Shelter Youth & Family Services

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Shelter Youth & Family Services

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Protecting Children, Strengthening Families, Transforming Communities.

10/08/2026

A Little More Comfort. A Lot More Home.

We’re so grateful to Shelby Homes for helping transform our Buckholz Emergency Shelter into an even more welcoming place for the youth we serve.

✨ A beautifully remodeled kitchen
✨ Updated bathrooms
✨ A new trampoline and basketball hoop

These improvements go beyond making the space look better—they help create an environment where young people can feel comfortable, cared for, and proud of the place they call home while they’re with us.

Thank you, Shelby Homes, for helping make Buckholz feel a little more like home.

Learn more about Emergency Shelters and how you can make a difference for a child experiencing crisis or suffering from trauma at https://www.shelter-inc.org/program/emergency-shelters/

10/06/2026

A new chapter has begun at Shelter Youth & Family Services.

Kristen Daniels officially became CEO on October 1, succeeding Carina H. Santa Maria.

Now Kristen is looking ahead to what comes next.

She sees an organization with a strong foundation — one that can continue strengthening the programs our communities depend on while exploring new opportunities to serve children and families.

That also means thinking broadly about the people surrounding a child: parents, caregivers, teachers and the community as a whole.

Strong foundation. New opportunities. And the same commitment to helping young people and families thrive.

Read the full announcement:

https://www.shelter-inc.org/blog/shelter-youth-family-services-names-kristen-daniels-chief-executive-officer

10/05/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and stand together for safety, healing, and justice.

Domestic violence affects the whole family. When violence happens at home, children are impacted too. They are not simply witnesses—they can be survivors of domestic violence themselves, carrying the emotional impact of what they have experienced.

At Shelter, we’re committed to standing alongside survivors. We work to create a future free from violence, where every person can feel safe, respected, supported, and empowered.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our website at shelter-inc.org or call Shelter’s 24-hour referral line: 847-255-8060.

10/03/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew Reahm to Shelter’s Board of Directors!

Matthew brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in operational excellence, transformation, and client experience. As Vice President of Service & Implementation at ADP, he leads teams focused on delivering exceptional experiences for mid-market clients and organizations. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is passionate about leadership, innovation, and making a meaningful difference in the communities he serves.

We’re excited to have Matthew join us and look forward to the perspective, energy, and experience he’ll bring to advancing Shelter’s mission. Welcome, Matthew!

10/01/2026

Our Next Chapter Begins Today!

Kristen Daniels is Shelter's new Chief Executive Officer.

Many of you already know Kristen in her role as Shelter’s Chief Development Officer. Over the past year, she’s been listening, learning, connecting, and building trust across our organization and community.

As Board President Lindsay Tintera shared, “Kristen understands the people, purpose, and programs that make Shelter strong. She also brings the perspective and experience to help us build on that foundation.”

We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead and for this next chapter at Shelter with Kristen at the helm!

Please join us in congratulating Kristen!

Read Full Press Release https://www.shelter-inc.org/blog/shelter-youth-family-services-names-kristen-daniels-chief-executive-officer/

09/30/2026

If you were in a crisis, who would you call?

It's a simple question, but the answer can tell us a lot.

A young person may be popular, involved at school and surrounded by friends and still feel like there is no one they can turn to when something is really wrong.

In this video, Nicole Kawa, Clinical Director at Shelter Youth and Family Services, talks about why meaningful connection matters and why we shouldn't assume that someone is okay simply because everything looks good from the outside.

Sometimes being there starts with making sure a young person knows they are seen.

READ THIS FEATURE @ https://www.shelter-inc.org/blog/shelter-inc-org-blog-suicide-prevention-starts-before-a-crisis/

09/29/2026

A Heart Full of Gratitude

After eight extraordinary years, I’m stepping away from my role as CEO of Shelter Youth & Family Services and beginning a new chapter.

It’s difficult to put eight years into words. What I’ll remember most are the people—the young people and families we serve, the incredible Shelter team, and the donors, volunteers, partners, board members, and friends who believed in this mission and stood beside us every step of the way.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for believing in Shelter. And most of all, thank you for believing in our kids.

I leave with an overwhelmingly grateful heart and so much pride in what we have built together. I’m excited to welcome Kristen Daniels as Shelter’s next CEO, and I know the organization I love so deeply is in wonderful hands.

Although my title is changing, my love for Shelter and its mission is not. I’ll always be one of its loudest champions.

Thank you for eight unforgettable years.

— Carina

09/26/2026

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the families who strengthen our community.

We celebrate the stories, traditions, and values passed down from generation to generation, and the rich cultural heritage that brings us together.

Strong families help build strong communities. When families feel supported, connected, and empowered, they create a foundation where children and communities can thrive.

Learn more about Shelter's work with families at https://www.shelter-inc.org/

09/24/2026

Ask the uncomfortable question.

When we notice a young person struggling, it can be tempting to avoid a difficult conversation because we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Nicole Kawa, Clinical Director at Shelter Youth & Family Services, encourages adults to ask the question and create space for an honest answer.

You don't need to have all the answers to start a conversation. Sometimes, being willing to ask — and truly listen — is an important first step.

Read this featured post @ https://www.shelter-inc.org/blog/shelter-inc-org-blog-suicide-prevention-starts-before-a-crisis/

09/23/2026

JUST ANNOUNCED: Meet Shelter’s new CEO, Kristen Daniels!

We’re excited to share that the Shelter Youth and Family Services Board of Directors has named Kristen Daniels as our next Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026.

Many of you already know Kristen in her role as Shelter’s Chief Development Officer. Over the past year, she’s been listening, learning, connecting, and building trust across our organization and community.

As Board President Lindsay Tintera shared, “Kristen understands the people, purpose, and programs that make Shelter strong. She also brings the perspective and experience to help us build on that foundation.”

We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead and for this next chapter at Shelter with Kristen at the helm!
Please join us in congratulating Kristen!

Read Full Press Release https://www.shelter-inc.org/blog/shelter-youth-family-services-names-kristen-daniels-chief-executive-officer/

Address

3227 N Wilke Road , Suite 150
Arlington Heights, IL
60004

Website

http://www.shelter-inc.org/

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