Real Talk is EMERGE's weekly peer-to-peer group meeting. All crew members participate in Real Talk sessions. Real Talk gatherings provide a safe, judgment-free, mutually supportive space for crew members to engage in honest and constructive reflection on their re-entry experience. This support is critical since barriers such as stigma, cost, and awareness often make it challenging for returning citizens to access mental health and wellness support.  Each week we encourage a different participant to choose a topic for the session and facilitate discussion. All participants have the opportunity to share real-life experiences as part of the discussion. These sessions help build a network of understanding and respect between each member and begin a dialogue on personal issues that members can later address individually.

In addition to reducing recidivism, education is a catalyst for economic mobility as it increases access to high quality, well-paying jobs. Yet, returning citizens are nearly twice as likely to have no high school credential at all, and are eight times less likely to finish college compared to the general public (Prison Policy Initiative). EMERGE provides participants with academic tutoring to bridge this gap. Our “open entry, open exit” approach meets crew members where they are at by connecting them with the subject matter they need for however long they need it. We use computer-based curriculum and tolls, supplemented by classroom tutors as needed. Academic tutoring helps participants reach their goals, whether that’s getting a higher paying job or pursuing continued education.