2022
ANNUAL REPORT
Thank you for making breakthrough, healing, and transformation possible.
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Employment Coach working with Youth in The OC
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Letter from Founder & Executive Director At Immerse, we truly hold each day as a day full of potential for healing, growth, and transformation. The impact of one day is often hard to see, but there’s something about looking back at the culmination of a full year that makes the breakthrough striking and encouraging. Brody’s and Cisily’s stories represent the daily hard work of over 400+ young people served by Immerse in 2022, and the many milestones we’ve celebrated with them. From new jobs, to new apartments, to diplomas, to sobriety, to new babies, and more, we’re honored to walk alongside them as they build for a whole and successful future. On top of that, I’m thankful for improvements we have been able to make to our programs this past year because of your partnership and support. We’re investing deeply in mental health support and integrating transformational experiences into our programs because we know these components are critical to the healing process. In addition, the support of many partners is making it possible to create Arkansas’ first shelter dedicated to young adults, and to grow Immerse’s presence throughout the State to make sure more youth and families have the support they need to succeed right where they are. We do all this in effort to display and live-out God’s heart for young people often overlooked or cast aside by much of society. Whether you’ve prayed, volunteered, or donated, thank you for your partnership, and thank you for making Immerse possible. It’s an honor to do this with you! Let’s press on together to build an expansive pathway to healing available to every youth from crisis in Arkansas.
Through your support in 2022: Over 400 youth from crisis and their children received critical supports
54 youth and their 14
children received safe and supportive transitional housing
1,600 nutritious meals were provided through the OC Youth Center
More than 500 life skills classes were provided to young adults learning how to live on their own
4,274 hours of one-on-one coaching were provided
20 community-building and
training events were provided to foster/adoptive youth and their families
Eric Gilmore
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The Problem:
The Solution
Abuse, neglect, and trauma have wreaked havoc on the relationships, identity, and resilience of youth from crisis, making their transition to adulthood extremely difficult. On any given night last year, more than 100 youth were sleeping on the streets in central Arkansas. Additionally, Arkansas ranks as the 3rd highest in the nation for child trauma, as measured by the percentage of children having experienced 3 or more key Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) by ages 17. These experiences range from foster care involvement and abuse at home to poverty and homelessness. Research links ACEs to lasting negative impacts on physical and mental health, relational well-being, and educational and employment success.
When we surround youth from crisis with unconditional relationships, a vision for their restored future, and tools that anticipate their needs and dreams, we create a climate for healing, growth, and transformation.
Youth trauma in 2022 More than 1 out of every 4 children in foster care in Arkansas were over the age of 14, with close to 200 youth aging out of foster care last year alone. Youth at Immerse reported having experienced an average of 6.5 ACES during their childhood. This is compared to an average of 5.5 ACEs in 2021. One study found that those with an ACEs score of more than 6 were at risk of a decreased lifespan by 20 years.
61%
Through your generosity, Immerse provides a continuum of support to protect, inspire, equip, and empower youth in their journey towards healing and healthy adulthood.
Alumni
Empower graduates to give back to youth coming behind them
LifeBASE Transitional Program
Equip youth through a transitional program in houses, apartments, or families
were experiencing homelessness, abuse, and other forms of crisis.
The OC Youth Center
Inspire youth to achieve big goals, connect them with tools, and a community of support
1 in 3 foster and adoptive teens we served last year was in a residential, non-family setting due to lack of placement options.
Youth Shelter (in development)
Protect youth experiencing homelessness through a low-barrier, safe place to sleep and get help
of youth served in our LifeBASE transitional program were in foster care or had been adopted.
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Continuum of Support
39%
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Top Moments of 2022 Made Progress toward Arkansas’s First Shelter for Youth Ages 18-24 Options for youth experiencing homelessness in central Arkansas are limited, with youth seeking protection at adult homeless shelters, couch surfing in risky situations, or simply opting for living on the streets. Our community had no solution specifically tailored to meet the needs of youth who are experiencing homelessness—until now. With your help, Immerse Arkansas is building The Station, a shelter for youth ages 18-24 that offers protection for the present and possibilities for the future. In 2022, we cleared the future site for construction, continued progress on program and architectural design, and raised $2.1 of the $3.5M needed for construction. We look forward to breaking ground on The Station in May 2023 and to begin serving young people in 2024. Together, we are doing whatever it takes to care for youth from crisis.
Strengthening Growth Opportunities for Youth from Crisis Through the OC, we are dedicated to providing tools that anticipate both youth’s immediate needs and their dreams. In 2022, we increased and strengthened onsite resources for youth. We doubled the number of life skills classes offered! Classes ranged from money management, healthy relationships, cooking on a budget, and other areas to help youth enter adulthood successfully. Our Employment Coach met with youth both individually and in groups to complete resumes, practice for interviews, research employment and career options, and navigate barriers once employed. In 2023, we look forward to expanding employment supports for youth through developing more employer partners, increasing our job readiness trainings, and exposing youth to new career paths.
Launched Transformational Activities and Increased Support for Youth Well-Being From yoga, rock climbing, floating the Buffalo River, gardening, and more, we significantly increased our recreational activities and therapeutic supports for youth at Immerse in 2022. With the help of our recreational facilitator, these activities encourage our youth to embrace new experiences, build their confidence, and learn new skills. Additionally, our Growth and Transformation Team grew to include two onsite trauma therapists, offering youth individual and group therapy options. Through several key partners, we were also able to provide physical and mental health resources to youth through The Finding Place Counseling & Recovery, Baptist Health Outreach, and Circle of Friends Health Clinic at AR Children’s Hospital.
Expanded Support for Foster and Adoptive Teens In 2021, Immerse launched our newest track of our LifeBASE Transitional Program- LifeBASE Teen. In 2022, we increased our impact to include 34 youth and their foster and adoptive families. This past year, we expanded our reach to not only include serving teens ages 1418 in foster and adoptive families, but also those living in residential settings due to lack of foster and adoptive placements. Often, these youth have the highest needs and the least amount of relational support. In 2022, 1 out of every 3 foster and adoptive teens we served was in a residential setting.
“Our coaches are often the only visitors those teens have on a weekly basis. We see the impact by walking with these teenagers and helping them prepare for adulthood.” - Immerse’s LifeBASE Teen Supervisor on serving teens in residential settings LifeBASE Teen consistently operates at full caseload capacity with a waiting list. We are excited to continue growing our impact and reaching more teens and their families in 2023 through an additional site.
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Brody found himself in Little Rock in search of shelter and the hope for a better life. After bouncing around different shelters and running out of options, he stumbled upon information from our street outreach team and later, encountered an Immerse volunteer.
At The OC, youth are inspired to achieve big goals and are connected with tools and a community of support. Youth welcomed are often actively in crisis, unhoused, and the most vulnerable.
In a step of bravery, Brody came to the OC Youth Center. There, he was welcomed by a community of people ready to help him not only find a safe place to stay, but to surround him with the tools and support needed to begin healing and overcoming.
How the OC Helps
Brody was then connected to our LifeBASE transitional program, where he began meeting regularly with his coach, building a relationship with a trained mentor, working and saving for the future, and taking steps towards healthy adulthood.
You helped INSPIRE youth.
24/7 Crisis Helpline
Coaching
Showers
Onsite Trauma Therapy
Laundry
Mentoring
Meals
Food Packs
Life Skills Training
Help with ID, Birth Certificate, & more
Watch more of Brody’s Story and learn how your support inspires youth from crisis.
Impact Approximately 250 youth primarily accessed resources through our OC Youth Center Over 1,600 nutritious meals were served 10
OC Coach Leando with Brody in the OC
105 youth were inspired to meet with a coach to work on their goals
Over 500 Life Skills classes were taught
“They’re showing me that there are people around me that care and that love me for me...I always felt like no one cared about me, no one loved me for me. I had to be someone else for everybody. God is putting people in place to guide me into a better future and get through my past.” —Brody 11
In 2022, we reached over 400 youth across our programs through the OC Youth Center and doubled the number of life skills classes offered! Youth participated in creative and engaging classes, trauma therapy, coaching, recreational activities, and more. Thank you for helping make The OC Youth Center a place that inspires youth!
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Basketball Game at the OC
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You helped EQUIP youth. Our transitional program, LifeBASE, equips youth from crisis with the tools, skills, and supportive relationships they need to transition into adulthood. Specialized supports are provided to youth who are pregnant or parenting, as well as teens and their foster and adoptive families.
How LifeBASE Helps Coaching Resident Assistants Parent & Caregiver Supports Life Skills Training
Supportive housing in group homes or apartments
Educational & Employment Support
Mentoring
Community Building Events
24/7 Crisis Helpline
Supports offered at The OC
Onsite Trauma Therapy
Impact 88 youth and their 14 children
received transitional support, including supportive housing, coaching, life skills training, mentorship, and other resources.
83% of youth increased the
number of supportive adults in their Circle of Support 14
When Cisily discovered she was pregnant, she immediately knew certain aspects of her life needed to change. Her life’s mission was no longer focused on just herself, but on her unborn son as well. While navigating homelessness and caring tirelessly for her son as he experienced a series of serious medical problems, Cisily unfortunately lost custody of her son. Entering motherhood without support is nearly impossible. When Cisily connected with Immerse’s LifeBASE transitional program, she was equipped with unconditional relationships, tools, and a community who believed in her and carried a vision for her life beyond what she had hoped.
“I have someone that’s actually on my team. People actually care here. They want to help. They want to see everyone do well.” - Cisily With the support of her Immerse Coach and her mentor, Cisily got to work. After working and going to school, she earned her CNA certification which she uses in her job caring for the elderly. She continues to take steps to gain custody of her son back. We’re proud of the hard work Cisily is putting in to build a healthy future for her life, as well as her son’s.
Roughly 60% of youth who exited to adulthood showed increased earning potential through work and school
3 out of 4 youth served
through our LifeBASE transitional program partnered with a coach and experienced physical and mental well-being
Watch more of Cisily’s Story and learn how your support equips youth from crisis. 15
LifeBase Care Our LifeBASE Care program grew in 2021, welcoming 5 new babies and their parents. Parents and their children received housing, training, and support and were empowered and equipped to grow into healthy young families.
“[Our son] always feels different than his peers at school. At Immerse, he has opportunities to hang out with other adopted teens. He never wants to miss a chance to hang out with his Immerse friends. As a family, we got the opportunity to learn how to grow together. Immerse has given us tools and resources to talk about awkward and challenging topics. We are so much closer connected to each other than before.” - LifeBASE Teen Family
LifeBASE Care Impact in 2021: 7 youth and their 10 children received transitional
support, including supportive housing, coaching, life skills training, parenting training, mentorship, and other resources.
80% of youth were matched with a trained mentor. 80% of youth were in school or had earned their GED or high school diploma.
“Since I’ve been with LifeBASE Care, I’ve gotten 2 jobs and I’m closer to being more stable than I have been in years!” —Immerse Overcomer
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Youth Canoeing at LifeBASE Teen Outing
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You helped PROTECT youth. Options for youth in central Arkansas facing homelessness are limited, with youth seeking protection at adult homeless shelters, couch surfing in risky situations, or simply opting for living on the streets. Our community had no solution specifically tailored to meet the needs of youth who are experiencing homelessness—until now. With your help, Immerse Arkansas is building The Station, a shelter for youth ages 18-24 that offers protection for the present and possibilities for the future. By opening a shelter specifically designated for young adults ages 18-24, we are able to provide a space that not only ensures the safety of our youth, but also cultivates opportunity for long lasting breakthrough, healing, and transformation.
The Station will offer 15, private bedroom/bathroom suites with availability for a 60 to 90 day stay. The Station will offer immediate, high-quality services such as nutritious meals, laundry, private onsite therapy sessions, referrals to local medical clinics, education resources, and employment readiness. 18
Land Cleared at Future Shelter Site
In 2022, we cleared the future site for construction, continued progress on program and architectural design, and raised $2.1 of the $3.5M needed for construction. We look forward to breaking ground on The Station in May 2023 and to begin serving young people in 2024. Together, we are doing whatever it takes to care for youth from crisis. 19
Partner Highlight: Live Thankfully
You helped EMPOWER youth. Immerse hosted a conversation between our youth and officials from the Children’s Bureau, who oversee child welfare and other state divisions across the country. For many youth, it was their first opportunity to feel heard by those directly impacting different policies that affect their lives. They shared their first-hand experiences in foster care, interacting with shelters, and other resources their programs provided these youth in their past.
Alumni Opportunities ☐ PEER MENTORSHIP ☐ EMPLOYMENT AT IMMERSE ☐ PARTICIPATION ON YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
Live Thankfully Little Rock opened in 2017 to serve women, children, and youth in crisis through its upscale resale shop. Kimberly Cook, founder and director, began dreaming of Live Thankfully after serving vulnerable women and children in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon returning home, Kimberly attended a banquet for a local nonprofit which highlighted the challenges that young adults face when aging out of the foster care system. After that event, Kimberly felt called to serve those in her community, just as she had done in Nairobi. What started as one garage sale ultimately became the thriving storefront open today. Through its donation-based clothing and furniture resale shop, Live Thankfully financially supports local nonprofits, meets tangible needs in the community, empowers leaders through job training and volunteer opportunities, and raises awareness of the struggles women, children, and youth from crisis face in the Little Rock region. Live Thankfully began its partnership with Immerse Arkansas in 2017. Through this partnership, Live Thankfully has donated nearly $150,000, served consistently as volunteers, mentored our youth, and advocated for our organization through its fundraising efforts and storefront spotlights. We are incredibly grateful to partner with Kimberly and her team at Live Thankfully Little Rock as well as our other incredible community partners!
“I felt like I was an advocate for homeless youth. I didn’t just get to care about it, but do something for it.” - Overcomer Check them out at livethankfullylittlerock.com
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Immerse 2022 Financials
Government Grants
Foundation Grants
25%
34%
Revenue Other
7% Individual Donors
Churches
32%
2%
Program Services
Administration
77%
13% Fundraising
10%
Expenses
Total Expenses for 2022:
$ 2,797,973 Total Revenue for 2022:
$4,208,177 Revenue for Operations: $ 2,936,380 Revenue for Shelter Project: $ 1,271,797 Figures are taken from FY 2022 audited financial statements. 22
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Our Leadership Team Let’s Continue Building an Expansive Pathway to Healing The big goal of Immerse is to build an expansive pathway to healing for every youth from crisis in the state of Arkansas. We will accomplish this goal through three initiatives: opening The Station Youth Shelter, strengthening our existing supports for youth, and launching statewide expansion. In addition to opening the state’s first youth-only shelter, The Station, Immerse will strengthen existing programmatic supports in 2023 through increased high-quality mental health services, life skills classes, and mentoring relationships. Immerse will also begin our statewide expansion in 2023. After partnering with hundreds of youth in central Arkansas, we are increasingly aware of the problems plaguing those experiencing homelessness, unexpected pregnancy, aging out of the foster system, living in care, trafficking, etc. Our response is “how can we do more and how can we serve more?” There is too much at stake in the lives of youth across the state for us not to extend our reach and deepen our impact.
ERIC GILMORE, MSW Executive Director eric@immersearkansas.org JUSTIN SANDERS, LCSW Assistant Director jsanders@immersearkansas.org
SYDNEY FOSTER, LMSW Director of Development sydney@immersearkansas.org TERRIA DIGGINS, MBA Director of Programs tdiggins@immersearkansas.org
LETHA TODD Director of Finance ltodd@immersearkansas.org
We are hungry to do more in the battle against trauma. In pursuit of serving young people ages 14-24, Immerse aims to launch five additional sites in the next five years. The first Immerse replication site will launch in Conway, Arkansas in 2023. Due to its proximity to Little Rock and the warm invitation from community members, Conway became the first location for building this expansive pathway. Our first expansion site in Conway will provide programming specifically designed for foster and adoptive youth and their families. Together, we can create this expansive pathway to healing available to every youth from crisis in Arkansas. Together, we can do more. 24
Immerse Site in Conway
Cooking Class at The OC
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Our Board TANNER MEZEL Board President Strategy Consultant
ROBERT COOK St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Rector
ANGELA ADUDDELL Board Vice President Child Advocate
PHIL GLOVER Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, Agent
BO BOSCHETTI Board Treasurer, Simmons Bank, SVP Lending Operations
ROBBI RIGGS Arkansas Attorney General, Deputy General Counsel
CAROL SPENST Board Secretary Chick-Fil-A, Owner
DIANE TRACY Child Advocate
JEROME STRICKLAND Breakthrough Solutions Inc, Co-Founder & COO The Contingent, Executive Director of Arkansas JIMMY ALESSI Alessi Keyes Construction, Co-Owner
JENNIFER RAGSDALE Uniti Group Inc, Chief Administrative Officer
LOCATION
OFFICE
5300 Asher Avenue
501-404-9890
Little Rock, AR 72204 MAILING
P.O. Box 45385 Little Rock, AR 72214 26
DAN WILLIAMS Garver Engineering, Former CEO (Retired)
FAX
866-449-2556
IMMERSEARKANSAS.ORG