Immerse Mentorships Change Lives
Could you imagine being dropped off at a Greyhound bus station the day after your 18th birthday with nothing but a sack of clothes and enough medication for one night? How would you feel?
Scared? Confused? Lost?
All of these feelings would come bubbling to the surface. Unfortunately, that bus stop is a harsh reality for many youth aging out of the foster care system in Arkansas.
Immerse is a Central Arkansas organization combating the confusion and loss many teens and young adults face. Immerse was established in 2010 after Eric and Kara Gilmore watched a child they had cared for through the welfare system experience the exact scenario of being left at the bus station.
They realized something had to change and that abandoning a child who had been in and out of 50 or more group homes was not how the world should work. So they created a supportive space for homeless youth, runaways, and those aging out of foster care.
Jamie Middleton, the Volunteer Coordinator, and Sydney Foster, the Director of Development, were interviewed for this article. Within the interview, both individuals displayed the love, support, and service needs that they believe to be the foundation of Immerse. In addition, they highlight the relationships built within the organization, the importance of mentors, and the nonstop service needed in the non-profit sector.
Sydney Foster, Director of Development
Jamie Middleton, Volunteer Coordinator
A special note to our youth - You are the real story here.
Keep up the great work, keep pressing on, and keep overcoming. All of Arkansas wants you to succeed, and so many people are on your side and cheering for you!