Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Richie

Richie* came into foster care after his school reported that his attendance was irregular. When he did attend school, his homework wasn’t finished, his clothes were dirty and he was very hungry. Upon further investigation, it was found that Richie’s mother was struggling with addiction and was unable to care for him. He was unsupervised the majority of the time and came and went from home and school whenever he liked. 

He was only 9 years old. 

Richie is now in the care of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter where he receives three meals per day, a safe, warm place to sleep, counseling, medical and dental services and a caring staff who are available 24 hours per day to meet his needs. He attends school on-site at Horizon Academy where he receives individualized instruction to help make up for years of educational neglect. 

Richie loves being outside, listening to music and playing video games. His favorite food is chicken fingers and he has a smile that lights up the room.

While the search continues for a foster family for Richie, the Shelter is here to care for him and help him heal from the trauma he has endured. Our team is available, 24-hours per day, 365 days per year for the children who need us the most. 

*name and image changed to protect the privacy of the youth in our care

Cameron

Along with meeting each child’s immediate needs of shelter, food and clothing, the case managers at NWACS ensure that all medical, dental, vision and hearing needs are addressed. Cameron* has had trouble with his hearing for his entire life. No one, in 16 years, took the time to listen and understand how significant the hearing […]

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Meet Cameron

Along with meeting each child’s immediate needs of shelter, food and clothing, the case managers at NWACS ensure that all medical, dental, vision and hearing needs are addressed. Cameron* has had trouble with his hearing for his entire life. No one, in 16 years, took the time to listen and understand how significant the hearing loss was and how it was affecting him socially and academically – until he arrived at the Shelter. His case manager organized a plan for treatment, worked closely with a local ENT and arranged to get him the hearing aids he so desperately needed.

On the day he received his hearing aids, a whole new world opened up for Cameron. On his way back to the Shelter, he was amazed by what he could hear: “I can hear the car blinker. I can hear the birds. I can hear my heartbeat!”

*name and image changed to protect the privacy of the youth in our care

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

Adam, age 6

I felt like I was being taken care of for the first time.

Kyle, age 9

The Shelter has truly given me hope to pursue my life to the fullest, put my past behind me, and move on to bigger and better things in life. The staff members, who I think of as family, have brought me to realize that I am valuable, strong and able to conquer anything I set my mind on.

Chelsea, age 13