Building Readiness for Adult Life Through Purpose, Experience, and Community

"Some emerging adults need more than a plan. They need a place to practice becoming who they are."

The Baker, Oregon In-Residency Experience is a residential transition program for emerging adults seeking greater independence, confidence, direction, and readiness for the next stage of life.

Located in the historic community of Baker City, Oregon, this highly individualized experience supports young adults as they move from dependence toward responsible adulthood through mentorship, employment exploration, independent living, community engagement, and purposeful self-discovery.

Designed for individuals who may benefit from additional support before, during, or after college, the Baker Residency creates a bridge between adolescence and adulthood through real-world experiences and meaningful accountability.

Rather than following a predetermined curriculum, participants work alongside Emerge mentors to create and implement a personalized plan focused on life skills, career development, educational exploration, employment readiness, and personal growth.

Why Baker City?

Baker City offers a unique environment where emerging adults can slow down, focus, and intentionally build the habits and experiences necessary for long-term success.

Within a supportive community, participants have opportunities to:

• Practice independent living skills
• Explore career and educational pathways
• Engage with local employers and professionals
• Participate in job shadows and internships
• Develop personal responsibility and self-confidence
• Build meaningful connections with mentors and community members
• Experience the balance of freedom and accountability necessary for adult life

The community itself becomes an extension of the learning process.

Areas of Focus

Independent Living and Life Skills

Participants strengthen the practical skills necessary for successful adult living, including:

• Budgeting and financial literacy
• Meal planning and preparation
• Household management
• Transportation and mobility
• Organization and time management
• Communication and self-advocacy
• Personal responsibility and accountability

Career and Educational Exploration

The Baker Residency helps participants identify pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and goals.

Exploration opportunities may include:

• College and post-secondary planning
• Skilled trades
• Apprenticeships
• Technical certifications
• Workforce training programs
• Public service careers
• Entrepreneurship
• Gap year and service opportunities

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

Workforce Readiness

Young adults receive coaching and support related to:

• Resume and LinkedIn development
• Interview preparation
• Professional communication
• Workplace expectations
• Job applications
• Employment retention
• Career pathway planning

Purpose and Personal Development

At Emerge, we believe that meaningful success begins with understanding who you are and what you have to offer.

Participants engage in experiences focused on:

• Core Gift Discovery
• Strengths identification
• Career assessments
• Goal setting and accountability
• Mentorship and coaching
• Reflective practices
• Adventure-based learning experiences through Trek Epic

Support Structure

The Baker Residency is guided by a simple principle:

Supervision + Structure + Support = Sustainability

Participants receive individualized support while gradually increasing independence and ownership of their decisions.

Support may include:

• Weekly mentoring and coaching sessions
• Family communication and consultation
• Collaboration with therapists and support professionals
• Career and educational planning
• Community resource coordination
• Goal monitoring and accountability

Who Benefits Most?

The Baker, Oregon In-Residency Experience may be a strong fit for emerging adults who:

• Need additional preparation before transitioning to college or career training
• Are struggling to gain momentum following high school or college
• Need support developing executive functioning and life skills
• Are exploring educational, vocational, or employment pathways
• Would benefit from a smaller community and individualized support
• Desire greater independence while still having meaningful structure
• Are seeking clarity, confidence, and direction for the future

The Goal

The goal is not simply independence.

The goal is readiness.

Whether participants move toward college, workforce training, employment, apprenticeships, service opportunities, or independent living, they leave Baker City with stronger life skills, greater self-awareness, increased confidence, and a clearer understanding of how they want to engage with the world around them.

Because adulthood is not learned through instruction alone.

It is learned through experience.