At Main Engine Start, participants live in their own apartment in a dedicated building space within a vibrant urban setting. With mentors on the same floor and a shared community space just steps away, residents experience the balance of independence and support. Daily life blends personal freedom with shared evening meals, recreation, and connection — a strong launchpad for independent life.

The first priority is to establish gainful employment, heading toward meaningful work. Through hands-on coaching, local support, and old fashioned work ethic, residents begin earning their own income and building work experience. Work becomes a foundation for confidence, responsibility, and long-term self-reliance.

Learning happens every day — in the studio, around the dinner table, and out in the city. Evening and weekend instruction, practical workshops, and mentor and peer interactions help participants learn and deploy the skills needed for independence. From financial literacy to goal-setting to reliability and accountability, residents grow into capable, self-directed individuals.