Every year at Immerse is unique and meaningful in its own way. However, last year was truly historical.
One hot morning last August, more than 300 of us gathered under and around a small tent just off Asher Avenue in Little Rock. Donors, friends, youth, mentors, local leaders and more crammed together for the momentous occasion of opening Arkansas’ first shelter dedicated to serving youngadults.
For too long, young adults with nowhere to turn were relegated to the streets, adult homeless shelters, hotels or worse to spend the night. These youth were experiencing trauma stacked on trauma as they sought to survive in a world that had been hostile, if not abusive, to them.
When unaddressed, trauma carries into adulthood and impacts every part of life, leading to staggering statistics.
Nearly 40% of youth who age out of foster care will experience homelessness before their 24th birthday. One in three teens on the street will be lured into prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home. And youth who experience homelessness are three times more likely to commit suicide than their peers.
The opening of The Station provided a much-needed, different way.
Designed specifically for youth ages 18-24, The Station is a dormstyle residence and launch pad for life, planned with intention to reach beyond conventional models of group-based housing and meet the unique needs of youth who exit the foster care system.
The Station now serves as a 90day temporary shelter tailored to comfortably house youth as they work with their care team to develop a plan for next steps. It features 15 individual suites that offer a private bedroom and bathroom for each guest. The Station also houses a communal kitchen and laundry room to create space for gathering, routines and other norms of a home. Counseling rooms and meeting spaces are available onsite for guests to meet with their care team as they plan for life beyond The Station.
Here’s the best news: It’s working! During the first quarter of 2025, 14 of the 15 youth who exited The Station transitioned to safe, stable housing and were employed. These are real lives, experiencing real help, leading to real transformation.
This was a marker moment for Arkansas. A point in time from which we shall not look back as we work together to build a broad, reliable pathway to healing available to every youth from crisis in Arkansas.
The Station, along with all that happens at Immerse, is only possible because of the good hand of God and your support. Thank you for giving, praying, volunteering and spreading the word.
Let’s keep going,
Eric Gilmore, Founder & CEO
2024 Highlights
Opening of The Station
Immerse hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for youth, donors, community members and staff on Aug. 8, 2024, to celebrate the opening of The Station, Arkansas’ first homeless shelter for youth ages 18-24. This special celebration featured Amia, a resident in our LifeBASE Transitional Program, as our guest speaker. Amia, age 21 and a mom of two young girls, declared in her speech, “I’m an overcomer!” to enthusiastic applause (see her story on page 6). Approximately 300 people attended and enjoyed a time of celebration, prayer and “open house.” The first youth moved into The Station on Sept. 9. Since that time, Immerse has served 38 youth through The Station, and 88% have exited to safe and stable housing.
Hear From Our Community Leaders
Jerimah, age 21
Communal Area at The Station
Dakotah, age 20 and Isaac, age 24
Launch of CORE Youth Employment Program
In 2024, Immerse launched Career Opportunity Readiness Experience(CORE), a more intensive track of our youth employment program, in partnership with the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. Developing interview skills, learning how to manage conflict in the workplace, navigating transportation barriers and building connections can make the job market incredibly difficult for youth fromcrisis.
CORE is designed to help youth obtain and maintain employment and includes cycles of 3 weeks of soft skills training followed by 12 weeks of paid internships. Each youth in the CORE program is paired with an employment coach and a trauma therapist, receiving one-on-one and group support to make sure they have the tools they need in order to grow.
Conway Site Celebrates One Year of Impact
In October, 2024, our Conway site celebrated one year of operation! The Conway team served 18 foster and adoptive teens in 2024. In 2025, the team will double to include our Conway site leader, three LifeBASE coaches, a trauma therapist and volunteer/mentor coordinator. Through relationship-based coaching, therapy and wraparound support, Immerse is dedicated to meeting the needs of all foster and adoptive teens and their families in Faulkner County.
Last year, 32 youth participated in the CORE program.
Community support is critical to the success of youth at Immerse. In 2024, Immerse hosted four onsite job fairs, connecting youth with local jobs, colleges, trade schools and other resources. Thank you to each business that participated, including our 15 incredible community partners that served as CORE internship sites directly supporting youth.
Staff at Immerse Conway
Ziporah, age 21, and Coach Beth
452
youth from crisis received critical supports
53 youth & their children received safe housing = 1 youth life skills classes taught 684 of trauma therapy provided
564 HOURS
meals provided 3,062 youth impacted through transformational experiences 187 of coaching provided 7,662 HOURS
Amia’s Journey
Alone at 17, Amia was a mom struggling to get her life on track. But now that she has a circle of support and the tools she needs to achieve her dreams, it’s full steam ahead.
Amia grew up in an abusive home. She became a mother at 14; three years later, her grandmother—Amia’s only source of support—died of a stroke.
“Losing her tipped me over the edge,” Amia recalled, “and I began to abuse alcohol and drugs to cope with life and the pain.”
At 18, in the middle of her addiction, Amia moved to Arkansas with only the few belongings she could pack in her car. She was sober by 20, but also pregnant again.
Through Caring Hearts, a free resource clinic for expecting mothers, Amia was referred to Immerse—where she eventually entered Immerse’s LifeBASE Transitional Program and had access to housing, trauma therapy, coaching and other supports. Because of her life experience, she uniquely understands the need for The Station, Arkansas’ first homeless shelter for young adults ages 18-24. Opened in September, 2024, The Station provides a safe space for youth while cultivating opportunities for healing, growth and transformation. Amia was the featured speaker at The Station’s ribboncuttingceremony.
“The Station prioritizes the person to help them achieve goals and motivates them to be a better person,” Amia said. “Thisshelter will change so many lives, not only from the support and housing it will offer but the opportunity to make a better life for those in need.”
Each suite in The Station has a bedroom and private bath; there’s rec space,a shared
kitchen and counseling accommodations. While youth from crisis are living in The Station, Immerse staff work with them to help them figure out a plan for healing and working toward their goals. Coaches, mentors, therapists and other Immerse staff partner with them to build a circle of support by offering them lasting, unconditional relationships and equipping them with tools they need to achieve their dreams.
“During my time at Immerse, I’ve built relationships with more people than I can count. My daughters and I are receiving mental health services. I have received a donated car. I have overcome fears and created stability,” said Amia. “My children are in school and daycare, and I am in stable housing. That’s something I’ve wanted to proudly say for so long.”
Amia has explored educational options for herself, too; in the meantime, she’s pursuing a career in manufacturing. She hopes to become a published author and has already begun writing her autobiography—an interest that was sparked at Immerse.
“Immerse has helped keep me motivated in times of hopelessness and doubt, and I’m thankful for the staff and support,” Amia said. “Without Immerse, I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.
The Station will be home for people thirsty for hope and love.”
Alumni
Continuum of Support
Through your generosity, Immerse provides a continuum of support to protect, inspire, equip and empower youth in their journeys toward healing and healthy adulthood.
LifeBASE Transitional Program
The OC Youth Center
The Station Youth Shelter
The Station
In Central Arkansas, there are 1,000 homeless youth on any given night. The Station, Arkansas’ first homeless shelter for young adults ages 18-24, opened Sept. 9, 2024, and provides a space that not only ensures safety for youth but also cultivates opportunities for healing, growth and transformation.
The OC
Crises aren’t overcome in an instant, which is why the OC youth center (Overcomer Central) is our hub for operations and programming in Little Rock. After meeting the immediate needs of our youth, we start building a community around them to inspire growth, healing and transformation.
YOUTH FROM CRISIS IMPACTED ACROSS OUR CONTINUUM OF SUPPORT IN 2024
Empower graduates to give back to youth coming behind them
Equip youth through a transitional program in houses, apartments or families
Inspire youth to achieve big goals, connect them with tools and a community of support
Protect youth experiencing homelessness through a low-barrier, safe place to sleep and get help
LifeBASE Transitional Program
Through one-on-one coaching, trauma therapy, relationship building, training and employment and education support for teens ages 14-18 who are in foster care or have been adopted, we address past trauma and equip teens and their families for the teen’s transition into adulthood. From housing and coaching to mentoring and life skills training, Immerse provides young adults ages 18-24 with the tools, skills and supportive relationships they need to enter adulthood resilient and ready for life.
As we care for pregnant and parenting youth ages 16-24, Immerse provides supportive housing, coaching, mentoring, trauma therapy, life skills training, educational and employment support and access to recreational and transformational experiences to help young parents transition into adulthood for themselves and their young families.
Circle of Support:
Immerse’s Therapy Program at Work
–
“Therapists are not just there to sit and listen to your traumas or what you say, but there to lead you to the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve worked with Ms. Victoria for a year and some months now, and I tell you it has been the best journey ever with her—it has been the best journey. Like, she’s there. She knows. And she understands. She gives me permission to allow myself to feel. Every other therapist is like, ‘Be strong. Do this, do that.’ But I feel she is there to guide me in the right direction.”
ELIZABETH, AGE 18
BASE Goals
Our team of coaches, trauma therapists and other staff work with youth to set and achieve goals according to our BASE model.
working with youth to address trauma with the right and structures, we can disrupt the cycles that perpetuate trauma and poverty in our state. Immerse a broad, reliable pathway to healing for youth crisis in Arkansas.
BASE stands for:
Well-Being
“Trying to get out of that dark place when you are homeless is the hardest thing. So many times I just wanted to give up because I felt it was never going to get better. Without Immerse, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I wouldn’t have the support I have today. They’re saving a lot of lives.”
- FAITH, AGE 24
At Least One Caring Adult
“I think it’s an incredible thing to find people who will stick it out with you just because it’s important for you to be OK. Somehow, it all ends up working out. If there was a picture of that, it would be Immerse. God is in that place.”
- ANDREA, AGE 27
Safe and Stable Housing
“The Station provides hope for people like me in need ... I genuinely believe that this shelter will change lives, not only from the support and housing it will offer but also the opportunity to make a better life for those in need.”
- AMIA, AGE 21
Earning Potential
“I started at the CORE program here, so I was able to work at an animal hospital. Now, I’m finishing up high school so that I can get my diploma, and then I’m gonna go to college to be a veterinarian!”
- MIKAYLA, AGE 18
96
youth engaged in 1:1 trauma therapy.
88%
youth engaged in weekly recreational therapy and transformational experiences.
42
youth were paired with trained mentors.
187 of youth (35 out of 43) exited LifeBASE with safe and stable housing. 81%
92% of youth across The Station and LifeBASE programs (105 out of 119) were either employed or enrolled in school.
of youth in our LifeBASE transitional program experienced improved earning potential through educational or employment progress.
*All stats from 2024
Pathway Building the
Immerse’s goal is to build a broad, reliable pathway to healing for every youth from crisis in Arkansas. In the next five years, Immerse plans to:
Launch in Northwest Arkansas
Goal 1: Implement LifeBASE Transitional Program
Goal 2: Build a youth shelter
Strengthen Little Rock’s Flagship Campus
Goal 1: Sustain and enhance programming for The Station
Goal 2: Bolster and grow Immerse’s Growth & Transformation Program
Goal 3: Build additional space to serve youth in meaningful ways
Goal 4: Expand LifeBASE Transitional Program
Grow in Conway
Goal: Expand LifeBASE Transitional Program
Phase A:
Phase B:
Phase C:
Increase coaching and wraparound supports for teens ages 14-18 in Faulkner County
Provide coaching and wraparound supports for young adults aging out of foster care or experiencing homelessness
Provide transitional housing for young adults ages 18-24
Meet Sam, a
True Overcomer
Like many other youth from crisis, 19-year-old Sam endured brutally harsh experiences as a small child. He didn’t choose these traumatic circumstances, but he’s choosing not to be defined by them.
When Sam was 4, he was found by police while he was walking along the side of a highway with “someone who used to be my older sister; she was 5,” he recalled. At the children’s home, officers “did an emergency inspection and found no food in the house. Anyone who was there was passed out from being drunk and on drugs. So they immediately arrested the adults and took all the children out of the home.”
During the next two years, Sam was placed in 13 foster homes. At 6, he was adopted into a family where he suffered psychological and physical abuse. Eventually he wound up in juvenile detention; after he got out, he went straight into a program for further treatment.
In detention, he discovered a passion for cooking. He began thinking about his future and decided to enroll in the culinary program at Pulaski Tech in Little Rock when he turned 18. Knowing he would need a place to live while he attended college, Sam reached out to the Arkansas Department of Human Services for help.
And that’s how he found Immerse and its transitional living program, LifeBASE, that equips youth ages 18-24 for healthy adulthood.
“I came to Immerse for housing, but they’ve helped me have transportation and get an apartment,” said Sam. “I have a great therapist provided by Immerse who’s helping me work through anxiety and the reasons in my past that have been causing it, and helping me with PTSD I’ve had from my past.”
“In
my seven months at Immerse, I’ve overcome challenges with school, not really understanding the dynamics of college or what
I’m
supposed to be doing at any given time,” he added. “I’ve been gaining physical strength, as well as emotional and psychological strengths.
I’m just trying to better myself as much as I can.”
Soon after Sam was accepted, he gravitated toward rock climbing. He received belay certification and became a member at the Little Rock Climbing Center.
“In LifeBASE, we’re looking for an increase in BASE independence,” said Justin Kirkes, Immerse’s recreation manager. “The fact that Sam went from us taking him to the climbing to going on his own—that’s transformation!”
“Climbing requires a community,” Justin added. “So Sam, my oldest son and I formed a team and entered a climbing league. We called ourselves ‘The Overcomers.’ We went every Tuesday for four weeks and finished in sixth place at the end.”
Sam continues to thrive in LifeBASE. He trained for and ran in the 2025 Little Rock Marathon 5K and now counts backpacking and hiking among his favorite activities.
“We took him along with five other youth on our first overnight backpacking trip in December,” Justin recalled. “Sam was so excited about it that he wanted to do a solo experience. This is the kind of increase in BASE independence we’re looking for.”
Sam is continuing therapy; he looks forward to traveling someday and making new friends. And he’s taking ownership of his growth in life.
“I’m still overcoming my lack of self worth—constantly thinking I’m not good enough or strong enough, or I’m not progressing and getting better at things fast enough,” Sam said. “Because, turns out, I’m doing better than enough.”
This is what LifeBASE does for youth: It offers them the tools, skills and supportive relationships they need to grow, and to define themselves differently—to experience life as overcomers.
“At Immerse, I’ve learned I’m more than my past,” said Sam. “I’m not the scared 4-year-old who’s walking down the highway. I’m a 19-year-old who’s overcome a lot of challenges and who’s gotten further in life than anyone would’ve imagined.”
From climbing walls to culinary school, Sam is thriving. And for every youth who steps into LifeBASE…
OVERCOMING STARTS HERE!
2024 Total Expenses: 2024 Total Revenue: $5,768,025 $7,000,651
Our Leaders
Eric Gilmore, MSW Founder & CEO eric@immersearkansas.org
