Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter celebrates 20 years

The Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter celebrated its 20-year anniversary this morning with a program, refreshments and self-guided tours.

The shelter opened Dec. 6, 1993. The celebration was scheduled to take place in December but was postponed because of weather. Officials waited to have the celebration in April as it's the National Child Abuse Prevention Month, said Steve Schotta, executive director.

The shelter has served more than 7,000 children since it opened.

Jeffry Harsh, vice president, explained the shelter's history. It all began when the late Judge Terry Crabtree asked if the community could create a safe haven for abused and neglected children, Harsh said. Harsh walked through the shelter's growth as it added a school in 1998 and moved into its current location in 2011.

Its success and growth wouldn't have happened without a committed community, he said.

Jane Oliver, the shelter's first director and current board member, spoke of the shelter's early days and lessons its officials and staff learned.

Megan Anthony, a former resident, told her story and how the shelter "laid a foundation of hope" for her future.

The late Judge Terry Crabtree and the rest of the founding board members were also recognized.

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