Christian Couple Leads Effort To Provide Stability For Youth Aging Out Of Foster Care

January 28, 2026 — More than 15,000 young people age out of the U.S. foster care system every year, often without stable housing, financial resources or relational support. Many have experienced abuse, neglect, mental health challenges and prolonged instability, making the transition to adulthood especially difficult.

Eric and Kara (Howe) Gilmore have witnessed these challenges firsthand. Their shared passion for children and families affected by the foster care system led them to launch Immerse Arkansas, a nonprofit ministry in Little Rock, Arkansas, dedicated to supporting youth who are in foster care or have aged out of the system.  

Eric graduated from Cedarville University in 2003 with a degree in international studies and later earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas. At Cedarville, he met Kara, who graduated in 2004 with a degree in social work. The couple devoted themselves to full-time ministry in 2008, and they’ve served more than 500 young people annually since Immerse Arkansas’ inception in 2010. 

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