Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Employee Spotlight – Executive Chef, Trena Ames

How long have you been with the Shelter? I have been at the shelter for 10 months and I love my job!

What is your favorite part about your job? When I see the kids’ eyes light up and get excited about the meals they are about to eat and are grateful for them.

Share your favorite kid moment. When they realize I remember what their likes and dislikes are and love me enough to give me nicknames. I am currently Momma T. 

How are the Shelter’s programs impacting kids every day? I see kids come in here with below average grade levels and work hard to bring those up while making new friends in the process. I see kids come in broken and leave feeling loved and cared for, which is such a great feeling. I see kids come back and feel like they are safe and cared for and loved here instead of being scared of a new place. I love that the staff here work so hard so all of these children feel happy about their stay with us. I love our staff family and volunteers who work so hard and do our part as a team to keep this facility open for all who need us. I am blessed to know these children and get to be a small part of their lives.

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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

I’m so glad that I got to spend my 12th birthday here at the Shelter. It was truly the best!

Marly, age 12

Thank you for never giving up on me when I was lost.

Rachel, age 17

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