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.

Make a Difference Today!

Get InvolvedDonate →

The Latest from
Our Blog

Read our blog to stay informed about child welfare issues, opportunities for advocacy, and news from Shelter.
Back-to-School: Supporting Mental Health

Back-to-School: Supporting Mental Health

Academic pressure, social expectations and different environments can trigger a rise in anxiety. Schools are more aware than ever of mental health needs for students, yet there are still things you can do at home to support a strong start to the school year for you and your child’s mental health.

Daily Herald, July 17, 2024

Daily Herald, July 17, 2024

Housing for girls and young women who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking is expected to open next year in Palatine.

Celebrating Pride Month: Reflections from a Child of the 60’s

Celebrating Pride Month: Reflections from a Child of the 60’s

There were several times when my parents had to have crucial but uncomfortable conversations with me – I was a very curious kid, but there was a lot happening, so naturally I had questions about it. The Stonewall Riots sparked the gay rights activism that we celebrate today. Everyone should have the ability to live their lives as we see fit, isn’t that what this country was supposed to be founded upon?

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

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