At Project Zero we are always dreaming of NEW ways to show our waiting kids how important they are and to create events where they can be encouraged and their hearts and personalities can shine through. A "waiting child" is a child or teen who is in foster care through no fault of their own and because their parental rights have been terminated by the court system they are waiting to be adopted. Every waiting child is special, wonderful and unique and they deserve the opportunity to find the right forever family!
That is why we created SHINE!
SHINE is an intentional event for the 20 children with varying degrees of special needs who are currently waiting in foster care to be adopted. SHINE is a quiet event with low stimulation which allows our special needs kids to relax and enjoy themselves without the anxiety and overstimulation that might come from a larger (or louder) event. SHINE is designed and led by an amazing group of speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapists who lend their expertise to craft activities specifically tailored to meet the needs and abilities of the children who are attending the event. From dancing with scarves and pom poms, to passing beach balls, or gathering around a big parachute, all of SHINE's activities, food, and decor meet our special needs kids right where they are and give them an opportunity to, well, SHINE!
In addition to our kids, we invite families to attend who have completed the adoption certification process and who are interested in adopting a child with special needs. It is amazing to watch the interaction and connection between these incredible kids and families. It truly is a sacred space where lives and futures are changed forever. Last year, six of the twenty children and teens who attended SHINE met their forever families and are now HOME!
Our goal for NWA Gives is to raise $7500 to cover the cost of SHINE! 2026; food, prizes, games, special t-shirts, gift cards, etc. We want to continue to think outside the box, to implore the Lord for new breath and vision, and to fiercely fight in 2026 like never before to make sure waiting kids find the right forever families.
Every gift given during NWA Gives brings us closer to our goal: ZERO!
Thank you for fighting with us as we fight for waiting kids. We are so incredibly grateful!
Please visit our website to view the Arkansas Heart Gallery and find out more information about Project Zero
www.theprojectzero.org
Organization name
Project Zero
other names
Pulaski County Adoption Coalition
Tax id (EIN)
46-5366394
County
Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian
Categories
Children and Family
Address
PO Box 1006