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.

06/08/2026

Monday reminder! 📣

Please take a moment to vote for GetREAL for Best Nonprofit in the Best of the River Valley contest!

Your support means so much to us.

https://www.votebestofrivervalley.com/

06/04/2026

VOTING IS LIVE! 🎉

We’re honored to be nominated for Best Nonprofit Organization in the River Valley, and we need your help!

Voting takes less than a minute:

✅ Visit votebestofrivervalley.com
✅ Click "Services"
✅ Click "Nonprofit Organization"
✅ Select GetREAL

Every vote helps shine a light on the young adults we serve as they build brighter futures after foster care.

Thank you for supporting GetREAL and the incredible young people in our program!

06/03/2026

A big win for our member, Nate! 🎉

He officially earned his driver's license!

This is a huge milestone and an important step toward independence. Now... he's working toward his next goal: saving up for his first vehicle. 🚗

We're so proud!!

05/28/2026

Every 2 minutes, a young person enters foster care.
Every year, 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system.

For many, turning 18 doesn’t mean stability. It means stepping into adulthood without the support most of us rely on.

That’s why extended foster care matters.

At GetREAL, we walk alongside young adults as they build life beyond foster care through safe housing, life coaching, transportation, education support, life skills, and community.

Because no one should have to figure it all out alone. 💙

getrealu.org

05/26/2026

It’s been a busy and exciting season at GetREAL!

From prom and graduation to life skills classes, social outings, and the everyday moments in between, these experiences are a meaningful part of our members’ growth and journey toward independence.

We’re grateful for every moment and everyone who helps make them possible.🌻

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

Address

3015 South 14th Street
Arkoma, OK
72901

Telephone

+14797830018

Website

http://getrealu.org/

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