Our Story

Why Heartstrings exists

Too many children grow up without safe spaces to process what they have lived through. Heartstrings nurtures healing, confidence, and creative expression through music, art, and meaningful work, because every child has a voice worth hearing.

An adult and a child painting their own separate watercolors, side by side at a sunlit worktable in a historic lodge studio

How we began

Why Northwest Arkansas, and why now

We saw a need here in Northwest Arkansas for therapeutic music and art: a growing number of children in foster care, in a region that has already embraced the arts, home to Crystal Bridges. It is a natural place to equip every child with the chance to showcase their music and art.

Every child who comes to Heartstrings carries a story of their own. Some are in foster care or newly placed. Some are grieving, or living with circumstances they did not choose. What they need first is a safe place, adults they can trust, and room to make something that is truly theirs.

So that is where Heartstrings starts: music, art, mentorship, and meaningful work, in the historic Rabbit Foot Lodge in Springdale, with volunteers who are background-checked and trained.

I have seen what can happen when a child is given a safe space to find their voice through art and music. It is life changing.

Teresa Hilliard, Heartstrings of NWA founder

A warm, light-filled common room with a wooden table, soft armchairs, a window seat, and instruments, arranged as a welcoming gathering space

Our home

A place to call home

Heartstrings is making its home in the historic Rabbit Foot Lodge in Springdale, a treasured City landmark, working alongside the City of Springdale. It is a warm and welcoming space with room for music studios, art spaces, a teaching kitchen, and gathering areas where children and families can feel at home.

There is something deeply symbolic about restoring a beloved historic building while helping restore hope, dignity, and healing in children. Just as cherished places can be renewed, so can young lives.

Built to be trusted

We are building toward a community where no child is overlooked. Heartstrings is board-governed and committed to full transparency, built in the open alongside the City of Springdale, so you can always see where your support goes.

Safety & transparency

There's a place for you here.

Volunteer your time, give to fund an art class or a music lesson, or refer a child who needs a safe place to learn.

Volunteer Give Refer a child