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Julie Ipema is passionate about walking alongside survivors of human trafficking and helping them reclaim hope, safety, and a future full of possibility. Her journey into this work began in 2010 during a life-changing trip to Thailand with Women At Risk, where she saw firsthand the impact of exploitation and the power of compassion.
Since then, Julie has dedicated her life to advocacy, outreach, and creating supportive programs for women in need. She founded Sheltered91 to provide holistic care, and community for survivors, believing that every survivor deserves dignity, healing, and the opportunity to thrive.
Julie’s faith, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to guide her work, inspiring others to join Sheltered91 in it's mission of hope and restoration.
Before Sheltered91, Julie worked in cosmetology, domestic violence, sexual assault advoacy, and as a Realtor. These experiences combined with years of education have equipped her for the unique role of leading Sheltered91.

Kevin and his wife, Pat, have been married for 43 years, and they attend Faith Church Munster. They have two grown daughters and five grandchildren. Kevin is a retired community banker with 45 years in the industry. He cofounded and organized Providence Bank & Trust, as the COO, in 2004. Over the years, Kevin has served as deacon and elder in his church, and in various roles on the boards and committees of several non-profits.

Shari is the Controller of Synergy Steel Structures, Inc., a steel fabricator located in Lansing, IL. She graduated from Calvin College with a BS in Accounting and previously worked as a CPA. She has a passion for helping organizations achieve perfection in their accounting records and systems, and has served on several other non-profit Boards. She serves our as Treasurer and is excited to bring her financial experience to this organization. She is married to Jeff and has two adult daughters. Jeff and Shari are members of Faith Church in Munster, Indiana.

Polly has 35 years of business experience and directing technology company teams. She has 6 yers public sector experience and leading economic development and urban planning initiatives, including managing boards of volunteers and public officials. Education: Bachelors degree from the University of Illinois in Urban and Regional Planning with a minor in Cultural Anthropology.
Passionate about: Helping people including women and children. Actively volunteered in anti trafficking efforts, feeding and housing underprivileged people, teaching Sunday School (high school and 1-4th grade). Married for 39 years, mother of an adult son and adult daughter. Enjoy reading, walking, running, gardening and traveling. I also enjoy my husband’s gourmet cooking!

Becky received her B.A. in Psychology from Trinity Christian College and throughout her Trinity years worked as a nurse's aide at a local nursing home. She obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois-Jane Addams College of Social and later received her LCSW license.
For 15 years Becky was employed at Family Care Services in Chicago. She held several social work positions, including Supervisor of the Homemaker Service Program, In-home Counselor for DCFS families and children, Training Supervisor for DCFS sponsored Parenting Training Program, and Supervisor of reunification program for children in foster care. Over the years she has also worked in Chicago part time as a social work consultant at a senior living facility, and most recently as a social worker at a Home Health Agency serving Chicagoland. Currently she is a facilitator of a Grief and Loss Support group at Calvary Church.

Von Matthews is currently a member and teaching Elder at Faith Church located in Munster, Indiana. He is one of the leader/facilitators of the Men’s Weekly Bible Study, and is a part of the worship team ministry at Faith as a musician and singer.
Von did coursework at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University. He also has an M.B.A. from St. Xavier University, and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. He is currently employed at The Northern Trust Company as Senior Vice President and Head of Global Fraud Risk. He is a member of the Cook County Board of Ethics, and an Advisory Board member of Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
Von has been happily married to his wife Vilma for 39 years, and they have 4 children, and 10 grandchildren.

Renee is an Executive Director of Alquity Investment Management, a London based investment company who invests revenues to create jobs in the poorest areas of the world and she also works with non-profits in the US, India, and Africa. Prior to joining Alquity, she was Head of Business Development at Aberdeen Standard Investments where she led a team that managed over $17 Billion for 89 institutional businesses.
Renee is passionate about aligning her extensive business expertise with her personal mission of providing aid to the underprivileged and empowering them to achieve economic independence and dignity.
Renee holds a certificate in International Public and NGO Management from Cornell University, has her Series 7, 3, and 63 licenses along with a BA in Fine Arts and Sciences from the University of Miami. She also has an extensive musical career from attending Julliard School of Music in NYC to performing in various musicals and various orchestras domestically and in Europe.

In 2025 90 percent of every gift went directly toward victims, survivors and teen trafficking prevention. Your missional giving drives the trauma-informed, Gospel centered programs that bring hope and healing at Sheltered91.
Programs | $393,480
Administration | $26,232
Fundraising | $17,488

Here’s how the community came together to combat commercial sexual exploitation in 2025.
Individuals | $229,550
Businesses | $150,437
Churches | $46,213
Foundations | $11,000
In 2021 a group from Faith Church and I began to pray about how we might serve people who've experienced commercial sexual exploitation in our community. It was from discussion and prayer at those weekly meetings that the vision for Sheltered91 was born. ShCeltered91 is based on Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Prayer team members and others with a passion to help survivors formed a board. Sheltered91 was incorporated in October 2021 and was registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in May of 2022. t happens. I could not unsee all I had seen or forget the amazing women I had met and knew I had to do something because it's happening everyday everywhere." Julie Ipema, Founder
In 2021 Julie and a group of amazing people from Faith Church and began to pray about how they might serve people who've experienced commercial sexual exploitation in our community. It was from discussion and prayer at those weekly meetings that the vision for Sheltered91 was born. Sheltered91 is named for Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Prayer team members and others with a passion to help survivors formed a board. Sheltered91 was incorporated in October 2021 and was registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in May of 2022. In January of 2023 we rented and renovated a house from Faith Church in Munster and in May we began serving survivors.
Board vision and planning day.



Sheltered91
EIN/TAX ID: 87-2733708 SHELTERED91 IS A REGISTERED 501(c)3 nonprofit organiztion
p.o. box 463 schererville, IN 46375 | 219-730-2046
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Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration as we reflect on all God has done through Sheltered91. Our theme this year, “Building Strong Foundations for Brighter Futures,” highlights the life-changing impact made possible through your support.
We look forward to celebrating with you and sharing the hope that continues to transform lives.