NWA FEasibility Assessment

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Feasibility Assessment

As we prepare to launch Immerse programs in Northwest Arkansas in early 2026, Excellerate Foundation has partnered with us to fund a feasibility assessment study that will engage current and potential supporters in NWA through in-person interviews and online surveys. The purpose of this study, which will take place in September, is to share about Immerse as well as gauge potential community support for our work.  As we build support in the area, we request your input to help us make informed decisions about how we can best serve youth and families in Northwest Arkansas. 

Our board has selected Hueston Consulting Group of Conway, AR, a philanthropic consulting firm, to assist us in this feasibility assessment. Our request is simple: please set aside approximately 45 minutes to personally participate in an interview with Ken Sutterfield, senior consultant, or Dr. Fred Hueston, CFRE. Please know that your interview is not a solicitation for funds. Hueston Consulting Group seeks to listen and receive your input and guidance. They will keep your responses totally confidential.

These 45-minute long sessions will be held at:

  • Benton County: Arkansas Community Foundation (853 Horsebarn Rd. Suite 202, Rogers, AR 772758)

    • Times available 8a - 5p on Tue - Thu Sept. 9-25

  • Washington County: Fayetteville Library - 301 Board Room

    • Times available 9a - 5p on Thursdays Sept. 11, 18, and 25

Our goal is to build a broad, reliable pathway to healing for every youth from crisis in Arkansas.

why immerse is expanding

Teens and young adults make up 1/3 of Arkansas’ foster care system. Of these 1,200 young people, roughly 200 youth age out of the system every year.

National studies show that nearly 40% of youth who age out of foster care will experience homelessness before their 24th birthday. In addition, one in three teens on the street will be lured into prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home. And unfortunately, youth who experience homelessness are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than their peers.

We want to disrupt the cycles of trauma and poverty that afflict teens and young adults connected to the foster care system.

We see a future where growing up in foster and adoptive care in Arkansas isn’t solely a devastating setback, but also a starting point for healing. A place where youth have a reliable pathway to get the support and structures they need to overcome crisis in enter adulthood resilient and ready for life.

Immerse’s Launch in Northwest Arkansas

 

In Northwest Arkansas, there are roughly 400 youth in the 4-county foster care system (Area 1: Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll Counties). Approximately 39% of these young people are ages 12 and older.

Immerse has completed a detailed needs assessment for Northwest Arkansas, including source Interviews with other providers in the area, and has developed a regional launch plan to serve youth from crisis in Benton and Washington Counties and the surrounding area. Immerse’s launch into Northwest Arkansas will be a staggered approach depending on funding, staff recruitment and program implementation.

teens and their families face challenging prospects in northwest arkansas:

  • There are no transitional living beds in the area to support youth in extended foster care.

  • Due to lack of options, it is reported that some youth have resorted to living under bridges.

  • There is a wave of disruption and divorce among adoptive families who receive few supportive services.

  • The juvenile detention center is often the best option for youth who re-enter the community but also are at high risk for homelessness.