Child's Valentine Responds to State Cuts: "I feel safe when I go to sleep"

The children in the emergency shelter of the Wheaton, IL-based Family Shelter Service recently made valentines for Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner that sent a painful message: “Where would they go if there wasn’t a Family Shelter Service?”

The moms willingly volunteered their kids for the project when they learned that Family Shelter Service, along with other social service organizations, will likely face major funding cuts from the State of Illinois this year.

One valentine in particular said it best: “I like shelter because I feel safe when I go to sleep at night. I am away from all the bad stuff.”

Serving DuPage County and dedicated to helping families fleeing domestic violence, Family Shelter Service provided 13,000 nights in shelter last year alone. In that same time, Family Shelter Service hotline counselors answered nearly 12,000 calls from victims -- as well as concerned individuals and local law enforcement. When they needed an Order of Protection last year, nearly 1,100 people had a Family Shelter Service court advocate by their side.

Family Shelter Service Executive Director Judie Caribeaux discussed the potential impact on communities across Illinois. “Social service organizations make up a vital network in each of our communities where the most vulnerable can get help. The people we serve have short-term needs: a chance to get back on their feet and plan for a safer future. With nowhere to go, a short-term problem can become a chronic one.”