Special to the Herald
RISE Community Solutions recently celebrated its ten year anniversary.
“Over the last ten years, RISE has positively impacted the lives of more than 6,000 children and their families,” said Executive Director Rebecca Leininger. “I am so excited to celebrate the hard work of our team members who have made that possible.”
The Florida non-profit organization aims to restore hope, dignity, and a sense of security, empowering individuals to build their self-sufficiency and lead fulfilling lives. RISE offers coordinated solutions to help families get ahead of the challenges that can lead to disruption, including victim advocacy, family homelessness and youth mental health. Additionally, they help support the capacity building of other local non-profits through the development of diverse new leadership.
“It has been an honor to support more than 6,000 vulnerable children and their families over the last ten years. We are excited for the next chapter, with plans to extend our reach to serve even more families in need,” said Leininger.
RISE Community Solutions began operating in 2014 as a 501(c)3 Florida non-profit organization. Since that time, their work has included community-centered, family-strengthening initiatives. RISE believes in approaches that are family and client-centered, leaning on the expertise of those who are part of the communities they wish to serve.
RISE has roots as an affiliate to the child welfare system, as part of a prevention-focused philosophy. Over the years they have evolved to support individuals even farther upstream. Today, RISE has five signature program areas:
Pathways to Home has supported more than 1,200 families with children on their journey out of homelessness since 2010.
Children’s Advocacy Center Osceola has provided a safe space for 3,500+ children believed to be victims of sexual abuse since 2014.
Breakthrough, a peer support initiative launched as a pilot in Orange County, has walked alongside 158 families with teens experiencing significant mental and behavioral health challenges.
Public Allies Central Florida has witnessed the graduation of more than 250 equity-minded leaders from diverse backgrounds, having completed nearly half a million hours of local capacity-building.
RISE’s Community Education efforts have seen more than 6,100 locals trained in how to identify and support youth and young adults experiencing a mental health need.
