This form is for DCFS and court personnel to submit referrals to Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter for placement. Private care referrals need to be made via phone. Referrals submitted between 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. will receive a response the same day. Online referrals made outside of these hours will receive a response the next day. If the placement need is immediate and it is outside the designated hours, or if the online form is not accessible, please call (479) 795-2417 to refer via phone.
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 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 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
Sharee, age 12While at the Shelter, I got to do two things for the first time – roller skating and bowling!
Kylee, age 6I tried a cupcake for the first time.
Tasha, age 17While at the Shelter, I went from an 8th grade math level to almost a 12th grade level. I’m pretty proud of that.
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860 NW Vaughn Road
Bentonville, AR 72713
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479-795-2417
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