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December 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:14:28 GMT

December 2025

From the Executive Director

Seeing The Future Through Caring Eyes

The circumstances that bring youth to The Harbour are always challenging. But a stay under our roof can reshape a young person’s perspective. Our staff’s care helps residents to see their lives in a new light. When they are ready to leave us, they often embark on a path they never imagined they could travel.

When Jennifer was a high school senior, her family life became complicated. Teachers and social workers noticed the signs that she was in danger at home. Jennifer was abruptly removed from her family and placed into The Harbour’s emergency care.

Jennifer describes herself at that time as being filled with uncertainty about the present and unable to envision the future. Given how unpredictable things were at home, everyday routines weren’t enforced. Despite already being a skilled musician—having started piano at age three and violin at eight—Jennifer found it difficult to picture any future achievements or possibilities.

“My family had high expectations for me,” she recalls. “But because of the instability we were living through, they couldn’t provide the guidance or follow-through teens usually rely on. Although my teachers encouraged me, at the time, it was difficult to see the value in finishing high school.”

When Jennifer arrived at The Harbour, she found the structure she needed to begin seeing purpose in her life. She was met with clear expectations and boundaries. “I was required to go to bed and wake up at set times. The staff paid attention to whether I had showered and was dressed appropriately. Coming from an unstable environment, I’d never really had the guidance to take care of myself before.”

The Harbour introduced many small but meaningful changes to Jennifer’s daily routine, but one particular support was especially impactful. “The shelter wasn’t near my high school, but every day The Harbour arranged a taxi to take me to school,” Jennifer explains. “I knew that must have been costly. The staff’s effort to get me to school made me realize that it was important to attend class.”

“ Without The Harbour’s support, I might not have gone to college at a typical age or realized I could succeed academically and professionally once I was away from the instability and distractions I faced in high school. Getting help at that moment changed my life trajectory. ”

— Jennifer

Former Client

“Today I volunteer at The Harbour’s emergency shelter. I sort donations and organize the space so youth have easy access to clothes, bedding, toiletries, etc. During my stay, the “closet” I chose clothes from was a black construction bag in the basement. The new shelter definitely provides a more dignified environment for the youth. It feels meaningful to contribute to making it an even nicer space.”

The Harbour’s staff envisions a bright future for every resident. We hope empathy serves as a guiding light, helping them recognize their own potential and embrace the opportunities they have truly earned.

A Memorable Moment

Food insecurity is a real challenge for many youth who enter The Harbour. Recently, when SNAP benefits were paused and eligibility rules changed, several residents suddenly faced a crisis. The Harbour stepped in to cover the loss of grocery subsidies, so no young person went without food. This support is in addition to the $40k we budget annually for groceries.

In all our residential programs, The Harbour provides daily meals while teaching youth essential life skills such as budgeting, shopping, and cooking. Many youth come from backgrounds shaped by trauma, and navigating group living can be difficult. Our Youth Development Specialists (YDS) work every day to create a home-like environment where youth feel safe, supported, and comfortable communicating.

Small moments like these happen every day in stable homes. For the young people we serve, this moment of connection and community was something worth celebrating. A special weekly group meal is planned by youth and we are focusing on meeting their requests for additional grocery items. Interested in sponsoring this meal? Information is below.

How Can You Support The Harbour?

There are many ways to help us advance our mission to end youth homelessness and provide safe, stable shelter for the young people in our care. In addition to making a donation, you can support our Shop the Shelter program, which focuses on meeting essential monthly needs in our residential programs. You can also get involved as a volunteer .

To learn more:

Explore donation opportunities here .
Discover volunteer opportunities here .
Support our Shop the Shelter program here .
Underwrite a youth-planned group meal by contributing here .

September 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:36:12 GMT

September 2025

From the Executive Director

Employment Skill-Building with Blue Star Partners Empowers Harbour Residents

Even professionals who have aced multiple job interviews sometimes get butterflies before a big opportunity. The right preparation ensures that, despite the nerves, you’ll look and sound confident. New job seekers typically enlist the help of a parent or someone more experienced to lead them through the employment process.

Youth who have been homeless are unlikely to have a trusted guide to explain the basics of a job search. Without this valuable support, acquiring the skills to secure an interview and stand out in a competitive market is a significant challenge.

Recently, members of the Harbour’s Board of Directors stepped in to offer their insight and help our residents access expert advice to prepare for their next important career move. Board member Robert Malench, Managing Partner of Blue Star Partners, generously arranged for representatives from his consultancy to present an employment search workshop for our youth.

Blue Star specializes in talent search and leadership development. “As experts in executive placement, recruitment, and a wide range of human resources and management services, Blue Star Partners brought a wealth of experience to our community. We were delighted that our residents had the opportunity to benefit from their expertise,” said Executive Director Melody Rose.

“ Welcoming Blue Star to The Harbour was a significant experience for our residents. The consultants shared valuable insights on professionalism, career readiness, and future planning. They guided our group through every stage of the job search process—from finding the right opportunities and crafting effective resumes to understanding interview etiquette and following up with potential employers. ”

— Rebecca

Youth Development Counselor

Acquiring the skills to earn a living wage is critical for building a strong and independent life. Blue Star Partners brought our residents closer to that goal. “Being homeless presents barriers to employment that most people do not fully understand,” Rebecca observes. “For example, without a permanent address, obtaining critical documents like a Social Security card can be a high hurdle. It becomes a challenging cycle to break.”

The Harbour’s case management services provide that intervention. With help from our donors, volunteers, and other community groups, we empower residents to take control of their futures.

Barrier to Employment for Homeless Youth

Lack of a Permanent Address and Documentation —Employers often require a permanent address and identification documents (such as a Social Security card).
Transportation Challenges —Without reliable transportation, homeless youth struggle to attend interviews and maintain regular work attendance, limiting their ability to secure and keep jobs.
Discrimination —Homeless youth face both conscious and unconscious biases from potential employers.
Educational and Work Experience Gaps —Disrupted schooling and limited prior job experience reduce competitiveness in the job market.
Mental Health and Trauma —Many homeless youth cope with mental health issues and past trauma that affect their ability to secure and sustain employment.
Loss of Benefits —Transitioning to employment can lead to losing critical government benefits before financial stability is achieved.

Despite these challenges, research shows that access to job readiness programs, mentorship, and comprehensive support services significantly improves employment outcomes for homeless youth, helping them break the cycle of homelessness and build stable futures.

Powered by Generosity—The Dewan Foundation Champions The Harbour’s Green Future

Going green is good for people and better for our planet, but the transition to more energy-efficient living can also be extremely expensive. When the Dewan Foundation, a long-time partner and donor to The Harbour, proposed supporting the installation of solar panels at our residences, their generous offer was eagerly accepted.

The Harbour is proud to be a Dewan Foundation grantee since 2006. The foundation was established by John and Sue Dewan in 2000 with a focus on addressing poverty through education, stable housing, community development, and green energy.

In January 2024, Dewan realigned its priorities. The shift was made “in response to the current political climate and the increasing uncertainty surrounding future renewable energy funding.” Beginning in 2025, the Foundation began prioritizing solar projects. They believe that “the long-term savings from green energy will far exceed what they are able to provide through their traditional grant program.”

The foundation gives this example of the impact of this transition. “One of our partners, currently in the process of implementing solar, received a $2,000 grant in 2024 from the Dewan Foundation. Instead of a traditional grant in 2025, we are providing $200,000 in funding to support their solar installation. We have approximately $2 million available to support our grant partners.”

“We are thrilled to be beneficiaries of this program,” said Kelli-Ann Alcott, Director of Operations. “Without the Dewan Foundation, this project would not have been possible. The Foundation has absorbed the cost of the installation, and we can look forward to incredible future savings from being able to supply our own electricity.”

“Dewan Solar guided us through the weeks of complex planning that led up to the installation of panels at Staffire House on July 23,” Kelli-Ann said. “The work will begin at Safe Harbour House in mid-August.”

Dewan Solar, the Foundation’s lead on this initiative, partners with nonprofits such as The Harbour and other organizations serving low-income and equal justice communities. They oversee the entire installation process—handling everything from initial analysis and contract negotiations to financial arrangements and final buildout. Their expertise and resources made each step of the work plan seamless and efficient, enabling The Harbour’s team to concentrate effort where their experience is most needed.

“This was a complex project with many moving parts,” said Kelli-Ann. “Harbour board member, Martha Spatz, played a key role in championing the initiative. As an architect with deep expertise in sustainable design and green building practices, she brought invaluable insight to the process. Martha joined us for our weekly meetings, offering thoughtful advice and constant encouragement. We are deeply grateful for her guidance and unwavering support.”

“Our new solar panels are an example of how nonprofits, funders, and individuals can work together to create positive change,” said Melody Rose, The Harbour’s executive director. “By making our residences more energy-efficient, we’re helping build healthier communities in Schaumburg and Park Ridge. The cost savings will allow us to direct more resources toward the well-being of our residents. We’re honored to be part of the Dewan Foundation’s mission to promote the benefits of solar energy.”

“Our donors’ generosity is always appreciated, but at a time when many nonprofits are struggling, support from our constituents is more meaningful than ever.”

March 2026 Newsletter

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:28:48 GMT

March 2026

From the Executive Director

Introducing Henley House

A Sunny Home Meets an Urgent Need and Provides a Model for Success

A historic Glenview bungalow is finding new purpose and fulfilling an urgent community need. In early March, the property, recently christened as Henley House, welcomed its first young Harbour residents.

“Opening Henley House is a wonderful opportunity,” said The Harbour’s executive director, Melody Rose. “About a year ago, we lost the funding to support one of our two Youth in Transition residences. It was quite a blow. The Youth in Transition Program is a long-standing and much-needed initiative. It provides 2 years of safe housing, and critical case management services to youth experiencing homelessness ages 17 to 24.”

"We were pressed to find a single-family home in a highly competitive market. Orchard Village, a Skokie non-profit that supports people with developmental disabilities, had been operating the bungalow as a congregate home for adult men and decided to sell. Realtors, who are also longtime Harbour supporters, stepped in. They purchased the property specifically to lease it back to us. This was a classic win-win situation. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

Expanding Safety and Shelter

The residence immediately adds five beds to the Youth in Transition program. Two large rooms serve as doubles, joined by a more traditional single and space for overnight staff. The house may not be featured in next month’s Architectural Digest, but the spacious, sun-drenched interior is perfect to meet The Harbour’s needs. With a sturdy brick structure, built-in bookshelves, and a few modern features like solar panels, it blends vintage character with up-to-date convenience.

And, as the old real estate mantra goes, location, location, location. Situated near Harlem, the house is easily accessible by both bus lines and the Metra, giving residents better access to jobs and educational opportunities than many suburban sites can offer. In a region where it’s increasingly difficult to find landlords willing to rent single-family homes to agencies rather than individuals, Henley checks all the boxes.

A Space for Residents to Make Their Own

Navigating Economic Uncertainty

Henley House reflects a very intentional strategy. After losing funding for one Youth in Transition residence, Harbour leadership restructured funding resources so that no program relies on a single grant. With only two federal grants in the portfolio, the organization is somewhat insulated from the turmoil currently rocking other housing providers, although we are closely monitoring the private funding environment.

The Glenview expansion represents a model The Harbour hopes to replicate. Leasing allows the economy of increasing beds without having to construct a new building or dramatically expand staff. It’s the same mindset behind host homes and other low-infrastructure solutions. The organization can meet a grossly underserved need for youth housing in the region while staying nimble in an unpredictable funding landscape.

“My hope for The Harbour,” Melody explained, “is that we continue to build on youth and staff engagement as we create a culture for each house and shape the organization for what it needs to be today. I see our ability to open a second Youth in Transition house as incredible momentum during this very challenging time. We have the opportunity to go beyond being a service provider. We can become leaders in youth housing.”

“ For over 55 years, The Harbour has always found a way to serve more young people, and that's what we're going to keep doing. When the Board asks me how many beds I want, my answer is always ‘more.’ Kids on the street can’t wait for everything to be perfect. That's why a scalable model is so important. With the right resource investment, we can move quickly and continue The Harbour’s legacy of safety and shelter, especially when it is most urgently needed. ”

— Melody Rose, LCSW

The Harbour Executive Director

Saraya Miller—Empowering Self and Community

The Spirit of Youth Leadership

A shelter offers safety. A voice ignites change. At The Harbour, we are committed to both. We provide youth with a refuge from danger, and we help them build the confidence to care for themselves and, with time and practice, become mentors and guides for others. Our Youth Leadership Award is a testament to that vision.

We are proud to honor Saraya Miller as the 2026 recipient. Saraya’s courage to be their own advocate inspired them to become a voice for others.

“When I first met Saraya,” explained Executive Director Melody Rose, “They were a Harbour resident who wanted to discuss an issue directly with me—and I was glad they did. When a young person has feedback or wants to share something about themselves, I want to listen. I love seeing that kind of confidence, and I was truly impressed by the thoughtfulness Saraya brought to our conversation.”

“At the end of our talk,” Saraya recalls, “Melody suggested that I could be an asset to The Harbour’s new Youth Advisory Board (YAB). I applied for membership and was accepted. Today, I serve as the YAB consultant. I also have a new job and my own apartment—life is going really well.”

A Passion for Advocacy

The YAB is an opportunity for current residents and graduates of The Harbour programs to explore their potential for leadership and advocacy. The YAB’s 10 participants are a voice of experience. They contribute their perspectives on our mission to support homeless youth and their ideas about how we can fulfill that commitment more effectively.

“I love being part of the YAB,” Saraya says. “It’s inspiring to collaborate with other youth, learn about their needs and interests, and explore how they want to support The Harbour. Our current project focuses on creating resource flyers for people in need on the South Side of Chicago. One of our members pointed out that it’s often easier to find housing, food, and other critical resources on the North Side, so we’re compiling a list of South Side nonprofits to help improve access in those neighborhoods.”

“ I’ve always cared about community organizing and standing up for other young people. Receiving the Youth Leadership Award makes me feel like I’ve truly earned the title of activist. It’s also a moment for me to reflect on everyone I’m working with and realize that we’re all in this together. I really feel like I’m part of something bigger . ”

An Inclusive Approach

Saraya’s approach to leadership is one that many older, more experienced people in the corner office could learn from. “A leader,” they said, “is someone who listens to everyone’s viewpoints and organizes them effectively. In the YAB, we make decisions together about which activities to pursue—everyone’s voice matters. Being a leader isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about bringing people together. When someone disagrees, we want to hear their perspective. The YAB has those conversations often, and if we can’t reach a solution during a meeting, we’ll put a pin in the discussion and revisit it next time—or sometimes take a vote.”

"If there is a closed-minded person in the group, it's important to show them options and possibilities. Everybody's at a different place in life. You need to be still and give people the chance to learn while you're working with them. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I think that applies to almost everything. If you're just telling people what to do and not hearing their opinions, that's not really a leader. That's an entirely different role.”

Inspiration From Mentors and Guides

Saraya is quick to recognize the leaders who have guided them along the way. “Jane Shea Mannard, The Harbour’s Community Outreach Coordinator, and M. Nelson at Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness have made a huge impact,” Saraya says. “They’ve opened so many doors for me and helped me figure out what I want to do with my life. On March 12, Jane Shea and I are attending the National Summit on Youth Homelessness and Hill Day in Washington, D.C.”

“I’ll meet other young people who are organizing or doing work similar to mine. One session I’m especially interested in focuses on LGBTQ youth who have experienced homelessness and PTSD. I’ve faced some of those same challenges, and I’m really looking forward to learning from others and sharing my own experiences.”

Looking to the Future

Saraya has a full plate. In addition to there work with The Harbour, they volunteer with the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness and works for Bash Kids Club, an afterschool program for students at Hamilton Elementary. The program is energetic and hands on, offering group activities, snacks, and meaningful community connections. “We stay with the kids until their parents pick them up,” Saraya says. “It’s really nice because I get to connect with them one-on-one.”

Looking ahead, Saraya hopes to return to school to pursue their passion for social work and community organizing. “I want to eventually start my own nonprofit,” they explain. “Right now, I’m figuring out which classes and degree will best help me get there.”

The arts are another constant inspiration for Saraya. They hope to reinvigorate their creative side through painting and poetry—two mediums that help them express themself and recharge. “I love connecting with people and doing this work,” Saraya says. “Advocacy makes me feel grounded. It ties me to my ancestors, my heritage, and my identity. No matter where my career takes me, I’ll always be fighting for my community and for what’s right.”

We’re confident the Youth Leadership Award marks only the beginning of what will be an exciting, impactful journey. Congratulations, Saraya!

June 2026 Newsletter

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:21:58 GMT

June 2026

From the Executive Director

Harbour Board Member Advocates for Youth Health and Community Engagement

Seeking Long-Term Solutions

“One of my ongoing challenges is figuring out how our residents can offer sustained community support instead of just a series of one‑off efforts,” Dr. Stock explains. “Health fairs and outreach events matter, but I’m always looking for ways our team can serve on a long‑term, consistent basis and weave public health into the everyday life of our surrounding neighborhoods. Our work with The Harbour is a strong step in that direction.”

Advocate residents visit the shelter every Wednesday afternoon. Newly arrived youth complete an assessment that summarizes their general health and any potential exposure to communicable diseases.

“We review the form together,” Dr. Stock explains. “For some young people, it opens the door to a longer conversation. They’re looking for someone who will really listen, and they begin to share their medical history and even the circumstances that led them to the shelter. Others limit the dialogue to the questions on the page, and that’s okay. We know this moment can be overwhelming. They’ve just arrived at The Harbour and are navigating multiple life changes. They may not be ready to trust us or any adults. We respect that vulnerability.”

Reshaping Awareness/Inspiring Activism

“ A lot of my teaching involves being a role model. My involvement and commitment to this work motivate medical residents to keep learning and serving marginalized patients. The shelter is geographically close, but most people barely know it exists. Residents tell me these visits are eye‑opening. My hope is that the care they provide leaves a mark—and that they carry this experience into their professional lives, whether through volunteering or similar service. ”

— Dr. Megan Stock, MD., M.P.H

The Harbour Board of Directors

Dr. Stock sees outreach as a core part of her Board role. “One of my biggest responsibilities is spreading the word about The Harbour’s mission,” she explains. “Once people understand what we do, they get excited and want to help. That awareness also makes us better physicians. We learn to ask about housing stability, food security, and support systems. It opens our eyes to the reality that youth homelessness is happening right here in our own community. You can look away, or you can choose to see it, ask how you can help, and make a difference—no matter how big or small.”

Physical, Mental, and Health Risks for Homeless Youth

Youth homelessness is not just a housing issue. It’s a layered health care challenge impacting nutrition, chronic disease, trauma, and access to care. These facts tell the story.

Homeless youth face high rates of malnutrition and hunger  because they lack steady access to nutritious food, which weakens immunity and harms growth and development.
Living on the streets or in crowded shelters exposes youth to infectious diseases such as flu, pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS.
Chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension often go untreated or poorly controlled due to lack of insurance, transportation, and regular care.
In one study,  26% of young adults experiencing long‑term homelessness reported a physical health condition , compared with 16% of those with shorter episodes.
Homeless youth are far more likely to experience sexual violence and coercion  and to report pregnancy or getting someone pregnant, sometimes at rates ten times higher than housed teens.
In a Michigan study, only  37% of homeless youth had seen a doctor or nurse in the past year , compared with 76% of housed youth, underscoring major barriers to basic healthcare.
Homeless high school students are more than twice as likely as housed peers to go to school hungry; in one survey,  33% had skipped breakfast in the past week versus 14% of housed youth.

Support to The Harbour keeps young people in our community safe. We are grateful to volunteers, like Dr. Stock, and to our donors for their commitment to our youth.