Get REAL

A program of the FS Children's Shelter. The program will take place in a 24-unit apartment complex acquired by the Children's Emergency Shelter.

Creating a safe and stable environment where at-risk youth, who are aging out of foster care or have become homeless, learn the fundamentals of adulthood to empower them to overcome the cycle of dysfunction. The Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter Independent Living Program, provides a safe and stable housing option along with life-skills training for youth in foster care at age 18 and beyond.

This program is designed to help foster youth reach self-sufficiency in a supportive environment that provides each program participant the opportunity to reach his or her goals for a happy and productive life. Get REAL 24 is an alternate name for the program using the acronym REAL (Restoring Empowering Alternative Living) and 24 being the number of units in the apartment complex. The program will consist of life-skills training that focuses on:
• Stable and safe housing
• Education that leads to sustainable employment opportunities
• Financial responsibility and money management
• Emotional and social well-being
• Positive and permanent connections with nurturing adults
• Engaging in the community through volunteer opportunities. In order to implement each objective successfully, Get REAL 24 will utilize relationships with state and local DHS the Youth Advisory Board (a board made up of foster youth from across Arkansas), local businesses/organizations, the University of Arkansas, trained mentors, and CES Staff.

05/20/2026

Because of your support, young people aging out of foster care are finding stability, encouragement, and people who continue showing up for them.

We are so grateful for every person who chooses to be part of their story. 💙

getrealu.org

05/19/2026

Growth doesn’t happen all at once, and everyone’s goals look different.

At GetREAL, we create individualized plans with each of our members as they prepare to age out of foster care and step into independent adulthood.

We’re proud to support these young adults as they build what comes next.💛

05/18/2026

For GetREAL, Foster Care Awareness Month is about reminding young people aging out of foster care that their story doesn’t end at 18.

Every young person deserves support, stability, and people who continue showing up for them as they step into adulthood.

This month, and every month, we are proud to walk alongside them.

Support GetREAL at getrealu.org/donate

05/14/2026

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month 💙

Every young adult deserves support, stability, and someone in their corner. Especially while transitioning out of foster care and into adulthood.

At GetREAL, we work to make sure our members don’t have to navigate that journey alone.

Want to make a lasting impact? Consider joining our monthly donor program through this link: getrealu.org/donate 🫶

05/04/2026

Last year, one of our members shared that they had never been to prom because they moved around so much growing up. So... we decided to create one of our own!!

This year was our 2nd Annual GetREAL Prom, and it was truly a night (and day!) to remember.

We started the day with glam time for the girls at Roots Hair Salon with Caroline and Juli, then headed to Take It Up a Knotch in Van Buren for a beautiful evening together. Miss Andrea poured so much time and heart into making the space feel special and making sure we had everything we needed.

A huge thank you as well to Chick-fil-A Van Buren, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Grace Community Church for supporting this event. And to First United Methodist Church for graciously opening their Prom Closet so each of our girls could find the perfect dress.

These moments may seem ordinary to some, but for young adults in foster care, they can mean everything. We’re grateful to help create memories, celebrate milestones, and remind our members that they deserve joyful, normal moments too.

04/30/2026

Check out our current needs list!

These are the everyday items that help make this space feel like home.

To make it easy, you can donate directly through our Amazon wish list. Everything ships straight to us!

Shop here: https://a.co/0495sDYn

04/24/2026

Within every room at GetREAL is a young person dreaming bigger than their current circumstances. For youth aging out of foster care, those dreams often come with obstacles many never see.

This board says so much without saying much at all.

We’re proud to walk alongside them as they do the hard work, one step at a time.

04/23/2026

A big thank you to Momo’s International Market and their customers for coming together to fundraise for the GetREAL program of the Fort Smith Children's Shelter! We’re so grateful for businesses that choose to give back and for the customers who helped make it possible. These funds will help support foster youth as they grow and build independent futures.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Don’t forget to support local!

Momo's International Market
1318 S Waldron Ave, Fort Smith, AR

04/20/2026

Flat tire? No problem!

Josh was out to lunch with his mentor when she got a flat tire. Instead of it just being an inconvenience, she turned it into a moment to learn.

That's what it's all about!

Address

3015 South 14th Street
Arkoma, OK
72901

Telephone

+14797830018

Website

http://getrealu.org/

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