About Us
Every life touched by violence deserves care, dignity, and a chance to thrive.
RISE is a community-driven organization dedicated to supporting families and survivors impacted by gun violence. We believe that healing, empowerment, and resilience are possible for every individual, and we work tirelessly to provide the guidance, care, and resources families need to rebuild their lives.
Our team is made up of survivors, advocates, educators, and community leaders who bring both lived experience and professional expertise. This ensures that our programs are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the real needs of the families we serve.
At RISE, we focus on three core pillars: intervention, prevention, and restoration. We are committed to equity, dignity, and justice, centering the voices of those most affected by violence and helping families not just survive, but thrive.
Who we are?
Our Mission
Building Resilience in Impacted Communities
Our Vision
A Future Where Communities Thrive
Our Values
Guided by compassion, justice, and empowerment, we support survivors, strengthen communities, and foster lasting healing and resilience.
Compassion & Empathy
We approach each family and survivor with deep care, understanding their trauma and offering support without judgment.
Healing & Resilience
We believe in long-term restoration: emotional healing, community recovery, and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.
Justice & Equity
We stand for fairness and dignity. We aim to counter systemic inequalities that contribute to violence and injustice, and we advocate for safe communities and equal support for all.
Community & Solidarity
We build strong networks of support — across families, neighbors, partners — believing that collective care is key to healing and prevention.
Empowerment & Voice
We uplift survivor and community voices, giving people agency to tell their stories, lead healing, and shape the future.
Prevention & Responsibility
We invest in education, outreach, and prevention — working to stop cycles of violence before they start, and holding ourselves and our community accountable.
Our Story
Rising Above Violence, Together
RISE was founded with a single purpose: to support families and survivors impacted by gun violence, and to help communities heal and thrive. What started as a small group of committed advocates has grown into a community-centered organization dedicated to restoring hope, fostering resilience, and empowering those affected to reclaim their lives.
Our journey began with the recognition that survivors and families often face isolation, trauma, and barriers to essential resources. We knew that beyond immediate support, long-term care, community connection, and prevention programs were needed to truly make a difference.
Over the years, RISE has grown into a network of passionate staff, volunteers, and community partners. Together, we provide trauma-informed counseling, emergency assistance, educational programs, and mentorship opportunities that strengthen individuals and families. Our approach is rooted in compassion, equity, and empowerment — ensuring that every voice is heard and every life is valued.
Building Safer Communities, One Family at a Time
From helping a family navigate the aftermath of violence to creating programs that prevent future harm, every initiative we take reflects our belief in the power of hope and the potential for communities to rise above trauma. Our story is one of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to a safer, more supportive world.
At RISE, we don’t just respond to violence — we actively build the conditions for healing, opportunity, and lasting change. Every family we support, every survivor we empower, and every program we create is a step toward a future where safety, hope, and empowerment triumph over fear.
Make a Difference
Help provide professional mental health and grief support services, childcare, and healing activities for children, caregivers, and families directly impacted by gun violence in our community.
