Kentucky Derby Party
For more information about sponsoring the Kentucky Derby Party, click here or reach out to Sophie Williams at swilliams@nwacs.org or 479.795.2417 ext 350.
For more information about sponsoring the Kentucky Derby Party, click here or reach out to Sophie Williams at swilliams@nwacs.org or 479.795.2417 ext 350.
Join us for a day of friendly competition on the Kickball fields at the 14th Annual Kickball for the Kids presented by PepsiCo! All proceeds benefit the children at the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter. For more information and to get your team involved, contact Sophie Williams at swilliams@nwacs.org or 479.795.2417 ext 350.
Let me tell you Abby’s* story. It was one of the worst cases of neglect the police officer had ever seen. The children were covered in grime, clearly malnourished and sleeping on filthy pallets on the floor. The house had no running water and roaches infested the kitchen. There were visible scratches, bruises and burns […]
Read more about AbbyImpact storiesLet me tell you Abby’s* story.
It was one of the worst cases of neglect the police officer had ever seen. The children were covered in grime, clearly malnourished and sleeping on filthy pallets on the floor. The house had no running water and roaches infested the kitchen. There were visible scratches, bruises and burns on the children’s bodies. This wasn’t the first time their caregiver had been arrested.
After the children were removed from the home, they arrived at the doors of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter. They were scared, tired and hungry. We welcomed them with open arms. The Shelter team immediately sprang into action by serving the children a hot meal, giving each child a bath, providing them with clean clothing and beginning treatment for rashes, burns and lice. Abby was the oldest child living in the home — a young girl of less than seven years. Confused and extremely angry, she lashed out at the Shelter team because she had never trusted an adult in her life. She didn’t know how to react when we tried to care for her. She had been deprived of the love and affection of a family.
With patience and guidance from the Shelter team, Abby learned how to better handle her anger and frustration. She learned how to use kind words and how to depend on the adults around her to meet her needs. Most importantly, she learned that, for the first time in her life, she had people who truly cared for her.
Now, Abby has discovered the joys of childhood.
She loves stuffed animals. She loves talking about kittens. She loves drawing pictures for her teacher. On a recent visit to Chick-fil-A, she was so excited about eating in a “real” restaurant and even more excited about joining the other children in the play area. In our care, Abby learned how to laugh and have fun. Her laugh is so infectious, it can turn a bad day into a great one!
*name and image changed to protect privacy
Kylee, age 6I tried a cupcake for the first time.
Lauren, age 16The world’s not perfect, but people are there to help you. The Shelter was a good environment and people wanted the best for me, and it made me want to love myself more. If I had not gone to the Shelter, I don’t think I’d be in school and I would probably still be in a home when I’m the adult when I shouldn’t have to be.
Chelsea, age 13The Shelter has truly given me hope to pursue my life to the fullest, put my past behind me, and move on to bigger and better things in life. The staff members, who I think of as family, have brought me to realize that I am valuable, strong and able to conquer anything I set my mind on.
860 NW Vaughn Road
Bentonville, AR 72713
Link to map
To find us using GPS, enter 14100 Vaughn Road, Bentonville
479-795-2417
website@nwacs.org
If you are interested in a rewarding job providing a safe haven and loving care to the most vulnerable children in our community, apply today!