Built by the community, for the community.

Founded in 1975 by a police officer from Arlington Heights, Shelter, Inc. has become a leader in Chicagoland for providing the emotional and physical care, programs and
services that children need to build safer, healthier and brighter futures. We are the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide fully comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need.

Each day in Illinois, nearly 200 children will be victims of abuse and neglect.

Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by ensuring safe, healthy and nurturing environments to children, their families and our community. Our programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our Vision and Mission

Our vision is that every child will grow up in a safe and loving home.

Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by providing a comprehensive network of support to children, their families and our community to create safe, healthy and nurturing homes.

 

Since 1975, Shelter, Inc. has been a lifeline to children and families in crisis or suffering from trauma. 

Number of People Served

Days of Care Provided

Hours of Service Provided

Volunteer Hours Donated

Support & Resources

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

Are you pregnant or know someone
that is?

Do you know a teen who is in need of housing?

Do you know how to spot and report signs of child abuse?

Our Stories

Protecting Children, Strengthening Families, Transforming Communities.

Staff share what it really means to work at Shelter, Inc. and bring hope to the children, young people, and families that we serve. This video was featured at Shelter’s 2023 Home is Where the Heart is Gala: Golden Ticket.

Sophia's Story

Sophia is a survivor. This is her story about how Shelter, Inc. supported her on her journey to overcome childhood abuse and human trafficking.

Divine’s Story

Divine shares her story about how the TLP gave her the family she never had and the support she needed to feel valued.

Christian’s Story

Christian shares his story about how the TLP helped him feel hopeful about his future.

Transitioning to a Better Life

Shelter’s Transitional Living Program (TLP) gives young people who have aged out of foster care something they never had: a real chance at an independent, successful life.

Leslie and Naydeli's Story

 

Teen moms, Leslie and Naydeli, tell their stories of how Healthy Families has helped them throughout their children’s development journeys.

The Tintera Family

The story of how Shelter, Inc. helped the Tintera family on their journey from foster care to adoption.

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The Latest from
Our Blog

Read our blog to stay informed about child welfare issues, opportunities for advocacy, and news from Shelter.
In Memoriam: Pat Cinquini

In Memoriam: Pat Cinquini

It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our esteemed colleagues, Pat Cinquini. Pat was not only an invaluable member of our team but also a dear friend and a source of inspiration to so many of us. Her dedication, passion and commitment to excellence were truly remarkable.

Shelter, Inc. Welcomes New Development Director

Shelter, Inc. Welcomes New Development Director

Simone Wheeler brings over fifteen years of fund development and philanthropic innovation, primarily in human services and child welfare. Simone most recently served as VP Development at The Cradle, a recognized leader in infant adoption, where she successfully developed and implemented a fundraising plan to drive sustainable growth.

Shelter Receives Cook County Behavioral Health Grant

Shelter Receives Cook County Behavioral Health Grant

The Cook County Department of Public Health has announced Shelter is one of 18 recipients out of 140 applicants to receive a Behavioral Health Initiative Grant (BHI) to support behavioral health services for Cook County’s most vulnerable communities. The BHI program...

Changing Lanes: A New Chapter for Diana Morris

Changing Lanes: A New Chapter for Diana Morris

Diana is now returning to her role as the Group Home Coordinator and looking forward to working once again directly with youths. While she says she will miss HR, she is excited to be working with the teams at the Jennings and Buckholz emergency homes.

Black History Month Award

Black History Month Award

This month, Shelter is joining the nation in recognizing Black History Month and the diversity that has made us the agency we are. Adding to the celebration is having one of our own staff being recognized for his outstanding achievements in mentoring young people.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Test Your Knowledge

Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Test Your Knowledge

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month is recognized annually in the United States in January to bring attention and opposition to human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
According to the White House, the people most vulnerable to human trafficking in the U.S. include youth in the welfare or juvenile justice system, runaway and homeless youth, undocumented immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and people with substance use disorder.

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

March 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, The White House in Barrington

Have you wondered what happens to children in care who have nowhere to go? Join us at this casual, in-person fireside chat to learn about being an Emergency Foster Home with Shelter, Inc. Click here for more information and to register.

 June 25 @ 1:00pm, The Preserve at Oak Meadows

Mark your calendar to join us for award-winning golf and to celebrate 20 years of the Michael Portelli Memorial Golf Outing! Registration opens on April 1.

Contact Shelter

If you or a child or adolescent you know are in crisis, Shelter, Inc. is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you locate appropriate services.

To make a referral for placement, call our 24-hour service at 847.255.8060

847.255.8060

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1616 Arlington Heights Road,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004