BENTON COUNTY — The Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter has received a $68,320 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas giving program.

This grant will allow the shelter to provide urgent care services - including safe shelter, food, clothing, transportation and support services - to the increased number of women and children seeking assistance. It will also assist the shelter in expanding bilingual services to the growing number of Spanish-speaking families.

NWAWS serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children. Angie Albright, executive director of NWAWS, notes that the support of the WalmartFoundation is “crucial to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community. We are so grateful for this investment in our mission and organization.”

NWAWS has seen a sharp rise in the number of victims of violence served over the past two years, making additional community support crucial to meet rising needs in Northwest Arkansas. The shelter served 500 in 2008 and 1,000 last year. In the first quarter of 2011 alone, the shelter has served 786, and is on track to serve more than 3,000 this year.

For more information on the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, please contact Angie Albright, executive director, at 246-9999 or [email protected].

News, Pages 16 on 06/29/2011