Who We Serve
For children carrying more than they should have to
Heartstrings serves children and teens ages 5–20 across Northwest Arkansas who face barriers to creative expression and mentorship, welcomed through trusted referrals, and always free.
- Free for every child and family, always
- For children and teens ages 5 to 20
- Welcomed through a referral from any trusted adult
The children we serve
Children facing real hardship
Many of the young people we reach are navigating poverty, family instability, grief, or isolation. A child may be a good fit for Heartstrings if they are:
- In foster care, or newly placed
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Grieving the loss of a parent or someone they love
- Living with a parent who is incarcerated
- Aging out of the foster system
- Carrying the weight of trauma, abuse, or neglect
You can be the safe adult who refers
Every child arrives carrying something. What they leave with is a voice, and the knowledge that they are okay.
The Heartstrings experience
Could a child you know belong here?
If several of the situations above feel true for a child you know, they may be a good fit. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to have it all worked out. Reach out, and we will talk it through together.
Serving children and families within about a 30-minute drive across Northwest Arkansas.
Common questions
- Who does Heartstrings serve?
- Heartstrings serves children and teens ages 5 to 20 across Northwest Arkansas who face barriers to creative expression and mentorship, welcomed through trusted referrals and always free.
- How much does it cost?
- Every program is free for every child and family, always.
- How does a child get referred?
- You do not have to be a caseworker to refer a child. Referrals come from the trusted adults in a child's life: school counselors, therapists, caseworkers, CASA advocates, child-advocacy centers, foster families, teachers, relatives, and neighbors.
- What if I am not sure a child qualifies?
- If several of the situations we describe feel true for a child you know, they may be a good fit. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to have it all worked out. Reach out, and we will talk it through together.
There's a place for you here.
Volunteer your time, give to fund free programs, or refer a child who needs a safe place to land.