A playground is a space for a kid to be a kid. A safe playground is where kids can make many happy memories. Thank you to the Lowe’s Crew for generously donating their time and energy to make our playground a much safer space for our kids. Thanks to Lowe’s in Bentonville, NuScape and IMC Outdoor Living for donating more than 25 pallets of rubber mulch for safe landing zones!
Lowe’s Heroes to the Rescue
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 […]
Read more about WesleyImpact storiesMeet 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
Melanie, age 15The best thing that I love about the Shelter is the acceptance. No matter where any of us came from, we are accepted here.
Rhiannon, age 17Due 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.”
Javier, age 14I learned to be proud of who I am.
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Contact Us
860 NW Vaughn Road
Bentonville, AR 72713
479-795-2417
website@nwacs.org
Shelter Shop
2700 W Walnut
Rogers, AR
(479) 202-5230
bbulen@nwacs.org
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