Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

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Providing a safe haven.
High-quality care.
And hope.

Each year, hundreds of children find a safe haven and HOPE for the future at the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter. Beyond meeting their basic needs, our comprehensive services include individualized case management, counseling, education, medical and dental treatment, life skills training and trauma-centered care.

Make a difference

Why does Northwest Arkansas need a Children’s Shelter?

Our Impact

Since 1993, more than 12,500 children have been welcomed into the safe haven of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.

Volunteer

Learn more about how you can change the lives of children in crisis.

Events

Support the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter while having fun with your friends!

Needs List

A list of much-needed items that will directly benefit the children in our care.

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Hear stories from our kids, learn more about our programs and find out about upcoming events in our monthly eNewsletter.
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Seth

Seth* had a tough beginning in life. His mother was not someone who could be trusted or relied upon. Because of her own struggles with drug abuse and mental health, she couldn’t provide the very basics of care for Seth. As a young child, Seth was raised, off and on, by his grandparents. However, when […]

Read more about SethImpact stories

Meet Seth

Seth* had a tough beginning in life. His mother was not someone who could be trusted or relied upon. Because of her own struggles with drug abuse and mental health, she couldn’t provide the very basics of care for Seth. As a young child, Seth was raised, off and on, by his grandparents. However, when they passed away, he was forced to return to his mother’s care.

Frightened and alone, doing what he could to survive without any support at home, Seth found himself in a downward spiral.

That’s when he arrived at the Shelter. When Seth walked through the doors of the Shelter, he was scared, angry and withdrawn. He kept his hood up and wasn’t comfortable with eye contact, personal communication or any acts of love or affection.

He wasn’t used to being surrounded by adults focused on meeting his needs. He had raised himself for most of his life. Within the safety of the Shelter, he had to learn how to trust.

While at the Shelter, Seth was able to recover his high school credits and graduate on schedule. He learned many new life skills, such as laundry, cooking, cleaning and money management. He is currently living independently, enjoying a new job and looking forward to starting college in the spring. His future is much brighter because of the care he received at the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.

*name and image changed to protect privacy

While at the Shelter, I went from an 8th grade math level to almost a 12th grade level. I’m pretty proud of that.

Tasha, age 17

I love it here because I feel safe. The staff are here for me when I need them. Plus, I got to go to a Razorback game!

Jesse, age 11

My new bed makes me happy. And I am clean and have a new shirt.

Henry, age 4