Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Archives for May 2019

McKinney Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary with Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter!

Throughout his ten year career with the Shelter, Joshua has held many roles, including Youth Care Specialist, Youth Care Supervisor, Warehouse Manager, Food Service Manager and, most recently, Facilities Manager. This wide variety of experience has given him a unique perspective on the role of the Shelter and the programs that we provide on a daily basis. We are so […]

NWA Children’s Shelter Applies for Trauma-Informed Charter School

We are so excited about the possibility of expanding our trauma-informed education services to children throughout Northwest Arkansas who have suffered from abuse, neglect or other adverse childhood experiences. We are one step closer to making Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas a reality! Our application has been submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education and we will […]

Wesley

“I love it here. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is the best place I’ve ever been.” The sentiment above was recently shared with me by a 14-year-old named Wesley. At first, I was thrilled to hear it. I was so glad that he felt safe and comfortable here at the Shelter. That […]

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Meet Wesley

“I love it here. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is the best place I’ve ever been.”

The sentiment above was recently shared with me by a 14-year-old named Wesley. At first, I was thrilled to hear it. I was so glad that he felt safe and comfortable here at the Shelter. That means that we’re doing our job well. That means that we’re fulfilling our mission.

Right?

But then, as what he said began to sink in, it actually made me very sad. Shouldn’t this young man want to be in a home? Shouldn’t he want to be part of a family? So, why, out of all the places he has been, does he want to be here?

His understanding of home and family is so much different than mine. A home, to him, means conflict and struggle.  It means constantly being hyper aware and ready to fight or flee at any moment. It means feeling alone and frightened, but never being able to show fear or weakness. It means growing up way too fast.

At the Shelter, Wesley is surrounded by people who care about him, 24 hours a day. He has a routine and knows what to expect from day to day. He never has to question whether he will have clean clothing or enough to eat. He knows that his education is important and that his teachers will do everything they can to keep him on track. He knows that we want him to have the best future possible.

I wish every child in Arkansas had a loving, supportive home. I wish we could close the doors of the Shelter forever. Unfortunately, there will always be children like Wesley. To him, the Shelter is more of a family than he has ever known. So, we will keep our doors open, and our arms open even wider, for the children who need us.

Rick Brazile,
Sr. Director of Finance
Interim Executive Director

The staff treated me as if I were their family. They were always there for me and always reminded me of my worth.

Kiyasha, age 15

Here at this Shelter, staff members treat you with respect and lots of care. They are all helpful and are willing to listen to anything you have to say. I feel safe here.

Damien, age 17

I rode on a tire swing for the first time!

Mitchell, age 10