EMERGE Community Development (EMERGE)

EMERGE is a community and workforce development organization based in North Minneapolis and Cedar-Riverside - neighborhoods that have struggled with some of the metro area’s highest rates of unemployment and most concentrated poverty.

Each year we help thousands of people access jobs, financial coaching, housing, and other key services along pathways to brighter futures. Our services are available to anyone who needs them, but many people we serve are facing significant obstacles. Some are re-entering the community after periods of incarceration. Others are overcoming generational poverty or are starting over in the US as New Americans and former refugees.

In 2016, EMERGE served 2,996 people: 784 gained jobs, 341 participated in career training, 306 people learned financial skills, and 85 formerly homeless families were housed.We offer adult and youth workforce services, combined with a range of other services, tailored to the specific needs of the participant. Every year the people we serve are approximately 90% people of color; 95% low-income with more than 60% under the poverty-line. About one-third are overcoming a criminal background; and 15% are over 21 and do not have a high school diploma/GED.

Overall, we facilitate life change in areas of our community where jobs are scarce, poverty levels are high, and racial/economic disparities prevail. EMERGE helps people facing significant obstacles redefine themselves. We are committed to creating better jobs, better lives, and better community.