Understanding that the Fort Smith Boys Shelter celebrated its 40th year in 2018 says a lot. It is easy to consider that 1000’s of foster children have come through our door during those 40 years. While immensely proud of the 40 year accomplishment, the staff and board members have spent the last 4 years making our facility more of a HOME than a SHELTER.

We understand very well that the Boys Home is not “their” home and will never be, but hopefully, we can bridge the gap between their removal and reunification if at all possible. Renaming the Boys Shelter to the Boys Home is something that we are very proud of and we consider it a huge success to have done so.

A few of the boys in our care have said, “ this is not a home, there are too many rules!” The reply, “ Young man there are rules everywhere, and those rules also apply to a home, without rules chaos would take over.”

Let’s look back at the last 4 years and talk about some of the successes. We have added new flooring, paint, bathroom remodels, countertops, refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, freezer, furniture, beds, dressers, transport van, fence, mediation area, burn pit, landscaping, computers, TV’s, aquarium, lawnmower, pavilion lighted ceiling, sponsors, friends and supporters. While those are simply material things, they mean little and can always be replaced. However, those positive successes uplift attitudes for both residents and staff. We are committed to continuing the improvements and moving forward in a positive direction.

Now the REAL SUCCESSES…. The boys

Ted

This story is about a young man that came to us with goals and already working hard on his future.

     Mr. Ted came to the Boy's Home like so many, confused, emotionally scared with an unknown future. Our first goal is to make boy's feel welcomed and safe. Which sounds easy, but talk to someone who has not felt safe over an extended period of time and you quickly find out, it is not only difficult, but sadly sometimes impossible.

 

     Ted arrived weeks before his 16th birthday and was very independent out of necessity maybe, but being a teenager in foster care makes you grow up faster than normal. He had many obstacles, most of which were not by his own choosing. Because of the family breakdown and being removed from the home, life can seem out of control. He did however have total command of his education. Ted was a very bright young man and unlike many others, had goals, one of which was to graduate High School and then college. His long term goal was to be a veterinarian and he understood the challenges that it would bring. As with all children, we supported his goals because you never want to put a damper on anyone's goals and dreams. However, we quickly learned that Ted was more than capable of obtaining and reaching his goals being a 3.75 student and excelling academically.

 

     Ted loved watching horror movies and Halloween was his speciality. His costumes (even on a limited budget) could easily win contests and he made this Halloween fun for both residents and staff!

 

     With all new placements, there are challenges, not only with being in foster care but dealing with other residents and the issues they arrive with. Ted was very driven in terms of his academic studies . Not only did he maintain his grade point but scored high on his ACT testing and achieved scholarships including Arkansas Academic Challenge, UAFS Lion Pride, Fafsa and Grant T. White scholarships. He applied to two colleges and was accepted into both, including Veterinary school and the University of Central Arkansas. So High School graduation first and then choosing a college. Ted decided to attend the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, to complete all his basics and then move to the University of Central Arkansas. Talk about achieving some major goals!

 

     Ted was uniquely talented educationally, but often would work late at night on homework and additional studies. Don't be fooled that it was given to him or he didn't have to work for it, because night after night he worked and made himself successful! We are extremely proud of Ted and can not wait to see what his future holds!

Our Location

Fort Smith Boys Home
5904 South Zero
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 646-2819

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