Mission:
Our mission is to reveal the potential in people and communities through skill building, employment, and economic opportunity.

Vision:
We envision a world where all people have the opportunity to emerge and thrive.

History:
EMERGE was established as a division of Pillsbury United Communities in 1995 and spun-off as an independent entity in 2007. In 2015, we opened the EMERGE Career and Technology Center (ECTC) in North Minneapolis and merged with non-profit partner Momentum Enterprises, bringing three additional social enterprise businesses into our portfolio. In March 2017, we opened Cedar-Riverside Opportunity Center in partnership with the city, county, local colleges, and other partners. Today we operate a broad spectrum of workforce development and social enterprise businesses in the Twin Cities with the intertwined goals of better jobs, better lives, and better communities.  

In 2017, EMERGE served 2,979 people: 662 gained jobs, 305 participated in career training, 499 people accessed financial education and services, and 162 formerly homeless individuals and families received services to directly support them in gaining or maintain housing. We offer adult and youth workforce services, combined with a range of other services tailored to the specific needs of the participant. In 2017, 94% of those we served identified as people of color with the largest groups served African American (55%) and African, primarily Somali (25%). Our participants are 84% low-income with 76% under the poverty line. About 35% are overcoming a criminal background; 26% have no high school diploma/GED; 21% speak a primary language other than English, and 13% indicate immigrant/refugee status.

Non Profit

Humanitarian

Social Impact

EMERGE Community Development

Mike Wynne

Aaron Ash

Mohamed Ali

Kersten Dehler

Jill Pearson-Wood

Kris Solz Sphr

The Workforce Development Team at EMERGE Community Development focuses on equipping individuals with the skills and resources necessary for sustainable employment. By offering tailored career training, job counseling, and supportive services, the team aims to empower diverse participants, including youth and those facing barriers to employment, to achieve better job prospects and enhance their overall quality of life. Through collaborative efforts and community partnerships, the team works to create economic opportunities that uplift individuals and strengthen communities in the Twin Cities.

Workforce Development Team

Workforce Development Team

About

Team members