Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

News

Employee Spotlight – Katrina Lott

Our Employee Spotlight is on Katrina Lott! In her 14 years with the Shelter, Katrina has served in many roles and continues to be the go-to person to step in wherever she is needed. In her current role as Operations Manager, her training and support is invaluable to our Case Managers and Youth Care Team. […]

Employee Spotlight – Executive Chef, Trena Ames

How long have you been with the Shelter? I have been at the shelter for 10 months and I love my job! What is your favorite part about your job? When I see the kids’ eyes light up and get excited about the meals they are about to eat and are grateful for them. Share your favorite kid […]

Village on the Creeks businesses join together in support of the Shelter

The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter (NWACS) has announced that the ownership, management and tenants at Village on the Creeks, the iconic mixed-use commercial property in Pinnacle Hills in Rogers, have joined together in a challenge grant that raised a total of $46,122 in support of the continuing mission of the Shelter to protect and support […]

Lowe’s Heroes to the Rescue

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 […]

Employee Spotlight – Lisa Covert

I always wondered what my mission in life was, then 12 years ago I found my mission and passion when I started working as a Youth Care Specialist for the NWACS. Today, I still feel the same. I am passionate about my work with the most vulnerable of children. My favorite part about my job […]

Gallons for Growth benefits the Shelter

Throughout September, Kum & Go stores in Northwest Arkansas will donate $.03 to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter and Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas for every 20 oz. Pepsi product sold. Plus, be sure to fill your tank on September 9th when Kum & Go will also donate $.05 for every gallon of gas sold at all NWA locations!

Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many […]

Read more about DemonteImpact stories

Meet Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many have been taught that their only two options, when circumstances are beyond their control, are fight or flight. This time, Demonte chose flight.
Lisa, one of our amazing Youth Care Specialists, followed after him and was calling out his name to stop him from walking away. Finally, he did stop and Lisa was able to convince him to return. Later that afternoon, when he was talking through what had happened, he said, “When I heard Mrs. Lisa saying my name, it made me realize that no one in my family or in my life would ever have cared if I ran away. The only reason I stopped is because I knew Mrs. Lisa must care about me because she came after me.”
This is just one story, among hundreds each year, that shows how much our youth care staff impact the children in our care – every day. It is an honor to be here for these kids when they need us the most.

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

While at the Shelter, I got to do two things for the first time – roller skating and bowling!

Sharee, age 12

The world’s not perfect, but people are there to help you. The Shelter was a good environment and people wanted the best for me, and it made me want to love myself more. If I had not gone to the Shelter, I don’t think I’d be in school and I would probably still be in a home when I’m the adult when I shouldn’t have to be.

Lauren, age 16