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

More than 230 children found HOPE at NWACS in FY24.
View our Impact Report to see how we’re changing lives, every day!

Why does Northwest Arkansas need a Children’s Shelter?

Our Impact

Since 1993, more than 13,000 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.

Thank you to our Annual Partners!

Email signup

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

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Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte* and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many […]

Read more about DemonteImpact stories

Meet Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte* and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many have been taught that their only two options, when circumstances are beyond their control, are fight or flight. This time, Demonte chose flight.
Lisa, one of our amazing Youth Care Specialists, followed after him and was calling out his name to stop him from walking away. Finally, he did stop and Lisa was able to convince him to return. Later that afternoon, when he was talking through what had happened, he said, “When I heard Mrs. Lisa saying my name, it made me realize that no one in my family or in my life would ever have cared if I ran away. The only reason I stopped is because I knew Mrs. Lisa must care about me because she came after me.”
This is just one story, among hundreds each year, that shows how much our youth care staff impact the children in our care – every day. It is an honor to be here for these kids when they need us the most.
*name and image changed to protect privacy

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

Henry, age 4

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

Due to a rough childhood, I had lost all hope in life. The Shelter changed my life for the better. I’ve been given opportunities I never, ever thought I could get in life.”

Rhiannon, age 17