A Purposeful Transition to Independence, Career Exploration, and Adult Life

"Some emerging adults need more than college support. They need a place to practice adulthood."

The Baker City, Oregon In-Residency Experience is a unique residential option for emerging adults seeking a structured pathway toward independence, employment, career exploration, and adult responsibility.

Located in the historic rural community of Baker City, Oregon, this program provides a highly individualized experience for emerging adults who may not yet be ready for engaging in a traditional college or post college age environment but are ready to begin building a meaningful adult life.

Situated somewhere between a Young Adult Transition Program and a Gap Year experience, the Baker, Ore. In-Residency combines mentorship, independent living, workforce development, community engagement, and personal growth in a real-world setting.

Unlike traditional residential programs, participants are not enrolled in a fixed curriculum. Instead, they work alongside Emerge mentors to develop a personalized success plan focused on employment, career and technical education, independent living skills, community participation, and future planning.

Why Baker City?

Baker City offers something increasingly difficult to find in larger metropolitan areas: opportunity, accessibility, and community.

Emerging adults are able to:

• Learn to live independently in a supportive environment
• Develop employment skills through local businesses and workforce partners
• Explore trades, apprenticeships, and technical careers
• Build confidence through community involvement
• Experience a slower pace of life that allows for reflection and growth
• Develop meaningful relationships with mentors and local professionals

The community serves as an extended classroom where young adults can safely practice the skills necessary for long-term success.

Areas of Focus

Independent Living Skills

Participants develop practical life skills including:

• Budgeting and financial literacy
• Meal planning and preparation
• Laundry and household management
• Transportation and mobility
• Time management and scheduling
• Personal responsibility and self-advocacy

Career and Technical Exploration

Rather than assuming college is the next step, the Baker Residency helps young adults explore a variety of pathways, including:

• Skilled trades
• Job Shadowing /  Internships
• Technical certifications
• Public service careers
• Workforce training programs
• College credit options
• Entrepreneurship and self-employment

Participants may engage in job shadows, informational interviews, volunteer experiences, internships, and entry-level employment opportunities.

Workforce Readiness

Young adults receive support in:

• LinkedIn and Resume development
• Interview preparation
• Job applications
• Workplace communication
• Professional expectations
• Maintaining employment
• Building a career pathway

Purpose and Personal Development

The Emerge philosophy recognizes that success is not simply about finding a job—it is about understanding who you are and what you have to offer.

Participants engage in:

• Core Gift Discovery
• Career assessments
• Personal mentoring
• Goal setting and accountability
• Reflective practices
• Trek Epic local and international adventures

Support Structure

The Baker, Ore. In-Residency follows Emerge's guiding principle:

Supervision + Structure + Support = Sustainability

Participants receive individualized mentoring and coaching while gradually increasing their independence and responsibility.

Support may include:

• Weekly mentoring sessions
• Family communication and consultation
• Coordination with therapists and support professionals
• Career planning and workforce development
• Academic planning when appropriate
• Community referrals and resource coordination

Who Benefits Most?

The Baker, Ore. In-Residency Experience may be a strong fit for young adults who:

• Need additional time before transitioning to a college setting
• Are exploring alternatives to a traditional four-year degree
• Struggle with executive functioning or motivation
• Need support building independent living skills
• Are interested in trades, workforce training, or hands-on careers
• Would benefit from a smaller community and individualized support
• Are seeking direction, confidence, and a clearer sense of purpose

The Goal

The goal is not simply independence.

The goal is purposeful independence.

Whether participants move toward employment, workforce certification, apprenticeships, community college, a four-year institution, or a gap year adventure, they leave Baker City with increased confidence, practical life skills, meaningful experiences, and a stronger understanding of who they are becoming.