A mission of hope: The Harbour provides emergency housing and services to youth experiencing homelessness to promote their safety, stability, and personal growth.
Dear Friends
I’m thrilled to present our FY24 report and to express my appreciation for your incredible support which helps us Make a House a Home!
Our last fiscal year was marked by a Board commitment to strengthen The Harbour’s financial and programmatic future. One year ago, we experienced devastating delays in payments from our state funders, threatening significant cuts to our staffing and services. As a result, we launched the “Make A House A Home” campaign – a $125,000 match campaign fueled by anonymous donors. You heard our Call to Action and responded in record time – we met the match goal in just four months, for a total of $250,000 in new revenue!
In addition to providing stability, this wave of strong donor support sparked significant growth. We were able to serve 10% more youth through our direct housing services, double our emergency hotel voucher program for youth 18-24, and expand our community outreach efforts by over 30%. One sobering statistic is the increased number of days of care – jumping 33%. This reflects our commitment to keep youth in our programs until a stable living situation is identified; sadly, stable housing is in short supply. These statistics only tell a part of the story. Behind each
number, are the lived experiences of the youth that we served. In this report, you will find a snapshot of the multitude of unique stories.
In FY24, our Board completed a strategic planning process, adopting our first post-Covid strategic plan, which laid out our aspirational goals for fiscal years 2024-2026. Four pillars were articulated which are reflected in this annual report – Facility, Program, Financial, and Stakeholder Health.
In a year of so many highlights, we are especially grateful for the generosity of Nora Judae, a donor who left a significant legacy gift that allowed us to launch our Art Therapy Program. Youth have responded with enthusiasm, meeting twice a month since April in groups led by partner Open Studio Project.
Our gratitude extends to all our donors and partners whose generosity helps us meet our mission to end youth homelessness. With your investment we are moving youth from homeless to housed – thank you!
In gratitude,
Melody Rose, Executive Director
When we learned that The Harbour was facing potential staffing and program cuts, we committed to investing in The Harbour’s mission. Our motivation to support The Harbour is our belief that their mission is critical in supporting youth who have few advocates. The Harbour’s advocacy, shelter and support services are key in ‘leveling the playing field’ for unhoused youth. It takes a village to succeed and that’s what happened with the match campaign. What a success when everyone comes together!
ANONYMOUS MATCH DONORS Make a House a Home Campaign
our mission
The Harbour provides emergency housing and services to youth experiencing homelessness to promote their safety, stability and personal growth. Every day we empower young people to be self-sufficient through safe housing and support services to prevent and break the cycle of homelessness.
IMPAC T POINTS
100% of our Successful Teens Ef fective Parents program par ticipants have a health plan and access to medical care
100% of our Youth in Transition Program par ticipants were discharged to a safe and st able situation
86% of youth placed in our emergency shelter did not miss a day of school while in our care
DEMOGR APHI CS
18½ AVER AGE AGE OF YOUTH
19 DAYS AVER AGE SHELTER STAY
17 MONTHS AVER AGE STAY IN COMMUNITY TR ANSITIONAL HOUSING
PRIMARY FA CT ORS FO R HOUSING INSTABILIT Y IN 2024 : W HO WE SERV E
Nearly 115 youth last year - and over 5,250 over 53 years.
skill-building programs
By 2026, we are recognized as a leader in our space for program quality and as a destination for partners and volunteers. 2024 Strategic Plan Goal
For over 50 years, The Harbour has been a safe haven for youth ages 12 to 23. We provide resources and support for our participants to heal from trauma, discover self-confidence, and learn to build healthy relationships. Most importantly, we empower youth to achieve their potential. The Harbour provides shelter and support for teens and youth. But our most significant contribution is giving our residents the opportunity to become the adults they would like to be. The Harbour’s services include:
•Therapeutic case management
•Clinical support groups
•Educational support
• Skills training in these areas:
Parenting
Employment
Financial literacy such as budgeting and cash management
Sexuality and health education
Alex’s Journey to Acceptance and Independence
When Alex found the courage to come out to his mother, she refused to accept his chosen identity. At 18 years old, Alex found himself both homeless and longing for a place where he could be his true self.
The Harbour was there to provide immediate shelter and a welcoming community. Participating in our Youth in Transition Program, Alex learned critical life skills like money management, emotional regulation, and how to search for and maintain a job.
The Harbour was an opportunity to begin his journey to adulthood and independence on stable footing. After two years, Alex graduated from the program. Now he has an apartment of his own. The Harbour was a bridge that gave him a safe passage toward living his identity and his future life successfully.
Art Therapy Through Open Studio Project
As the result of a generous bequest from Nora Judae, in April 2024, we partnered with Open Studio Project to launch an art therapy program. OSP brings art to individuals for personal growth, social and emotional learning, and community well-being. Their facilitators are trained and licensed in clinical counseling and art therapy.
Youth meet twice a month. They enjoy the comfortable, pressure-free atmosphere to create art in a variety of mediums.
Art making is an emotional outlet; a place to explore experiences, ideas, relationships, and feelings. Creativity helps to strengthen self-esteem, process trauma, enhance communication skills, regulate emotions, and develop healthy perspectives. We are deeply grateful to Nora and her lasting legacy. Youth will benefit from this program for years to come.
All The Harbour’s activities are directed toward helping young people achieve permanent, stable housing, and build positive relationships.
Dayana Erner was the 2024 recipient of our Youth Leadership Award. She accepted the award at our March, 2024 benefit.
welcoming facilities
By 2026, we are maximizing the opportunity for our facilities to serve the needs of our programs and constituents. 2024 Strategic Plan Goal
Safe environments alone aren’t enough. The Harbour offers more than shelter. We create a welcoming space where residents can heal and thrive.
While our shelters may not be a permanent home, they should feel like one. Our facilities incorporate the principles of our valued partner, Designs for Dignity, an organization that is committed to providing restorative environments and promoting wellness of the human spirit. Lighting, texture, color, and comfort are among the elements of trauma-informed design that are considered during the renovation process.
Updates to our facilities ensure that the value we place on our residents is reflected in their surroundings. During FY24, we received a grant from the Village of Schaumburg. This funding allowed us to plan for a major kitchen renovation at Staffire House. We were also able to replace all the furniture at our Niles locations.
The Harbour welcome bags are another way we demonstrate our concern for each resident. Incoming youth can choose from a variety of products to create an individualized personal care kit. And our experienced and compassionate staff are on hand to orient new visitors and help them settle in upon arrival.
Residential Programs in Supervised Group Living and Independent Apartments
All residential programs include: Housing, case management and supportive services, and access to health care and meals.
Youth in Transition Up to 18 months of housing in three-to-four-bedroom single-family homes for youth ages 16 to 23.
Emergency Shelter An 8-bedroom house (accommodates 10 youth) where runaway, locked out or homeless youth ages 12 to 20 receive short-term services.
Survivors of Trafficking Up to 24 months of housing for youth ages 18 to 23.
Youth in Care Youth referred through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services can enter this program as early as 17 and stay until age 21.
Successful Teen/Effective Parents (STEPS) Independent apartments and services for pregnant and parenting youth ages 16 to 23.
Casey’s Transition to Safety and Care
Casey and her mother fought constantly. Her home life was full of conflict. To prevent Casey from seeing friends who she thought were a bad influence, her mother withdrew her from high school. The tension between the two escalated until Casey’s mother locked her out of the house.
Fortunately, The Harbour provided a solution. When Casey arrived at Safe Harbour House, our team swung into action. They coordinated with community partner agencies and located Casey’s father in another state. After several weeks of planning, reunification meetings, and phone calls, The Harbour facilitated Casey’s legal transition to her father’s home. Now she can make her next transition to adulthood in a supportive and loving environment.
Staffire House kitchen renovation
strengthening relationships
By 2026, we will build robust internal systems for holistic employee recruitment, development, and retention. 2024 Strategic Plan goal
Strong organizations are characterized by networks of care and community. Internal and external relationship building enhances The Harbour’s ability to provide quality services.
Staff Development
The Harbour’s facilities offer material comfort, but our staff provides critical emotional support to our young residents. Their empathy, compassion, and guidance promotes confidence and personal growth.
Our team’s ability to deliver those values depends on a healthy organizational culture that emphasizes trust, transparency, and communication. These FY24 highlights demonstrate that we are moving in the right direction.
• Forty-two percent of staff have three years or more of employment at The Harbour.
• Compensation, particularly for front-line staff, continued to improve.
• We prioritized communication by utilizing staff circles for conflict resolution and streamlined our staff emergency contact process.
As an employee of The Harbour for 30 years, I continue to celebrate being part of a team of colleagues that show up for the “heart” work in support of homeless youth.
ELOUISE SPENCER , Residential Advisor
The Harbour also prioritizes relationship building with youth and community.
Youth Advisory Board
I joined the YAB because after going through the entire Harbour process and realizing how valuable and life-changing the program is, I wanted to continue to be part of it. YAB gave me a chance to help better the program as it grows and goes on to help many more for, hopefully, many years to come.
The Harbour’s former and current residents can contribute to our mission in a variety of important ways. To tap their expertise, in the spring of 2024, we formed a nine-member Youth Advisory Board. The group, which includes representatives of all programs, will inform program planning and policies. They will also have an opportunity to develop their own leadership skills. We look forward to a productive and innovative collaboration.
Staff relationships with youth are designed to support their interests and growth. Staff members Becca and Britt joined other Harbour staff at the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade in June.
strengthening relationships
Community Outreach
Homelessness across Chicago is increasing. The City’s Point-in-Time count reports that on January 25, 2024, there were approximately 18,836 people experiencing homelessness, up three-fold from 2023. A survey conducted by the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall reports that in Chicago only 150 beds are available for youth 18-25 and less than 30 beds are available for young people 18 or younger.
A significant part of The Harbour’s mission is to raise awareness about this problem and to promote access to our services for youth in need. The following outreach events were part of that effort in 2024.
• In November 2023, The Harbour organized Light the Night to highlight the pressing issue of youth homelessness. Nearly 75 community members joined us to bring awareness of the need. The event’s national organizers recognized our efforts by honoring The Harbour with the Youth Commitment Award.
• We delivered 64 community outreach presentations to civic, municipal, and service organizations, an increase of 30% over the previous year.
We are proud to partner with The Harbour and help them to promote their work to the community. Our partnership with them is a natural fit, given our shared work to serve as a resource for teens and young adults. We look forward to continuing to do what we can to help them fulfill their mission of providing services and support for teens experiencing homelessness and other challenges.
JOANNA BERTUCCI, Director, Park Ridge Library
The Sears Tower “went green” in 2023 in recognition of Light the Night, the national day that brings attention to the issue of homeless and runaway youth
strategizing for the future
Over recent years, The Harbour has accomplished key objectives such as building a new shelter and strengthening finances. In FY24, we completed a thoughtful process of examining our vision and goals against the current and future needs of the community. We developed a new strategic plan that will govern our priorities over the next three to five years. This document is not just academic, it includes projects and activities with measurable outcomes, which the board will monitor closely. We are confident that this framework will position The Harbour to serve the growing needs of youth in our communities.
Savio Lobo, Board Co-Chair
Expanding our network of strategic partners is a key goal in our Strategic Plan. One of these valued partnerships is with Lutheran General Hospital physicians who conduct health screenings at the emergency shelter.
The Harbour takes pride in creating welcoming spaces, like this study area, at Safe Harbour House.
strategizing for the future
While the pandemic stressed our resources in multiple ways, it also had lessons to teach us for the future. FY24 was an opportunity to apply that knowledge. The board and leadership completed an 18-month strategic planning process in February.
We explored these four pillars of our organization: Facilities, Programs, Stakeholders, and Finances. Goals through FY26 were developed in each area. Our goals are highlighted under each heading of this report. Below are the related initiatives we prioritized to strengthen our organization’s health.
Programs
• Develop measures to promote continuous quality improvement.
• Grow community-based services and learning opportunities.
• Expand a network of strategic partners.
• Create a licensing strategy for each facility.
Facilities
• Measure, evaluate, and enhance the quality of our facilities.
• Plan for the capacity and expansion of independent living programs.
• Plan to utilize underdeveloped space at Harbour House.
Stakeholders: Workplace Culture
• Create professional development paths and a culture of learning.
• Build a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Foster a work environment that values holistic health and well-being.
Finances
• Broaden the base of support by pursuing non-governmental funders.
• Create a model for funding capital projects.
• Build reserves.
The Harbour staff celebrate a day of team building. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.
financial report FY24
giving that makes an impact
$25,000+
Anonymous
Anonymous
Frawley Family Foundation
Nora Judae
The Chicago Community Trust
VNA Foundation
$10,000+
Andrew & Alice Fischer Charitable Trust
Anonymous
Anonymous
Boeing Employee Contributions Fund
Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation
Evanston Community Foundation
David Studenmund and Joan Habinek
The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation
Village Treasure House
$5,000+
Walter J. and Edith E. Best Foundation
20th Century Club
Aileen S. Andrew Foundation
Altar’d State
American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Inc.
Chicago Foundation For Women Entact, LLC
Rob and Karyn Malench
Microsoft
Nordstrom Cares
Russell Johnson Foundation
Savio Lobo
Gene Servillo and Rosie Rees
Laura Smilingyte
Martha Spatz and Paul Knight
The Reichert Foundation
The Webb Foundation
Rebecca and Robert Weisheit
Sean and Lauren Willett
Mindy and Walter Winkel
Winnetka Congregational Church
$2,500+
4S Bay Partners
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Coyne and Company Insurance
The John and Susan Dewan Foundation
Domino Amjet Inc
Dean and Laura Egerter
George M. Eisenberg Foundation
Finnegan Family Foundation
First Bank Chicago
Hagerty Consulting, Inc
Impact 100 ITW
Rose F. and Alice M. Koffend Foundation
Andrew and Jacqueline Koglin
Lutheran General Hospital ER Staff
Northfield Community Church
Park Ridge Community Fund, Inc.
Lesley and Chris Prestegaard
Eric Reside and Susan Lester
Joseph and Cynthia Tauber
Women for Evanston Youth
$1,000+
Christ Church United Church of Christ
Catherine Collins
Dr. Andrew and Laura Dahlem
Mary and Adam Davis
Erika Dill
EAB Solutions, Inc
Sabrina and Anthony Erangey
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Fisher Management Partners
Tom and Millie Frawley
Zach and Becky Friedman
Richard and June Gilchrist
Kimberly and Michael Gruber
Molly Jacobsen Hansen
Herman & Katherine Peters Foundation
Barbara Hiller
Krista Hubbard and John Rossate
Sandra Hubbard
Jane Trueheart Huels and Steve Huels
IIDA Illinois Chapter
Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge
Johnson Lambert
Martha Lannert
Lori Laser
McGrath Family Foundation Fund
Sheila and Tom Merry
Harish Natarahjan
North Shore Unitarian Church
Pajeau Children’s Foundation
Park Ridge Presbyterian Church
PayPal Giving Fund
David Phillips
Porte Brown, LLC
Robbins DiMonte Ltd.
Melody Rose and Zak Goad
Elizabeth Sawyer
Ellen Sistovaris
Violet and Sam Sistovaris
St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Roberta Stevens
Alyson Stewart
Megan Stock and Andrew Dahlem
Telkamp Giving Fund
Weiss Properties
David and Julie Worzala
Mark and Marjorie Zivin
ZYNGA
$500+
Megan Angle
Julie and Nigel Blakeway
Frank and Dorothy Chao
Kristine Checea
Kelly Crumrine
Sue and Jeremy Eckberg
Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation
John Hofmann
Holladay Properties
Gerard Iannuzzelli
Ramona Jablon
William Janulis
Rishi Khanna
Larry and Charlene Kulman
My wife and I are fortunate that we are able to be philanthropic at a generous level. I wish others with the resources to do so could join us because it’s critical. We need to care for each other. If you have the means, you’ve got to give.
GENE SERVILLO, Donor and former Board Chair
Katherine Lambert
Matthew Lemberg
Jennifer Jackson Luth and Gustavo Browne
Marianne and Tom Moberly
Omron Foundation, Inc.
Karin Ruetzel
Anders Rustin and Patrick Vokaty
Mary Seeberg
Carol Stieve
Caroline Vullmahn
Lindsey Whyte and Emilio DiBenedetto
$100+
Jennifer Adams
Elizabeth Andrews
Anonymous via Give Lively
Barbara Arango
Marti Austin
Don and Patrice Baker
Linda Baker and Eric Wicks Baker
Al and Lorie Bartel
Richard and Erin Bend
Ira Berman
Julie Berthold
Joanna Bertucci
Kathleen Best and Erik Knight
Jeffrey Boarini
Gregory Braid
Martuice Brooks
Elizabeth and Richard Bump
Chuck and Patty Carrington
Chapter GZ PEO
Kathryn and Petru Checea
Sergey Chernov
Lin Classon
Dan and Kelly Conroe
Joan DiLeonardi
Timothy Downey
Felicia and John Dudek
Christine Dulaney
Alexander Dumitriu
Meg Dutkovich
Edzo’s Burger Shop
Richard Erickson
Fidelity Brokerage Services
Lorraine Fox
Theresa Frawley
Marcella and James Frawley
Eileen Friend
Charles and Lynne Friend
Jim and Laurel Galiger
Heather Gardner
Adam Glazer
Mitchell Granger
Christine Green
Rick Green
Dr. Mary Ellen Gruszka
Kathryn Hall
Ed Hanlon
Linda Hershman
Insperity Services
Mark Kaczkowski
Sharon Kaczmarek
Judy and Bob Kemp
Kendra Scott
James and Judith Kosick
Mark Leverone
John Lifka
Dr Gilo Kwesi Logan
Linda and Paul Lopata
Dorene and John Lynch
Mary Mack
Robert and Paula Mack
The Malnati Organization, Ltd
Marty and Lauren Maloney
Kathleen and Thomas Mannard
Kelly and Thom Mannard
Anthony and Cara Manno
Leonard Marchese
Steve Markley
Matthew McCoy
Megan McCullough
Larry and Renee Meger
Monica Milligan
Sandra Miyata
Benjamin Moberly
Jonathan Moberly
Caroline Moberly
Carly Moseberry
Klaren Mueller
Linda Nickels
Celine Nneoma Onwubiko
Courtney Olson
Cathy Olstad
Jason O’Malley
Cynthia and Gregory Pagliuzza
Shruti Patel
Anna and Robert Piotrowski
Paula Pliszka
Nicole Pursley
Dawn Ravine
Quinn and Val Reynolds
Audrey Reynolds
John Rich
Kevin Rooney
James Rosen
Katherine and Robert Royce
Julie Sass
Michael Scaglione
Marianne Schapiro
Kent and Sara Scharringhausen
Foundation
Paul Schnitz
Schwab Charitable Fund
Rebecca Seligman
Leah Seligman
Mary Jane Shaw
Robert Shears and Kelly Nelson
Mark Shreve
Shirley Soo and Matthew Gorman
Joshua Soto
Robert Spatz and Lisa Ginet
St. Andrews Lutheran Church and School
St. Paul of the Cross Church
Allison and Tom Stettner
Janet Stoodley
Emily Studenmund
James Studenmund
Thomas Suich
Shelley Sutherland
Mark Sweetin
Terri and Brian Szewczyk
Anita Thies
Shamus Thornton and Kevin Forman
Gail and Gregory Till
Elizabeth and Jasen Toussaint
Joseph Trucco
Colleen and John Twarog
Russell Viater
Madeline Wallers and Jeff Zimmer
Deborah Walters
Shirlene Ward
Steven and Leslie Warner
Timothy Washburn
Siobhan Wee
Melanie West
$1+
Barb Baird
Lynn Barone
Marianne Benson
David Billingham
Tom and Jean Bouslog
Maria Buttler
Brittany Cavanaugh
Earl Chase
Peter Clifford
Julia Conte
Kevin Coughlin
Veronica Dagon
Sandra Davenport-Belushi
Danielle Davis
Meghan and Peter Dimopoulos
Larry and Ethel Doyle
Lisa Flynn
GroupRaise
Jeremy Grunska
Rachel Halpern
Katherine Jones
Robert Longo
Lyla Marder
Julia McElmurry
Maria Mendoza
Alyssa Moreno
Christopher Murphy
Ann Oates
Sarah Pagliuzza
Liz Podolski
Heidi and Michael Raia
Kamal Sarumi
Gary Sheffert
Barbara Studenmund
Mary Sullivan
Andrew Sykes
Linda Tam
Frank Tomaszewski
James Walker
In-Kind Donors
Abt Electronics
Alpha Phi at Elmhurst University
Kathy Ambrosino
Anthropologie
Arlington Heights Army Reserve
Art Institute of Chicago
Ava In Wonderland
Bark Box
Beer on the Wall
Sharon Bondar
Barry Butler
Daisy Campos
DHL Express
Chicago Architecture Center Foundation
Chicago Fire
Chicago Sky
Chicago White Sox
City Winery
Cynthia Cycon
Daniel’s Charcuterie
Designs for Dignity
Thomas Doran
Durty Nellie’s
Edzo’s Burger Shop
Field Elementary School
Thomas Frawley
Lisa Genyk
Zoe Gerber
Alan Germain
Girl Scouts of Park Ridge
Hagar H
Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing
House of Blues Chicago
Krista Hubbard
Tyler Hubbard
Insight Advocacy
J.C Licht
Holly Johnson
Janet Kaczkowski
Koval Distillery
Lake Park High School
Jill Lending
Lettuce Entertain You
Enterprises, Inc.
Lance Macon
Mad Cats
Robert Malench
Mary McGrath
Rosemary Meganck
Minimize with Marcy
Marianne Moberly
Music of the Baroque
Harish Natarahjan
National Roofing Contractors Association
Northlight Theatre
Old Town School of Folk Music
One Stop with T and J
Project Save our Skin
Eric Reside
Revolution Brewing
Rivers Casino
Melody Rose
Anders Rustin
Saatva, Inc
Sew Fun Ladies
Alexandria Sewielski
Anna Shneyderman
Shirley Sierra
Ellen Sistovaris
Sky Cares Foundation
Sloomoo Institute
Martha Spatz
St. Andrews Lutheran Church and School
Alyson Stewart
Walter E. Smithe
Becca Weisheit
Sean Willett
WineStyles
Winter’s Jazz Club
XPO in Des Plaines
Every effort is made to list donors accurately. We sincerely apologize for any omissions or errors in spelling.
THE HARBOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Melody Rose, LCSW, Executive Director
Kelli-Ann Alcott, Operations Director
Jessica Wright, LCSW, Program Director
Mary Burke-Peterson, Grants and Donor Relations Manager
Christian Campoverde, Accounting Manager
Sandy Godinez, Community Manager
Terri Szewcyk, Government Grants Manager
Lisa Untch, Staff Support Manager
Liz Werner, LCSW, Clinical Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Savio Lobo, Co-Chair
Martha Spatz, Co-Chair
Laura Smilingyte, Vice Chair
Sean Willett, Treasurer
Elizabeth “Liz” Toussaint, Secretary
Barbara Arango
Shelley Gates
Shara Kamal
Jennifer Luth
Rob Malench
Harish Natarahjan
Tiffany “TO” Okoniewski
Lesley Prestegaard
Eric Reside
Ellen Sistovaris
Alyson Stewart
Megan Stock
Dave Studenmund
