Connections, June 2020

It's never too early to start talking to kids about racism.

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love..." –Nelson Mandela

The past few weeks have been hard. The racism, oppression, hate, and discrimination the Black community experiences every day have been laid bare by traumatic events, and our nation and our community are hurting.

Everyone is experiencing recent events differently, and that includes the kids and youth in our lives. Some have questions and big feelings; some have a sense of the recent stress and tension but don’t know why; some are still oblivious. It’s our job as parents, guardians, caregivers, and friends to talk to kids about racism. No matter their age. No matter the color of our skin or theirs. No matter how uncomfortable it makes us. It is not enough to not be racist. We must be anti-racist.

Click here to continue reading Executive Director, Carina Santa Maria's full statement and to find out what you can do to start the tough conversations that will help us all raise race-conscious, justice-focused kids.

For a list of helpful resources about raising race-conscious kids, click here.

To link to a podcast presented by Sesame Street and NPR, click here.

“Even though there may not be pomp because of the circumstances, never has a graduating class been called to step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion, energy and hope.” –Oprah Winfrey

With traditional graduation ceremonies upended by the pandemic, many 2020 graduates missed out on sharing their milestones with friends and family, and that group includes ten young women and men who are part of Shelter’s Healthy Families, Foster Care and Youth Experiencing Homelessness programs. Congratulations to our high school graduates from Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Palatine and Morton West High Schools, Allendale and the Abraxas Naperville Bridge Program, and to our graduate from Harper Community College. We are so proud of you and applaud your hard work and determination to succeed while managing life’s challenges. We wish you all the best as you start the next journey, and encourage you to move forward with “purpose, vision, passion, energy and hope.”

Click here for FAQ about Shelter's Foster Care Program. Visit shelter-inc.org or call 847-255-8060 to learn more.

What's Happening Behind Closed Doors? Your Help Is Needed.

When schools reopen in the fall, DCFS anticipates that reported cases of abuse will increase significantly over pre-pandemic levels. Will there be enough foster families to ensure that all children get the support they need?

Because 62% of child abuse is perpetrated by a member of a child’s own family, since the Illinois stay-at-home order in March, many children are in crisis. Normally, teachers, social workers, coaches, neighbors, and friends would report suspected abuse, but times aren’t normal, and no one can see behind closed doors. Calls to the DCFS hotline have dropped by 60% during the last few months with only the most critical cases being exposed.

Will you or someone you know open your heart and your home to a child in need?

When the court removes a child from their home for safety, every effort is made to place the child in a nurturing and stable home. When no foster parent can be found, the child will go to either an institution or group home where there are fewer resources and no individualized care, decreasing their chances of successful outcomes.

The goal of foster care is to help children and birth parents heal so they may be safely reunited. This past year, Shelter’s foster care program exceeded the national benchmark and reunited 69% of families thanks to foster parents who cared for children in crisis. Being a foster parent can be challenging. It can also be the most rewarding experience of a lifetime.

We urge everyone to learn more about foster care and what it means to you, children in crisis, and our community so together we can save children and families. To learn more, visit shelter-inc.org or call 847-255-8060.

Thank you for showing up for Shelter! With your help, we raised $10,000 to support Shelter’s programs for kids and families in crisis.

Thank you to our 5K sponsors!

Our first-ever virtual 5K race brought “together” 137 runners and walkers of all ages (from one year to 77 years old!) from all around the U.S. (11 states represented) to raise critical funds for Shelter. Families, friends and even fraternity brothers turned out to get moving for a good cause. Whether you ran or walked on your treadmill, dashed on your driveway or jogged around your neighborhood, your participation helped to connect us as a community and showed us that you share our hope for a better future for all children. Participants will receive t-shirts by the end of the month. We look forward to being back at Busse Woods next spring!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP FINISHERS: Fundraising Team: Red Hot Chili Steppers ($1,070) • Female: Riley Strauss (Mequon, WI), 23:43 • Male: Luke McGrath (Woodridge, IL), 21.23 • Team: Team Spitz, Average 24.29

GOLF OUTING MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 23

Hit the links on September 23 for the 16th Annual Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Tournament at the Mackray Memorial Golf Course in Barrington. Don’t miss this signature event which features a shot-gun start and scramble, raffles, prizes and games on the course. Dinner with an open bar is included. This is a great way to raise needed funds to help support Shelter’s programs for kids and families in crisis. For registration and sponsorship information, contact Barb at bmazursky@shelter-inc.org.

Wear it Loud and Proud! Shelter has partnered with Real Talk Press, a local small business, to create some exclusive apparel for the whole family that honors essential workers and helps Shelter at the same time. 50% of your purchase benefits Shelter’s programs for children and families in crisis. Click here to order.

Many of our families are currently struggling to make ends meet due to the temporary loss of jobs or decreased hours of work. There is an immediate need for basic necessities such as food, toilet paper, and disinfectant wipes. You can help by purchasing gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Amazon and sending them directly to our email at shelter@shelter-inc.org. They will either be forwarded to the families who need them or we will purchase items and have them delivered directly to their homes. Or you may purchase items directly from our AmazonSmile Charity List (below).