"Eighty percent of people with mental illness are unemployed, a statistic that says more about the lack of support for this group of people than it does about the economy, according to a new study." - USA TODAY: July 10, 2014
Self-employment enhances client recovery through meaningful work, economic empowerment, and community involvement. Research shows that people who are working have increased income, improved self-esteem, improved quality of life, reduced symptoms, and lower mental health treatment costs.
Emerge operates as a program of the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health (CECMH) as one of its multiple supported employment services. The goal of Emerge is to support the recovery of clients with serious mental illness by empowering people who desire to start and operate their own ventures.
CECMH serves approximately 1,500 adult clients in Orange, Chatham, Durham, and Wake counties, the majority of whom are eligible for Medicaid. Emerge supports interested clients through business incubation, on-going individualized support services, connection to resources, and therapeutic support.
Emerge spurs recovery by focusing on the unique strengths of clients and providing resources and tools for each person to find a market niche that utilizes their creativity, skills, and interests. Clients take the lead on their projects, and professionals serve in a supportive role. Emerge helps promote access and engagement of individuals in the local economy and community, not only as recipients of resources, but as contributors. It offers hope and meaning, focusing on growth and personal development rather than symptom management.
Support
Emerge receives start-up support from the CUBE, UNC’s incubator for social enterprises, and legal assistance from the Duke Start-Up Ventures Clinic.
Self-employment enhances client recovery through meaningful work, economic empowerment, and community involvement. Research shows that people who are working have increased income, improved self-esteem, improved quality of life, reduced symptoms, and lower mental health treatment costs.
Emerge operates as a program of the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health (CECMH) as one of its multiple supported employment services. The goal of Emerge is to support the recovery of clients with serious mental illness by empowering people who desire to start and operate their own ventures.
CECMH serves approximately 1,500 adult clients in Orange, Chatham, Durham, and Wake counties, the majority of whom are eligible for Medicaid. Emerge supports interested clients through business incubation, on-going individualized support services, connection to resources, and therapeutic support.
Emerge spurs recovery by focusing on the unique strengths of clients and providing resources and tools for each person to find a market niche that utilizes their creativity, skills, and interests. Clients take the lead on their projects, and professionals serve in a supportive role. Emerge helps promote access and engagement of individuals in the local economy and community, not only as recipients of resources, but as contributors. It offers hope and meaning, focusing on growth and personal development rather than symptom management.
Support
Emerge receives start-up support from the CUBE, UNC’s incubator for social enterprises, and legal assistance from the Duke Start-Up Ventures Clinic.