Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

The Hope Society

Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter supporters play a tremendous role in ensuring that we provide the absolute best care for kids in crisis. The Hope Society is a new program that gives kids the chance to dream again – to hope again – and to imagine a future brighter than they ever thought possible. We invite you to participate by making an annual gift at a level that works best for you.

Membership in The Hope Society is extended to those who annually contribute $1,000 or more between January 1 and December 31. Membership will be recognized in one of the levels below and members will receive the following courtesies.

Partners for Hope $1,000 – $9,999
Recognition on the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter website
Behind the scenes tours
Subscription to Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter newsletter
Special invitation to annual fundraising events

Heroes for Hope $10,000 – $24,999
All of the lower level benefits
PLUS invitation to Hope Society events

Champions for Hope $25,000 and up
All of the lower level benefits
PLUS two complimentary tickets to Hope Society events

For more information about the Hope Society, contact Linda Phillips, Director of Philanthropy, at lphillips@nwacs.org or 479.795.2417 ext 305.

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 […]

Read more about WesleyImpact stories

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 went to the on-site school which I liked because it gave me one-on-one time and that’s what I needed to help get my grades up and catch up on all my credits so I can graduate. I would like to thank all of the staff at the Shelter for making me and my son feel safe and taken care of.

Teresa, age 17

The best thing that I love about the Shelter is the acceptance. No matter where any of us came from, we are accepted here.

Melanie, age 15

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

Henry, age 4