What We Do
2026 marks 40 years of the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter serving survivors in our community. But what does that look like?
Arkansas consistently ranks within the top 10 worst states for domestic violence, and the work of the NWAWS seeks to protect survivors, educate the community, and ultimately help put an end to domestic violence in our communities.
NWAWS provides safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic violence and their children throughout our community. NWAWS accomplishes this work through advocacy, community education, counseling, and resources. But this most often looks like providing a safe place for survivors to stay the night away from abuse and violence.
NWAWS is running a campaign through August called Summer of Safe Nights, highlighting the needs in our community and the important work that the NWAWS is doing in Northwest Arkansas.
What is a Safe Night?
A Safe Night is more than just a place to sleep. Even one safe night, for a survivor, means more than just emergency shelter.
A safe night means:
- A hot meal
- A safe place for children
- Transportation to critical appointments
- Access to advocacy and court support
- Therapy and support groups
- Safety planning
- And compassionate care from trained professionals available 24/7
For survivors of domestic violence, having a safe place for themselves and their children is difficult. Many survivors feel that they have nowhere to go. Abusers use manipulation and control to keep their victims isolated, and this makes getting out of a violent situation feel impossible.
NWAWS gives them a safe place to go and stay.
By giving survivors a safe place in their community where they can not only sleep peacefully, but also receive the lifesaving care that they need, NWAWS is daily combating domestic violence in NWA.
Survivor Stories
NWAWS has helped hundreds of survivors for 40 years. The Summer of Safe Nights campaign seeks to highlight survivor stories to give insight into the important work that NWAWS is doing in our community, especially during the slower days of Summer.
Here are two inspiring survivor stories from the past few years:
Maria found shelter at NWAWS, fleeing her abuser. She entered the shelter with a concussion and struggled to remember details. While at NWAWS, she was able to get a transfer for her child to a new school, and was able to gather enough resources from organizations that would allow her to move to a different state.
Finally, NWAWS assisted her in filing an order of protection. Even though she was nervous about facing her abuser during the necessary court hearings, she stayed strong and was granted an order of protection for 10 years. A few days later she was off to start a new life in a different state.
Kara arrived at our shelter amidst daunting challenges: unemployed and separated from her child by the system for over a year. Despite these obstacles, her resolve remained unshaken. Her path took an even more challenging turn when a critical court hearing for her child was unexpectedly rescheduled, caused by a notification mishap that could have derailed all of her efforts.
Yet, she stood firm, embodying resilience by attending the hearing in spite of the discouraging odds stacked against her. This unwavering determination bore fruit as she not only secured employment but also adeptly navigated the court’s complexities and was able to find suitable housing. Her journey from adversity to hope is a powerful testament to her strength and the transformative support provided by NWAWS.
Summer of Safe Nights
The Summer of Safe Nights campaign ensures that NWAWS can say “yes” to every survivor who reaches out.
But our shelter remains full. Our advocates continue answering crisis calls. Survivors continue seeking safety and support.
For many families, summer can create additional barriers. Children are out of school and away from trusted adults. Food insecurity often increases. Transportation challenges can become more difficult to navigate. Survivors attempting to leave abusive situations may find themselves with fewer safe places to turn.
In order to continue its life-changing work of hope, NWAWS is running the Summer of Safe Nights campaign to raise $40,000. One safe night costs approximately $174, so raising $40,000 would allow NWAWS to provide roughly 230 safe nights for survivors across NWA.
Hershey Highlight
As part of this campaign, The Hershey Company became a sponsor in June, hosting a fundraising event that involved community, laughter, and lots of s’mores. They contributed nearly $4,000 to the NWAWS Summer of Safe Nights.
This approximates 23 safe nights for survivors.
But there is still a significant need. NWAWS faces critical funding challenges. Since 2019, we have lost more than 85% of our grant funding. Community support has never been more important to ensuring that lifesaving services remain available to those who need them most.
How You Can Help
One safe night costs only $174. But every single dollar helps provide safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic violence.
Because a safe night is never just a bed. It’s the advocate answering the phone at 2 a.m. It’s a child eating a full meal. It’s transportation to a court hearing. It’s a counseling session that begins the healing process. It’s the first step toward independence. It’s hope.
Have you ever needed a safe place to go? Have you ever known someone who was afraid to leave but didn’t know where to turn? Have you ever wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your neighbors?
This is your opportunity.
Donate directly, or hold a fundraiser. Anyone and any group can participate: your workplace, book club, church, neighborhood, or simply your family and friends.
Want to participate in the work that NWAWS is doing in NWA this Summer and beyond?
- Host a backyard BBQ and collect donations
- Organize a friendly competition at work
- Hold a yard sale
- Create a Facebook fundraiser
- Challenge your friends to support survivors
Every effort, large or small, helps create Safe Nights for families in crisis.
Join us for Summer of Safe Nights. Every dollar donated helps ensure that every survivor who reaches out for help has a safe place to begin their fresh start. Click here to donate!