youth in the child welfare system. It emphasizes that the way we explain behavior is linked to how we handle it. The training includes modules on coping strategies, secondary traumatic stress, treatment planning, and staff self-care. Understanding the impact of trauma gives Shelter staff the tools to do their jobs more effectively, to keep our youth and staff safe, and to help the young people in our care build healthier lives and better futures.

Thank You for Making the 17th Annual Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing a Great Success!

On September 21, we hosted The 17th Annual Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing at the Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. More than 84 golfers came out to enjoy a great day on a beautiful course, raising over $60,000 for children and families in need. Thank you to our event sponsors LeasePlan, Village Bank & Trust, and Webbit!

Shelter Celebrates Healthy Families Graduates

Five years ago, four first-time mothers facing multiple challenges enrolled in Shelter's Healthy Families home visiting program. Some were teenagers with a lack of support or limited education. Others were parents experiencing mental health issues or living in poverty. All needed support and resources to help strengthen their family’s functioning and reduce their risk for child abuse or neglect. Today, we celebrate their graduation and their achievements!

• Two of the graduates were in high school when they enrolled. Both have since graduated high school and one was accepted at the University of Illinois. The other has gained independence and is living in her own apartment. 
• One of the graduates attained her Associates Degree in Human Services and hopes to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.  
• One mom who was isolated due to COVID-19 was able get her driver’s license. 

Through regular home visits during the most formative years of a child's life (birth-age 5), Shelter staff support parents in achieving fundamental skills such as stress management, effective discipline, health care, and nutrition while connecting them to critical community resources. 

All of our graduates expressed that through the support and encouragement of the program they were able to meet goals and gain confidence as a parent. 

Come together for an amazing evening to celebrate the work of Shelter and the commitment of our community. The Home is Where the Heart is Gala features a cocktail hour with a silent auction, delicious dinner, inspirational program, live auction, a live band, a DJ, dancing, and more. NBC5 Chicago's Regina Waldroup returns as our emcee. Thank you to our honorary chair, Matt Dyer of LeasePlan USA, and to the Pinta Family who will receive Shelter's prestigious Buckholz award. This event will also be livestreamed. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event is required for all attendees.

Many kids and young adults come to Shelter with only the clothes they are wearing. Please help us keep them warm this winter by purchasing new winter clothing items. Click below to sign up. If you would like us to do the shopping for you, please donate a gift card or make a cash donation. 

Donate to Shelter now through November 30!

Turn your next shopping trip at Walgreens into a cause for good. Walgreens has selected Shelter, Inc. as a recipient of Walgreens Cash Rewards now through November 30, 2021!  You'll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop and you can choose how much to donate. Sign into your myWalgreens™ account and select "donate now" on your account homepage. Then choose Shelter Inc. from the charities shown. 

Thanks to the generosity of Shelter's supporters we can positively impact the lives of many children, their families, and our community. We are so grateful for the gifts and grants received this past month from Maine Township High School ($12,520), Soul Connection ($1,500), National Catholic Society of Foresters ($1,500), and Polk Bros. Foundation ($1,000)

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

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