Arlington Heights, IL – April 22, 2026 – Shelter Youth & Family Services (Shelter) is leading a community-wide effort this April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, launching its “Be the Spark of Hope” campaign to raise awareness, inspire action, and generate critical funding to help end the cycle of child abuse.
As a child abuse prevention agency, Shelter works year-round to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities across Chicago’s northwest suburbs through prevention, early intervention, and crisis response.
“Before dreams can begin, children need safety,” said Shelter Youth & Family Services CEO Carina H. Santa Maria. “Prevention is where possibility starts. This month is about bringing our community together to understand that we all have a role to play in creating safe, stable, and hopeful futures for children.”
Key facts about how child abuse affects thousands of families across the Chicago region:
- In Illinois, there were over 96,000 child abuse and neglect investigations involving more than 147,000 children in 2024.
- The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) serves thousands of families annually through prevention, protection, and reunification programs
- Children under three face the highest risk of fatal abuse.
- Abuse and neglect are more prevalent in communities facing economic stress, though they occur across all demographics.
Shelter wants the community to know that everyone can help prevent child abuse. Please see their website for ways to identify warning signs and for other relevant resources.
Be the Spark of Hope Campaign & Community Activation
Throughout April, Shelter and other community members, partners, and local businesses are coming together to raise awareness through storytelling, grassroots fundraising, and visible awareness efforts – including pinwheel displays across local businesses and public spaces. These blue pinwheels serve as a national symbol of the safe, supported childhood every child deserves.
A key component of the campaign is a matching gift challenge sponsored by Martin Law, LLC, which will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, doubling the impact of community support.
“At Martin Law, we believe every child deserves a safe and stable environment to grow and thrive,” said Jeffrey E. Martin, managing partner, Martin Law, LLC. Attorney, Shauna Martin added, “In our capacity as attorneys and parents, Martin Law is proud to support.”
Shelter’s Annual Gala Raises Critical Funds; Sheriff Tom Dart Honored
Earlier this month, Shelter hosted its 2026 Gala: Where Dreams Begin at Chevy Chase Country Club, bringing together community leaders, partners, and advocates to support children and families in crisis. The event raised nearly $250,000 – marking a record-breaking year and a powerful testament to the organization’s growth and the strength of community support.
A highlight of the evening was a $50,000 matching gift from the Z Zurich Foundation during the paddle raise, which helped amplify donor generosity and drive critical funding for Shelter’s programs.
During the event, Shelter presented the Buckholz Award, named after Shelter founder and police officer, Paul Buckholz, to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart in recognition of his leadership in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable youth. Sheriff Dart is leading progress in Illinois, advocating for victims, and building widespread awareness of how these crimes are impacting local communities.
“When a child feels safe, supported, and truly believed in, a spark of possibility is ignited and they can begin to dream again,” Santa Maria stated to attendees during the gala.
Open House & Ribbon Cutting to Welcome the Community
Shelter will continue its Child Abuse Prevention Month activities by welcoming the community to a special Open House & Ribbon Cutting on:
– Wednesday, April 29 | 4:00–6:00 PM- Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 PM
In partnership with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, the open house will feature remarks from Arlington Heights Mayor, Jim Tinaglia, and attendance is expected to include Chamber Board members, local trustees, and community leaders.
Guests are invited to step inside Shelter’s work through interactive, themed program spaces, showcasing services such as:
- Emergency shelter
- Foster care
- Mental health and clinical services
- Family support and prevention programs
The event will also feature Shelter’s newest initiative – a therapeutic home for survivors of human trafficking, opening soon and beginning to accept referrals. Community members will have the opportunity to meet staff and learn how this specialized program provides safe housing and trauma-informed care for some of the most vulnerable youth in our region.
“Opening our doors during Child Abuse Prevention Month is a powerful reminder that this work belongs to the entire community,” Santa Maria added. “When people see the impact firsthand, they understand how they can be part of the solution.”
A Year-Round Commitment to Prevention
For more than 50 years, Shelter Youth & Family Services has provided a comprehensive continuum of care, serving youth and families through emergency housing, foster care, home visiting, clinical services, and support for survivors of human trafficking.
While April shines a spotlight on prevention, Shelter’s mission remains constant: ensuring every child has the opportunity to feel safe, heal, and build a future filled with possibility.
Get Involved
Community members are encouraged to support Child Abuse Prevention Month by:
- Donating to the Be the Spark of Hope campaign
- Participating in local awareness efforts
- Attending the April 29 Open House & Ribbon Cutting
To learn more or contribute, visit: https://www.shelter-inc.org/bethespark/
About Shelter Youth & Family Services
http://www.shelter-inc.org/
Founded in 1975, Shelter is a Chicagoland leader in delivering emotional and physical care to youth in crisis. Shelter provides emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, support for survivors of human trafficking, and clinical support services. It is the only agency in Illinois offering such a comprehensive, community-based continuum of care for at-risk children and families.
Media Contacts
Christine Roerig, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Shelter Youth & Family Services
croerig@shelter-inc.org
847.595.0131
Jason Sherman
SHERMAN communications & marketing, inc.
M: 773-960-8351
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