Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Disc Golf for the Kids!

10:00 am—2:00 pmAugust 22, 2020

This is the first chance for disc golfers to play the course located on the campus of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter This course was provided for the kids by Hormel Foods and designed and built by disc golf professionals. It is usually reserved for the kids, but we’re opening it up for a one-day tournament on August 22. All proceeds benefit the children served by the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter. Thanks to Dynamic Discs Northwest Arkansas for helping us organize this event. Register today at discgolfscene.com.

Register Now

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 by a 14-year-old named Wesley*. At first, we were thrilled to hear it. We were so glad that he felt safe and comfortable here at the Shelter. That means 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 by a 14-year-old named Wesley*. At first, we were thrilled to hear it. We were 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 us 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 ours. 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.

We wish every child in Arkansas had a loving, supportive home. We 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.

*name and image changed to protect privacy

I tried a cupcake for the first time.

Kylee, age 6

I like the Shelter because we get new stuff, like clothes, and we get to go outside and play kickball.

Adam, age 6

The Shelter felt like a family to me – always helping me when I needed it and making me feel at ease. I might be leaving, but a part of me is staying.

Chelle, age 16