EMERGE [Over 18], Inc., is a very small residential program designed to prepare students between the ages of 18 - 25 for the transition into independent living. Some students enroll in the program after attending therapeutic or emotional growth boarding schools, while others may have started college but were unsuccessful in their academic or social environment. The program accepts young adults dealing with anxiety issues and high functioning Asperger's, but it does not work with students dealing with addiction issues.
Although some students may first be "hosted" by a caring adult, most live in their own studio or one-bedroom apartments. In addition to working at a local coffee shop or retail store, all students are involved in regular counseling and coaching on daily living skills while also working on the plan for their next step after Emerge. The program serves students for two to five months in one or more of the following specific program components: Work and Vocational Experience, College Success Preparation, High School Completion, and/ or Educational and Career Planning.
Andrew has been working in the education field for 16 years as a teacher, mentor and educational consultant. He works with Emerge students to help them plan for the future and sort through issues as they arise each day. Additional staff members are added based on the needs of incoming students and admissions are accepted year round.
Note:The information used in this New Perspective came from the Emerge (Over 18) Inc. brochure and website.