After 11 years, we're still head-over-heels for our beloved Stensgaard Center 💙

Utilized virtually 365 days a year, this incredible space has now hosted more than 4,000 days of excitement, creativity, learning, and relationship-building since its dedication ceremony on June 14, 2011. Many hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities have passed through its doors since that time, flourishing in the inviting gathering space that serves as the metaphorical heart of Life Styles community life.

The Stensgaard Center has helped shape and transform the groundbreaking programs and services Life Styles provides. Located just off I-49 at the Porter Road exit in Fayetteville, the 16,000-square-foot space is home to many of our Adult Development programs and serves as the host venue for much of our Supported Living Evening & Weekend Activities programming. Its construction was made possible through an intensive fundraising campaign spearheaded by current board member Elizabeth Brunner and supported by generous individuals and top corporations throughout NWA. 

This spacious and stimulating learning atmosphere includes a full teaching kitchen, individual classrooms, administrative offices, large and small recreation areas, a large multi-purpose dining area, and space for live performances. If you've traveled past the building at night, you've probably noticed the color-changing LED accent lighting integrated into the building’s exterior walls. Similar lighting graces the interior, too.

"We've been so fortunate to call the Stensgaard Center home these past eleven years," says John Newman, executive director of Life Styles. "It's been vital to helping us best serve existing clients, and to attracting new ones. Someday we hope to add a companion space in Benton County so we can continue to fully support individuals with disabilities throughout NWA on their journey to maximum independence."

Given a jam-packed activities schedule and the rising demand for services for adults with developmental disabilities in Northwest Arkansas, rest assured we utilize every square inch of the Stensgaard Center, which is starting to burst at the seams! We're so grateful for every class and party and Thanksgiving dinner the Stensgaard Center has facilitated; glad for every dance, dramatic performance, and talent show that's been staged. Thanks for the memories, dear Stensgaard. And here's to many more.