|  | In this issue: Child Abuse Prevention Month Preview, Social Worker Spotlight, Family Crisis Fund, Spring Clothing Drive, Annual Report, Jobs at Shelter, and more! |
|  | Join the Fight Against Child Abuse: How You Can Get
Ready For Child Abuse Prevention Month It’s been a year since our world turned upside down, and COVID-19 brought changes to our community that were unfathomable. The health crisis we have faced in the US and worldwide has taken its toll in significant ways. As we look towards April and Child Abuse Prevention Month, we recognize the connection between COVID-19 and increased rates of child abuse. This year, it is important to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and positive parenting while identifying ways to support families in need. Join our fight against child abuse by getting involved today. Whether you run a race, “plant a pinwheel,” or decorate a cookie with your child, your support sends a message that all children deserve to grow up in safe and nurturing homes. |
| Throughout April, Shelter will offer many opportunities to learn, engage, and support. Watch your inbox for information. |
| This year the Shelter 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz is a hybrid event! You can run/walk with us at Busse Woods on April 24 or run/walk on your own in our virtual race. Race will be in-person as long as local ordinances permit. All CDC guidelines will be followed. |
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| You don't need a green thumb to plant a pinwheel garden! Blue pinwheels are the the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. Order your free pinwheels and Shelter sign to show your support and "plant" your pinwheels in front of your home or business. |
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| Engage your family in child abuse prevention month. This box features interactive activities that help bulld and celebrate strong and healthy families. Activities such as cookie decorating, conversation starters, and scavenger hunts bring parents and children together to create, learn, and explore. |
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|  |  |  | Gina Ciulla, Clinical Director |
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March is designated as national Social Worker Month, and this year’s theme is Social Workers are Essential. We couldn’t agree more or be prouder of Shelter’s social workers who impact the lives of children, families, and our community! |
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| Meet Gina Ciulla, who began with foster care and licensing part-time at Shelter in 1994 before becoming a full-time foster care caseworker. She earned her master’s degree and obtained her clinical social worker license in 2016 when she accepted the position of Clinical Director. Not one to sit behind a desk all day, Gina thrives on working personally with kids out in the field. She said she likes the “unpredictability with something new all the time, and especially helping people.” Asked what is most challenging about being a social worker, Gina shared that it’s often difficult to leave work behind and not bring it home.” It can be hard to leave emotions at the door, and of course, there’s always paperwork to be done,” she said with a smile. Why has Gina stayed at Shelter for 27 years, and what makes her come to work each day? “Shelter is a great agency and small enough that it feels like family. It really is all about the team. Everyone is here for each other, always offering support.” She underscored the importance of teamwork, saying, “Social Work is a very rewarding field, but it can also be very stressful. Everyone goes into it wanting to save people, but not every story has a happy ending, so we all need help finding a balance.” When Gina isn’t working, she enjoys sharing time with her husband Bob, daughter Lauryn, 21, and son Tyler, 18. Thanks for making such a difference to so many every day, Gina! |
|  |  | Our Families Need You: Support Shelter's Family Crisis Fund
COVID-19 has revealed great inequity for our youth and families who were already overwhelmed. Job loss, inadequate health insurance and a lack of childcare are just a few of the added stressors that have worsened a difficult situation. Shelter's Family Crisis Fund has provided food, clothing, technology for online learning, and even rental assistance. Your gift today will ensure that we can continue to deliver these vital resources. |
| |  | Now Collecting New Clothing
Spring is just around the corner! You can ensure that the children, young adults, and families at Shelter, Inc. have the clothes they need for the season. Sign up for a clothing wishlist! Or if you prefer, you can make a cash donation or donate gift cards and let us do the shopping for you. |
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 | Benefit Concert at Bunker Hill
Join us for an invitation-only concert featuring country superstar Jake Owen and rock legend Cheap Trick. Enjoy an intimate concert at a beautiful venue with top-notch service and VIP extras. Bunker Hill returns 25% of all ticket sales sold through Shelter, back to us! |
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| | |  | Thank you to the AllState Adoption Network for the generous donation of $1800 in gift cards! Gift cards will be used to purchase essential items for Shelter youth and families in crisis. |
|  | Congratulations Ann-Marie! Ann-Marie Brown is officially Race-Ready! She was the first participant to finish the Shelter 5K Race-Ready Challenge, completing 100 miles of running or walking. Ann-Marie will be running virtually with us at this year's Shelter 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz on April 24. For race information, click here. |
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|  | Are you interested in a rewarding non-profit career? Shelter is now hiring for the following positions. Visit shelter-inc.org for application information: - Part-time Weekend Group Home Worker (female)
- Full-time Group Home Worker
- Part-time Weekend Transitional Living Program Resident Advisor
- Part-time Overnight Group Home Worker (female)
- Part-time Assistant Accounting Coordinator
- Foster Care Caseworker
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| | |  | Shelter, Inc.
1616 N. Arlington Heights Rd. | Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
847-255-8060 | shelter@shelter-inc.org |
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