Can you imagine being afraid of those who should love you the most, not knowing when you'll get to eat a decent meal, or being pulled in the middle of the night from the only home you've ever known? The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth rescues children from the unimaginable. It cares for little ones who are removed from their homes by Child Protective Services (CPS) due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian. That abuse or neglect may cause them to be traumatized, withdrawn, and fearful when they arrive at the shelter. Some have scars because of it. Others have broken bones.

The Ark is the only facility within an 80-mile radius licensed and contracted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to provide assessment services and emergency shelter for 61 of these victims, ages 0 through 17. HHSC knows it can count on The Ark to provide a safe and caring home for them. Some of the infants have been as young as 1 day old.

The shelter, which is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, provides childcare, diaper changes, diaper rash ointment/skin protectant, clothes, uniforms, personal hygiene products, delousing, school supplies, backpacks, homework assistance, transportation, birthday and Christmas celebrations with gifts, education and training normally provided by parents (such as etiquette, using eating utensils, using the potty to prevent soiled clothes and infections) and everything else needed for the children's well-being. When the children are discharged, they receive luggage containing seven clothing changes, hygiene supplies, a book, two toys, and a stuffed animal.

During a period of up to 90 consecutive days at the shelter, they are assessed by medical doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other trained professionals for placement in an appropriate long-term site where their needs can be met, such as a foster home, residential treatment center, therapeutic treatment center or basic child-care institution. Each minor is also given a complete medical, dental, and vision examination. Medical treatment is received, including any prescribed medications. A Child's Service Plan is developed and coordinated with basic and specific needs to be met for each resident in a given period and desired behavioral outcomes.

As the shelter's staff works with the residents in a compassionate manner, a transformation begins to take place in them. The education and training they receive contribute toward healthy childhood development. An example is the reduction of nutritional deficiencies - which exist in most of the children admitted to the shelter - through the consumption of three daily nutritious meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts. In time, physical and emotional scars heal. These positive changes enable a restoration of their dignity.

Making a difference in the children's lives is more than a catch phrase. It's the reason for the shelter's existence. You know the staff has reached that goal when it's time for a child to be discharged, and he or she doesn't want to leave. Why would you want to leave a place that has shown you love … maybe for the first time in your life?

The shelter admitted its first child on April 7, 2000. It has been home to at least 4,500 residents.

The Coastal Bend Day of Giving is extremely important because each dollar directly benefits the children at The Ark. The following are examples of what your generosity can accomplish:
• $10 pays for a three pack of 4-ounce baby bottles.
• $25 pays for a 170-ounce baby laundry soap container.
• $50 pays for eight jean shorts for toddlers.
• $100 pays for four pairs of toddler walking shoes.
• $150 pays for 350 potty training pants.
• $175 pays for an average of 55 gallons of gas to transport children to medical appointments.