Who We Are
Who We Are
Who We Are
In their own words
Welcome to RISE, where we believe that every young person has the potential to succeed and thrive! Our mission is to bridge the gap between transitioning youth/young adults and their community through education, outreach, advocacy, awareness, and mentorship. Renika Atkins, the founder of our organization, utilized the resources that inspired her, along with the tools that helped her overcome barriers to success, to create a platform that aims to prevent other foster youth/alumni from experiencing the challenges she faced during her transition to adulthood. With over eight years of experience in serving youth in transition, we understand the challenges that young people face in today’s society, and we’re here to help!
89%
Program expenditure
320
Youth/Young adults served
- Hundreds of youth impacted across Texas.
- Focus on best youth transitioning practices.
- Advocacy at federal/state level for equity in aging out.
Our innovative programs are designed to empower and inspire young people, no matter what their background or situation may be. Whether you’re a foster youth, a foster alumni, or a young adult who does not have stable housing, we have a range of programming to meet your needs.
At RISE, we’re committed to improving social skills, academic achievement, self-determination, and access to tools for successful transitioning into adulthood. With our support, you can achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Join us today and see what you can accomplish!
Renika Atkins, LMSW
Founder and Executive Director
Natasha Bostic
Founding Board Member
MISSION & VISION
to bridge the disparity gap between the transitioning young adult and the community through education, mentorship, outreach and awareness.
VOLUNTEERING
Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community? R.I.S.E. participates in at least five volunteer opportunities each year. We also have corporate volunteer opportunities.
SOCIAL IMPACT
We are currently running four unique programs designed to encourage success in the lives of both the professional and foster youth/alumni.
OUR HISTORY
- December 2014 – RISE was born from an opportunity to speak for the staff members of the Texas State University F.A.C.E.S. Program about Healthy Helping Habits
- April 2015 – The organization becomes Non-Profit Incorporated in the State of Texas.
- June 2015 – Resources Inspiring Success and Empowering grows to provide Career Readiness through the Take the Job program to the women living in Bridges Safehouse maternity shelter.
- March 2016 – Our Founder was awarded the Woman In Action Award by the Women’s Empowerment Foundation.
- July 2016 – RISE achieves tax-exempt status through the federal government and is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- 2017- RISE serves over 200 youth and 30 young adults through speaking, mentoring and community service.
- July 2018- RISE is awarded a vendor contract to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to clients of the Texas Workforce Commission.
- 2019- {HER} Code program serves over 40 girls in foster care.
- March 2020- RISE is awarded to the “Community in Action” Award by Facebook.
- May 2020- RISE launches virtual mentoring to youth in the shelter.
- May 2020- RISE house our first young adult transitioning out of homelessness.