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Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

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Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteers Bring Heart to our Misson.


We wouldn’t succeed without our amazing volunteers – it’s just that simple. Corporate volunteers do everything from organizing our warehouse, changing the oil in our vans, and decorating the Shelter for holidays to playing kickball, basketball or arts and crafts with the kids.

Our individual volunteers tutor our middle school students and teach important life skills to our teens. Our volunteers provide hope for the future by giving of their time and their hearts to the children who need them most.

The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter is always in need of committed, caring and compassionate volunteers to work directly with the children in our residential program and Horizon Academy, our on-site, K-12 school. We are also seeking regular volunteers to assist at The Shelter Shop Thrift Store. Opportunities include: accepting and processing donations, prepping items for the sales floor, assisting customers with purchases and organizing shelves and clothing racks.

The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter offers a variety of service projects that can be achieved by an individual or group in all areas of The Children’s Shelter.

“It is an investment in the children who will one day be the adults of our community. They need somewhere safe and need to know that they have a choice in their own destiny.”

Melissa, Volunteer

“The Shelter is a presence, resource and influence to the most vulnerable in our society. These kids are victims of circumstance and find themselves in situations beyond their control. They need care and advocates so they know they are valued.”

Brian, Volunteer

Volunteer Process

All volunteers who work directly with our children must undergo an application and screening process that includes background checks. Also, all on-site volunteers must be at least 21 years old. Contact us at volunteering@nwacs.org to begin the application process:

  • Schedule an informational interview with the Manager of Volunteer Services
  • Submit an application packet, which includes:
    • Personal reference checks
    • Child Maltreatment Background Check
    • Criminal Background Check
    • Signed confidentiality agreement
  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation Session

* Due to the possibility of conflicts of interest, individuals with open foster homes are not permitted to volunteer at the Children’s Shelter.

* Special Event Volunteers are not required to fill out any paperwork but can only volunteer at fundraisers and special events that occur off-site.

* Corporate groups please contact volunteering@nwacs.org for special on-site event opportunities.

Current Volunteers Sign in here!

Store hours: Tuesday through Saturday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

If you or your small group are interested in volunteering at The Shelter Shop, please sign up for your desired day and time via the links below. Children ages 10 and older are welcome to volunteer, if they are accompanied by an adult. Youth ages 16 and older can volunteer on their own. All children and teens must have this form completed and signed by a parent prior to volunteering.

Sign up here as a Shelter Shop volunteer!

Sadie

In February 2017, I was taken into the Children’s Shelter at 3:27 a.m.

Read more about SadieImpact stories

Meet Sadie

I was taken into the Children’s Shelter at 3:27 a.m.

Due to my past, I was terrified of what I may be walking in to. What if this is the last time I see my brothers? What if I’m completely removed from my “normal” life? I can only imagine what my brothers thought, let alone any other child in the system. This being said, I was shocked walking in to see portraits painted among the walls, a dining room, welcoming staff members … gosh, don’t get me started on how shocked I was to see that we had legit rooms.

They’re decorated! It’s amazing. Here at the Shelter they do their best to make you feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible … Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter has honestly done the best they can do to help me in life. There was never a day that went by that I felt uncared for.

It was very hard adjusting, but I knew I was always okay in their hands.

*name and image changed to protect privacy

Thank you for never giving up on me when I was lost.

Rachel, age 17

Here at this Shelter, staff members treat you with respect and lots of care. They are all helpful and are willing to listen to anything you have to say. I feel safe here.

Damien, age 17

I love it here because I feel safe. The staff are here for me when I need them. Plus, I got to go to a Razorback game!

Jesse, age 11

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Contact Us

860 NW Vaughn Road
Bentonville, AR 72713

479-795-2417
website@nwacs.org

For DCFS use only

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Join Our Team

If you are interested in a rewarding job providing a safe haven and loving care to the most vulnerable children in our community, apply today!

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