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.