There are many women’s shelters in Northwest Arkansas that support domestic violence survivors through services and outreach programs.
The Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter has a domestic violence hotline available 24/7 for victims.
“That’s where we kind of asses people and figure out the situation,” said Amber Lacewell, the community engagement and education director of NWAWS.
The shelter then determines what services clients need and where they can offer that assistance.
Hotline clients often need emergency housing. The shelter’s safe house is in an undisclosed location and is kept secret from the clients until they are on the way. Once in housing, the shelter offers many services for victims.
“Anything you use every day at home, we’ve got that on hand,” Lacewell said, “or we’ll go buy it to provide for our clients.”
Other services besides finding an advocate include therapy, financial assistance, transportation, thrift-store vouchers, and daily essentials. The group also refers clients to outside nonprofits, such as Dress for Success, which helps individuals prepare and dress for job interviews.
“We feel strongly about the things that we’re really good at,” Lacewell said, “and then we’re, like, ‘Let’s outsource the rest to other very qualified people.'”
NWAWS has a thrift store in Rogers where all proceeds go to the shelter. Clients of the shelter are also free to shop there at no cost.
Another NWA Women’s Shelter, Peace at Home, has a thrift store in Fayetteville in which all proceeds go to the shelter. Peace at Home also operates on a voucher system where clients can shop for free.
Eva Terry, the development director of Peace at Home, said the organization works with 1,000 individuals within the community each year. Outside of the thrift store, Peace at Home offers emergency shelter, housing programs, counseling services, and legal advocacy for its clients and their children.
Peace at Home holds many outreach events throughout the year. In their most popular event, the Courage Luncheon fundraiser, the organization recognizes community members who support domestic violence victims and highlights other important programs of the nonprofit.
“The work that Peace at Home does is important because it can provide life-saving support to someone when they need it most,” Terry said. “Without Peace at Home and organizations like it, many individuals would have nowhere to turn for help.”
If you are interested in donating or volunteering with either organization, more information can be found on their websites.