Top Moment #1: Dreaming of a Shelter

We began raising funds for Central Arkansas’s first shelter for young adults, ages 18-24, this year. Over the past 10 years of caring for youth from crisis, we have heard a resounding request for safe, immediate housing. Our dream is to offer a welcoming, youth-friendly space where youth who have experienced trauma can find shelter from sleeping on the streets or in other unsafe conditions and can get connected to our continuum of programs designed just for young adults.

We purchased property for this shelter less than a quarter mile from The OC last year, and this year we have already raised over half the funds necessary to build the shelter space. Our goal is to raise the remaining funds needed in the coming year, and begin construction on the shelter by 2023.

Top Moment #2: Youth Worked Hard

Each year, we celebrate our Overcomers’ hard work and perseverance by taking all youth who work a set number of hours during the summer months on a retreat. This year, 4 youth worked a combined over 1,000 hours during the summer months and celebrated with a trip to Branson! We are so proud of our Overcomers and all the ways they have pressed toward their goals this year.

This year’s Top Moment #4: Horseback Riding, Canoeing, and More

We love to try new things with our youth, and we know that new experiences can often birth growth, confidence, and deeper relationships for our Overcomers. That’s why, through supporters like you, we partnered with local businesses and organizations this year to offer fun, new experiences for our youth. We did everything from riding and caring for horses, to canoeing, hiking, and more. Each of these activities were not only loads of fun, but allowed youth to practice new skills and build deeper relationships with their coaches and peers!

Top Moment #5: Growth & Graduations

We’re highlighting all the small, daily ways our youth have grown this year, as well as celebrating those youth who have made big steps into adulthood by graduating from our programs. Check out this video to get a peek into a “Day in the Life” of our Immerse Overcomers as they learn, grow, and work hard to achieve their goals.

Top Moment #9: Equipped Youth with Life Skills

This year, we've provided over 250 life skills classes for our youth. From cooking classes to yoga, we've worked to equip our youth with a variety of skills to help them prepare for all aspects of adulthood. Whether we are learning to care for our bodies through nutrition, or learning to calm our emotions through mindfulness, we have loved sharing (and even learning!) new skills alongside our youth this year. Volunteers and community partners have led a large portion of these life skills, teaching youth to do their taxes and manage finances, build a resume or prepare for an interview, or even stretch out stress through yoga!