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!

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 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 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

The Shelter is a perfect placement for all ages. It’s a safe place where all of my needs were met so I could spend more time on things I needed to work on – like graduating! The Shelter helped me so much!

Danielle, age 16

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

I learned that love is better than hate.

Tonya, age 17