Quan's Story: A New Direction Sparks Hope and Purpose

For years, Quan’s life was ruled by a cycle of uncertainty. 

“It was a challenge, 100%,” said Quan, 19. “But since I’ve been at Immerse, everything has been different. Today, my life is actually amazing. The things I’ve gotten to do, I’ve never done before. The things I’ve accomplished, it’s amazing.”

Quan was 13 when he and his mom lost their home. Eventually, housing instability made it nearly impossible for him to stay in school. By 17, he’d dropped out altogether and run out of options for couch-surfing when he learned about The Station, Arkansas’ first homeless shelter for young adults ages 18-24.

“I didn't have anything to my name,” Quan recalled. “No money, no job, very few personal items and a lack of life skills. I didn't even have a plan to make things better.”

At The Station, he discovered that hope speaks louder than anger, deprivation or childhood trauma.

“Everyone at The Station made it a mission to make sure I had everything I needed right away,” he added. “They helped me with a job, clothing, life skills and much, much more.”

Quan was paired with a coach at The Station, James Pope, who helped him find tools to begin healing and working toward his goals.

According to Quan, there were challenges to overcome, as well, “like being around people for a long period of time.”

Before Quan arrived at The Station, people were in and out of his life; he’d never had much practice building relationships or even learning to tolerate anyone for very long.

“It’s something I’ve got used to now due to being at The Station, but at first I was not a big ‘people person.’ I couldn’t just sit and talk to somebody,” he remembered. “I would kind of just sit to myself.”

With practice, Quan turned that leaf over and acquired new friendships at The Station, “a lot of friendships I made that I still have.”

He also acquired a job that allowed him, for the first time, to open and put money into a savings account, and he made great progress learning to manage his quick temper. “Pope was there for me. I used to do some ignorant stuff, but he didn’t try to make me feel bad about it. He would just say, “You can go about this a different way. There are better things to do.’ I appreciate Pope for staying consistent with me and not giving up.”

Quan moved from The Station to LifeBASE, Immerse’s transitional program that equips young people ages 18-24 for healthy adulthood by providing tools including housing, one-on-one coaching, mentoring and life-skills training.

Within a month, he was enrolled at the Innovation Hub pursuing a childhood dream: to be a certified welder. His career goal is underwater welding, combining his new trade with his love of swimming.

When Quan completed his certification in Summer 2025, the guy who once had trouble talking to other people and preferred to just sit alone was elected graduation speaker among his many friends in the Immerse Class of 2025.

Now his passion for welding has become a metaphor for his new life.

“Going to welding school taught me not to be afraid to try something new,” Quan said. “Once you put that electrode toward that metal and that fire sparks, it’s just a different feeling. Bliss, pure bliss.”

Today, Quan is focused on self-improvement, working on his communication skills, getting healthier and maybe earning his driver’s permit. His new hobbies reflect his drive for consistency: he’s taken up golfing and bowling — a sport he shares with his mentor, Pastor Chauncey.

“He’s a real cool dude,” Quan said. “He’s a diehard Eagles fan, but all in all, he’s real cool.”

Unconditional relationships with his mentor, coaches and others in his circle of support are creating a climate for healing, growth and transformation that was missing from Quan’s life before he came to Immerse. 

“Fifteen years ago, I was four years old. And honestly, it’s kind of all blank for me. I really don’t remember much of my childhood,” he said. “Fifteen years from now, I see myself in a stable home with a stable career. Hopefully by that time, I can work for myself and be married and have kids.”

“I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for Immerse, but I also know I had to put the work in,” said Quan. “I’m thankful they put me on the path to succeed and didn't give up on me.”

“Everything seems possible now,” he added, “anything I put my mind to.”