What EmpowerU Does
Structured learning. Practical skills. Forward momentum.
EmpowerU delivers structured, instructor-led skills development that helps participants turn life experience into practical forward momentum.
EmpowerU Applied Skills is a program division of Vast Reentry Services, Ltd. We design and deliver practical, skills-based programming for justice-impacted individuals and underserved community members seeking greater stability, independence, workforce readiness, and successful community participation.
Our programming emphasizes real tools, guided practice, personal accountability, and measurable progress. Participants develop and practice skills they can apply in daily life, employment, relationships, decision-making, recovery, and successful community reintegration.
Educational and Medicaid-Covered Services
EmpowerU provides general educational programming as well as, when authorized and delivered through Vast Reentry Services, individualized behavioral-health skills training, psychosocial rehabilitation, and peer-support services.
Medicaid-covered services are provided only when:
- The participant is enrolled and eligible for the applicable benefit;
- The service is medically necessary;
- The service addresses an assessed behavioral-health or functional need;
- The intervention is connected to an authorized, person-centered treatment or service plan;
- The service is delivered by appropriately qualified personnel;
- Required supervision and authorization standards are satisfied; and
- The service and the participant’s response are properly documented in accordance with Medicaid and applicable payer requirements.
Participation in a general EmpowerU class or educational activity does not, by itself, make that activity a Medicaid-covered service.
Our Scope of Service
EmpowerU is not psychotherapy and does not replace medical, psychiatric, emergency, or other licensed clinical care.
Our focus is practical skill development, guided practice, psychosocial rehabilitation, peer-supported recovery, and measurable progress toward each participant’s documented functional, behavioral-health, recovery, employment, and community-stability goals.
EmpowerU services may include:
- Emotional regulation and coping-skill development;
- Communication and conflict-resolution skills;
- Accountability and responsible decision-making;
- Independent-living and community-functioning skills;
- Workforce readiness and employment-stability skills;
- Recovery-oriented peer support;
- Reintegration and personal-stability planning; and
- Structured practice applying learned skills in real-life situations.
Our Commitment
Every service must have a clear purpose.
When a service is submitted for Medicaid reimbursement, the service must be supported by the participant’s assessment, documented needs, individualized plan, provider qualifications, actual intervention, participant response, time and units delivered, and measurable progress toward an authorized goal.
EmpowerU does not bill Medicaid merely for attendance, general education, orientation, computer use, recreation, transportation, or exposure to a standard curriculum. Only properly authorized, medically necessary, individually responsive, delivered, and documented covered services may be submitted for Medicaid reimbursement.
Curriculum Overview
Six integrated modules built around the daily challenges participants actually face.
Personal Stability & Goal Setting
Clarify short- and long-term goals, build a 30/60/90-day action plan, and practice the routines that support daily stability.
Communication & Conflict Skills
Learn practical ways to manage difficult conversations, set boundaries, repair relationships, and advocate for yourself respectfully.
Emotional Regulation & Decision-Making
Explore triggers, pause-and-plan techniques, and decision-making frameworks that reduce impulsive choices and build self-accountability.
Workforce Readiness & Professionalism
Practice interview skills, workplace communication, time management, and the habits employers consistently value.
Digital Learning & Resource Navigation
Use a guided Chromebook lab to build digital confidence, complete online forms, and navigate community resources independently.
Transition Planning & Community Connection
Create a personal independence plan, identify supportive community contacts, and practice the next steps after graduation.
What to Expect
Clear time investment. Consistent structure. Measurable progress.
Program Format
- Duration: Multi-week sessions with scheduled module completion.
- Delivery: Instructor-led group sessions plus guided Chromebook lab work.
- Structure: Weekly topics, hands-on activities, and milestone check-ins.
- Completion: Attendance, participation, and a personal transition plan.
The Investment
EmpowerU asks participants to invest time, attention, and willingness to practice new habits. In return, participants gain:
- A structured schedule you can count on
- Instructor-led, discussion-based learning
- Chromebook lab access and hands-on practice
- Progress tracking and milestone check-ins
- Connection to VRS reentry navigation and referrals
- A completion path that supports employment, housing, and stability goals
Why Supporters Invest in EmpowerU
Funders, partners, and community stakeholders get transparency and structure.
- Evidence-informed, skills-based curriculum
- Measurable engagement and completion data
- Alignment with recidivism-reduction goals
- Scalable delivery through in-person and hybrid formats
- Clear referral and partnership pathways