Hi everyone!

I was first involved with RISE during my undergraduate degree at Creighton University. During an internship with the Director of Research and Evaluation, I focused on a project examining the application and reflection essays of our In-Prison Program applicants specifically looking at how they described themselves and how they indicated their self-worth. RISE and its mission have been on my heart ever since.

Being able to work at RISE is such an honor and joy for me. When I think about why I do this work and why our organization and mission matter so much to me, it comes to the people we serve. I don’t think it is fair to judge anyone and amount them to one singular thing they’ve done, especially the worst thing someone’s done. We are so much more than one moment in time.

Since beginning to work at RISE, I have volunteered at a couple of In-Prison events. During an empathy building activity at the Business Coaching Day at Omaha Correctional Center, Jeremy asked what we thought of when we thought of our parents. The builder* I was with said that each question fit the person he was with. Then we began to talk about our parents and our experiences were very similar. At one point, when I was saying some of the struggles I had with them, he asked me if I loved them. I said yes and he went on to ask if I had told them that. I said I think so but I realize I don’t tell them enough. I have a wonderful support system that helps to guide me through any issues I have and listen to me at any time. Not all of our builders have that support and even if they do, there is not a cookie cutter way to go through incarceration. Having RISE as a support to walk along side them in incarceration, in reentry, with family programming, and employment offers support from individuals who have the knowledge or will find the resources to empower their success. Please consider donating to this wonderful organization so we can continue to empower and serve them as they RISE!

Above is a photo of my father at one of the most recent In-Prison events. Being able to share this work with him was so special and all of the guys in the cohort were so excited to hear that someone from Wisconsin had come all that way to work with them. All that you do for us and those we serve is so so so appreciated. Thank you so much!!!

*= builder refers to the term we use for participants in our In-Prison program