All children grow up.

Some do so peacefully, with their parent's hope for a bright future always close by. Others, though, seem to be set up for failure from the very start.


We're here to change that.

Youth Home, Inc. | Joint Commission Certified 501c3 Non-Profit Organization

Lanie's Story

This particular story started with a baby; one who was so precious at birth, a happy baby by all accounts. When she came into the world, the sun seemed to shine just a little bit brighter. But like 391,000 other babies in our country annually, she was born into an unstable home and put into the foster system very early on. 


For that child, there could have been any number of reasons that her generally happy demeanor changed: like limited access to food, lack of proper care, unmet needs, or abuse.


We’ll call her Lanie. She’s very important to this story.


Lanie spent her next few years learning to care for herself in whatever way possible: sometimes by showing aggression or defensive behavior, sometimes by lying

and manipulating, and other times by withdrawing completely.


Lanie’s mind became a web of fears and insecurities, and she really struggled to ever feel safe or calm.


She’s 12 now. By the time Lanie turns 18, she will have a 95% chance of experiencing a chronic, life-threatening disease, clinical depression, anxiety, an unplanned pregnancy, and/or incarceration. Her chances of experiencing the joys in life like a healthy marriage, a safe home, and the feeling of a job well done will be slim to none.


But it doesn't have to be like that, because right now she’s only 12 years old, and the best part of the story is just getting start.

This is where we come in

You and I are about to make a world of difference.

Lanie's story is not unique, and that's why Youth Home exists.


Youth Home has been Changing Lives and Saving Families since 1966. We were founded by a legend named Carol Burns Smelley - with $8,000 and a dream to change the lives of youth like Lanie. 

Carol’s mission was so impactful. She raised $2 Million within two years, and had multiple homes across Little Rock dedicated to helping.


Over the past 58 years, we've:

⦿ created a homelike,

⦿ evidence-based treatment program

⦿ that provides a real foundation for change in our residents

⦿ so they can heal, enjoy healthy relationships, and become contributing members of our community.


With your help, so many more youth will get the level of treatment they need to enjoy a life worth living.

CULTIVATING HOPE

Experience a culinary delight with the finest chefs in Arkansas, and become the reason Lanie finally gets the level of care she needs.

No more of that “when can I leave” feeling, sitting at another gala with rubbery food and chock-full-of-boring speeches that last too long. We want you to join us for a simple lunch, dinner, or cocktail hour with one of the best chefs in Arkansas as we celebrate changed lives.

SAVORY DETAILS

What's Included:

An exclusive event with one of the best chefs in Arkansas

We have the flexibility to customize each gathering based on your needs, and if appropriate, one of the best celebrity chefs in Arkansas will join us for a true culinary delight.

An exquisite meal or a palatable cocktail hour

Youth Home has long set ourselves apart as giving the best fine dining experiences in the state, and we don’t plan to jump ship now.

Beverage Pairings

What is fine dining without the drinks to match? We'll provide custom, curated beverage pairings to delight the senses as you enjoy the meal of a lifetime.

Time to enjoy each other's company

We all have some far off memory of failing to talk over the resounding chatter, clanking dishes, and booming speeches at a gala event. No more - you'll actually be able to hear each other this time.

A short presentation and invitation to change a life

Our mission is nothing without your support. Your donation will go directly towards providing the highest quality of care and greatest chance of success for each child.

A thank you and farewell

With a parting gift, we'll send you on your way. You'll be able to enjoy the rest of your day in peace. (Expect a proper thank you and recognition for your invaluable contribution to our mission).

That's it. No more 3-4 hour gatherings in your waist-pinching black tie, and no more rubber chicken.

how to get involved

Become the main character in a story that will last a lifetime:

Host a Gathering

In favor of having a more comfortable gathering, we’ll be leaning on our Impact Makers to have us in their homes! All you need is space to host 10-12 friends for a meal or cocktail hour, and room to prep food or drinks.

Attend a Gathering

Join us for a comfortable meal with one of Arkansas’ best chefs, and commit to supporting Youth Home as we Change Lives and Save Families. We promise you won't regret it.

"Youth home made me feel like I was in an actual home with people that cared."

Do I have to attend if I want to host?

You’ll be welcome and encouraged to join us, but it isn’t a requirement to attend if you want to offer your space up for use.

Can I attend multiple gatherings?

Please do. It is not a requirement by any means, but we plan to hold at least one gathering a month. Just let us know if you’d like to attend again quarterly, annually, or something else.

Do I have to come on behalf of a business?

If you have a connection to a business that could partner with us, any introductions would be most appreciated. But we believe you’re very capable of making a big impact on the youth in our care representing only yourself, as well.

Can I host somewhere other than my home?

If you have a space to host 10-12 friends for a meal or cocktail hour, and room to prep food or drinks, we’d be glad to talk to you about making it work.

I can’t make it, but I have a friend who can.

Send us their contact! Any introductions you can offer would be most beneficial.

Are donations tax deductible?

Always. Youth Home is a 501c3 nonprofit organization certified by the Joint Commission, and that fancy bunch of jargon basically means you can write off any donations in accordance with local and federal tax laws.

Have questions for us?

Reach out! We'd love to help.

Want to learn more about Youth Home and why your donations are so invaluable to the youth in our care? We'd love to have you out for a tour or schedule a call to answer any questions you may have.