EverHope, the nonprofit formerly known as the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, announced Wednesday the launch of its 10 Family Challenge. The initiative seeks to recruit ten additional foster families in the four‑county region of Northwest Arkansas by the end of 2026, giving more children the chance to stay close to the families and neighborhoods they already know.
Why the challenge matters
According to EverHope’s foster‑care director, Brandy Shioyama, roughly 400 children are currently in foster care across the four counties. Yet the area has only about 100 licensed foster homes that can accept children without extra restrictions, far short of the organization’s ideal of 300 homes. “There’s always a shortage, but lately there’s been a deficit,” Shioyama said. “Children who come into care typically have to leave to find placement, and it’s better for them to stay here where they know people.”
How community members can help
The 10 Family Challenge is a call to action for Northwest Arkansas churches, businesses and private citizens. Those interested in becoming foster parents must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and a car, and can be married or single. The licensing process, Shioyama notes, usually takes about 45 days.
EverHope also welcomes volunteers, donors and anyone who can connect the organization with potential foster families. By expanding the pool of licensed homes, the nonprofit hopes to reduce the number of children who must be placed far from their home communities.
Local faith and business partners respond
Several local churches have already pledged support, seeing the challenge as an extension of their mission to care for vulnerable children. Business leaders in Fayetteville, Springdale and Bentonville have offered to host informational sessions and provide transportation assistance for prospective foster parents.
“Our community thrives when families are strong and children are cared for at home,” said Pastor Michael Greene of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. “We encourage our members to consider fostering or to support EverHope in any way they can.”
Next steps
EverHope will hold a kickoff event on Wednesday at its headquarters in Fayetteville, where Shioyama will outline the licensing steps and answer questions from interested residents. The organization will continue to track progress toward the ten‑family goal and share updates throughout the year.
For more information about the 10 Family Challenge, how to become a foster family, or ways to volunteer and donate, please contact EverHope directly.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
