What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 12pm 1pm - 5pm

O'Connell Children's Shelter

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Lawrence, KS
O'Connell Children's Shelter

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The Children's Shelter and O'Connell Youth Ranch merged 11/1/21 to form O'Connell Children's Shelter

The Children's Shelter and O'Connell Youth Ranch merged on Nov. 1, 2021, becoming O'Connell Children's Shelter. We offer residential services to youth in care, prevention services to at-risk children and families, and foster home support.

11/13/2026

Please join us in celebrating Lucy on her one-year work anniversary with O'Connell! As a teaching assistant, Lucy works incredibly hard to build strong relationships with the young people we serve. She interacts with them daily and guides them to become independent, contributing members of our community. Lucy cites developing those relationships and watching the young people grow into better versions of themselves as the best part of her job. Lucy was first introduced to O'Connell through her social work practicum last year, and we are always thrilled when former interns become full-time employees after they graduate. We are so grateful to have her on our team. Congratulations, Lucy!

11/12/2026

Have you ever asked yourself - "What does Festival of Trees help fund?" Thanks to Stoker Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning, we had the opportunity to shoot some quick videos with Vibralux Media to explain the importance of this annual holiday tradition to our community and programming.

Please like and share so we can get the word out about the 40th Annual Lawrence Festival of Trees.

11/12/2026

Festival Week, presented by Cherry Hill Properties, at the 40th Lawrence Festival of Trees has something for everyone, from families with young kids to friends looking for a festive night out.

Here’s a quick sampling of what we’re adding to the calendar:

▪️ Cocktails & Carols (November 28): Holiday cocktails among the trees, with carols by the Marvelous Mistletones
▪️ Cookies with Santa (November 30 & December 1, 4:30-6:30 PM): A visit with Santa, cookies from Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, and a photo by Matt Hicks
▪️ Senior Viewing Hours (December 1): A dedicated time for seniors to enjoy the trees with a discounted entry
▪️ Holiday Trivia & Ugly Sweater Contest (December 2): Test your holiday knowledge and show off your ugliest sweater to win prizes

Plus so much more! Every event benefits O’Connell Children’s Shelter and the youth and families we serve. Find times and details for every Festival Week event at oconnellchildrensshelter.org/festival-of-trees.

11/10/2026

The Lawrence Festival of Trees is turning 40, and O’Connell Children’s Shelter can’t wait to celebrate with you!

From November 27 through December 6, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering (1031 New Hampshire Street) will be filled with themed trees, wreaths, and festive creations donated by local businesses, clubs, families, and artists.

Public viewing is open all week, with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children older than 6. Every dollar raised goes toward the youth, children, and families O’Connell serves, so each visit helps young people and families right here in our community.

Special Thanks to Cherry Hill Properties for their support of Festival Week!

Learn more about this year’s Festival at https://oconnellchildrensshelter.org/festival-of-trees/.

11/09/2026

We did it! O’Connell’s new Juvenile Stabilization Center at Elsie’s Place is open and accepting referrals! Since opening Monday, October 26, we’ve already had a successful placement—and we’re ready to help more youth and families. With three crisis beds and 24/7 individualized care, we’re celebrating a new chapter of support for our community!

Placement inquiries: (785) 371-2517 during business hours, or (785) 371-1012, select 3, after hours. Email: [email protected]

11/09/2026

The main event of the 40th Lawrence Festival of Trees is less than a month away! O’Connell Children’s Shelter’s 40th Annual Festival of Trees Auction Party takes place Saturday, December 5 at Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering. Guests will bid on this year’s trees and celebrate four decades of the Festival together.

Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the auction program begins at 7 PM.

Get your Auction Party tickets today at onecau.se/fotlawrence.

Special thanks to Creative Planning for their support of the Auction Party.

We’d love to see you there!

11/04/2026

Today we're celebrating Aubrey's two-year work anniversary with O'Connell! Hooray! As a prevention case manager specializing in truancy, Aubrey works with young people to identify and eliminate the barriers to their consistent school attendance. Outgoing, positive, and a natural at connecting with others, Aubrey loves meeting new people and working with young people to discover what success in school means for them. She's also taking on a big challenge this year: completing her Master's, with a focus on clinical/behavioral health experience. Way to go, Aubrey! Outside of work, you'll find her in a craft store, where she loves to crochet and dive into all kinds of art projects, especially diamond art. And when we asked what she could never have too much of, Aubrey's answer was an enthusiastic YARN! Congratulations, Aubrey, and thank you for everything you do!

11/03/2026

Please join us in celebrating Brittney on her one-year work anniversary! Brittney is a case manager for our QRTP house and our newly opened JSC crisis beds, and she is making an incredible difference every day. Working closely with her house manager and the teaching assistants, Brittney makes sure the young people are progressing toward their personal goals on their case plans, participating in school, and getting to their many appointments and commitments in the community. Her favorite part of her job? Being there for the kids! Brittney also loves to cook and bake, and we hear her biscuits and gravy, and French toast are huge crowd favorites at the house when she's there for breakfast. Congratulations, Brittney, and thank you for all you do!

11/01/2026

Halloween weekend was a festive affair for our residential youth. Each house got in the spirit with the first annual "Boo Bash." There was a Haunt the House Challenge to see which house would take home the Boo Cup. As you can see, some carved pumpkins, while others painted them. Some pressed their social work interns into service as live models for their Asylum decor, while others created graveyards of staff members (all in good fun 😅).

After concerns about the weather, we adapted our original Spooky Fest plan and Rock Chalk Revue (approximately 16 cars) went to each house with a mobile Trunk or Treat to the delight of all. Themed costumes and fun treats (candy, chips, powerade, and so much more) made sure everyone had a great time!

Special thanks to Rock Chalk Revue, Lawrence Art Guild Association, and various community members for ensuring our young people had a memorable Halloween!

10/24/2026

Today, we’re delighted to celebrate Kimberly's one-year work anniversary and the care, dedication, and heart she brings to our team and the young people we serve. Kimberly joined us as a teaching assistant and quickly stepped up to embrace new responsibilities, demonstrate strong leadership, and grow into her recently earned role as one of our house managers! In this position, she helps keep the house running smoothly by coordinating budgeting, activity planning, and more alongside our case coordinators and teaching assistants. What she loves most is teaching life skills, listening and understanding, and helping residents reach meaningful milestones—whether that’s earning a driver’s license, finding a job, or discovering a hobby they enjoy. Outside of work, Kimberly loves to cook, attend live music, and read. Kimberly, we’re incredibly grateful for the commitment and encouragement you bring each day. Thank you for all you do, and congratulations on your one-year work anniversary.

Address

1925 Delaware Street
Lawrence, KS
66046

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+17858429356

Website

https://www.oconnellchildrensshelter.org/

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