Shelter Youth & Family Services Embracing 'New Chapter' With Relocation In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — It's already been a big year for Shelter Youth & Family Services as the local nonprofit is in the midst of celebrating 50 years of serving children, youth and families across Illinois. Now, the organization is relocating to 3227 N. Wilke Road, in what it's calling "an exciting new chapter."

Shelter provides emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. The organization prides itself on being the only agency in Illinois offering "such a comprehensive, community-based continuum of care for at-risk children and families."

Since the 1970s, Shelter's offices have been located in the Wheeling Township building at 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights. According to Shelter, staff has increased 50 percent over the last five years, and additional growth is anticipated as programs and services expand. The new space is designed as a collaborative workspace, which Shelter says will foster connection, innovation, and teamwork among staff.

Remaining in Arlington Heights was an "intentional choice" for the organization, having been founded in the village in 1975.

"Arlington Heights is part of Shelter's identity," said Carina H. Santa Maria, chief executive officer at Shelter. "This community has supported us from the beginning, and it’s important that we remain rooted where our mission started."

Santa Maria, who was elected an Arlington Heights Village Board trustee in April, declared her candidacy for the Illinois State Senate in next year's election over the summer.

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In addition to the new headquarters, Shelter Youth & Family Services plans to soon open Illinois' first Department of Children and Family Service-licensed home for youth survivors of human trafficking, expanding critical services for some of the state's most vulnerable young women.

"We're celebrating our history while building for the future," said Lindsay Tintera, board president for Shelter. "This move allows us to better support our staff and expand our reach so that every child and family we serve has the opportunity to thrive."