The Children's Shelter
A private, non-profit organization providing twenty-four
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About UsMission StatementThe Children’s Shelter is a private, nonprofit organization that provides 24-hour emergency, temporary residential care to children who are victims of family violence, neglect, and physical or sexual abuse. It’s designed to meet the needs of these children by providing them with an immediate, safe environment until suitable relative or foster care becomes available. Our HistoryTwas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, The children were hungry and shivering in bed And then, with a crash, I heard at the door Not the usual beloved children’s story, but for some children this is their life. Hunger, neglect, fear and abuse should never be concerns for any child, but some face these conditions everyday. We all care about the issue of child neglect and abuse. But, we hear a lot more about the problem than about the solutions. The Beginning of a solution-2006 The Children’s Shelter (TCS) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides emergency and temporary care up to 45 days (or 90 days with permission from “State License Officials”) for children from 5 to 12 years who are victims of family violence, neglect, abandonment and physical or sexual abuse. It is designed to meet the needs of these children by providing them with an immediate safe and caring environment until suitable relative or foster care becomes available. The shelter will recognize and meet the needs of these children with sensitivity and unconditional respect. The Public Awareness and Fundraising-2007 TCS consists of 10 bedrooms, 12 twin beds, 4 toddler beds, 1 baby bed and 3 cribs. The building also has a large family room, a girl’s social room, a boy’s social room, kitchen and dining room, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, a reception room, laundry room, office and a large room that serves as a clothing closet. Each room was adopted by church groups, school groups, businesses and individuals to provide furniture, bedding, pictures, etc. All the rooms have colorful themes and offer any age child, boy or girl, a comforting and safe place to stay. Another requirement was to have transportation in the shelter name and remain on the property when not in use. A 2002 seven7-passenger van was donated to the shelter and has been licensed and insured. The Year 2009 TCS opened the doors to the first displaced child June 1, 2009. Some unwise decisions made by board members, administrator and staff members which led to two allegations against the administrator. The state refused to send children to TCS for 101 days until investigations were resolved. The allegations were proved “untrue” by county and state law enforcements, but at great cost. The loss of reputation and eventual resignation of the administrator; the loss of public confidence and support in TCS; the loss of some employees who had to have stable jobs and the loss of $17,731.56 in board payments have been challenges, but we have learned from our mistakes and made positive changes to guard against other allegations of any kind. The Year 2010 A 24-hour paid staff consisting of seven days a week which includes 8 full-time people working eight hour shifts during the week and 4 part-time people working 12-hour shifts Saturday and Sunday to provide care and supervision for the children. Volunteers have been trained to help our staff with children. A volunteer can help children with homework, arts & crafts, playtime, preparing or serving food or snacks. Most of our children crave individual attention and volunteers can help fill that need. All staff, volunteers and interns are required to pass a drug test, child maltreatment central registry checks and Arkansas State Police Record/FBI Criminal Record checks. All staff and interns will receive in-house training for CPR, first-aid, and aggressive behavior training. The board members know the cleanness of the facility, the constant supervision and care the staff give the children and how clean, healthy and happy the children appear. The best compliment TCS receives from Department of Children and Family Service and mental caseworkers and attorneys is, “I don’t have to worry about my children if they are here.” The Future Most non-profits are struggling and some are failing. TCS cannot fail! Our displaced children have been neglected, abused and sometimes abandoned by their caregivers and we cannot fail them! They are our future and they have legal rights for food, shelter, medical and educational needs. TCS will probably always be in need of donations, and never make a profit, but with your help, think of the safety and care we can give these children. Our facility depends on corporate and/or individual donations which are 100% tax-deductible and fundraisers. TCS also accepts monetary gifts for honor or memorial of a loved one. As the current year ends you may be searching for charities for donations, please consider The Children’s Shelter as your recipient. Your gift will benefit displaced children from any county in Arkansas. The Children’s Shelter, incorporated April 17, 2006, is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Donations can be sent directly to: The Children’s Shelter Fund Account, First National Bank, P.O. Box 509, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 or The Children’s Shelter, 107 Benson Drive, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476. Thank you for your consideration and God Bless You, Board MembersElected July 24, 2006 Mrs. Judy Turnbull, President Mr. John Allen, vice President Mr. Ernest Briner, Secretary Mr. Milton B. Smith, Treasurer Ms. Suzanne Allen Mrs. Fran Cavenaugh Mrs. Judy Clark Mr. Jim Jansen Mr. Ken Ziegler Mr. Harry Truman Moore, Pro-Bono Attorney |
Donation/ Needs ListChildren who come to the shelter have been displaced from their home through no fault of their own. They are sometimes scared and have no personal items with them. With the generous help from individuals, businesses, schools, churches, civic groups and clubs each child will receive a hygiene box with products that will give them dignity and provide them with essential personal needs. Their name will be written on the box and becomes their property to use and keep when they leave the shelter.Current Shortage & Continual Needs List
Boys and Girls Hygiene BoxesSterilite Flip Top Box (shoebox size, must be clear color) Dental Care Hair Care Body Care Miscellaneous Baby and Toddler Hygiene Care BoxesSterilite Flip Top Box (shoebox size, any color) Dental Care Hair Care Body Care Miscellaneous |
Do You Love Children? VolunteersThe Children’s Shelter, located at 107 Benson Drive in Walnut Ridge, NEEDS YOUR HELP! Would you spare some time (minutes or hours) a day (any day) to present children with your attention? The Children’s Shelter, located at 107 Benson Drive in Walnut Ridge is a temporary placement for 12 children who have been displaced from their home through no fault of their own. These children can be as young as birth to 14 years old. Most of the children are from 5 to 12 years old. All these children need some special attention. You can help by FIRST filling out a Volunteer application which shall include
For information about volunteer applications, please call The Children’s Shelter at 870-886-5191to inquire answers for any questions you may have. |
Shelter UpdateWe opened our doors to our first guest on June the 1st of 2009. As the 5th of January, 2012,we had served 400 children from 25 different counties in the state of Arkansas:
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Beans, Cornbread and Bluegrass Music
TCS is governed by a board of nine volunteer directors and employs 8 full-time and 4 part-time qualified people to care for a maximum of 12 children displaced children ages 5 to 12 years old 24 hours daily. TCS is sponsored mostly through donations, fundraisers and a state board payment of $25.00 per child per night. |
Smoked Pork Butts
TCS is governed by a board of nine volunteer directors and employs 8 full-time and 4 part-time qualified people to care for a maximum of 12 children displaced children ages 5 to 12 years old 24 hours a daily. TCS is sponsored mostly through donations, fundraisers and a state board payment of $25.00 per child per night. |
The Children's Shelter107 Benson Drive Lisa Hufstedler, Administrator |
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The Children's Shelter © 2012. 107 Benson Drive | Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72476 |
