RISE Alumni Association

The RISE Alumni Association has held many forms (virtual Tuesday‑night Zoom calls during 2020, anyone?) with many people, but the purpose has remained the same—to provide community and shared experiences for formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones. In 2023, RISE hosted monthly reentry events for program participants to share a meal, participate in an activity, and be in reentry community with one another. [1][2]

Over 100 individuals attended 12 events, coming from different programs and perspectives of how the criminal‑legal system has impacted their lives. However, the criminal‑legal system was far from the focus of these events. We went putt‑putt golfing and bowling and found a shared affinity for Pizza Ranch. Over 15 people brought their families to the Kiewit Luminarium Science Museum and discovered that science can be fun and accessible to people of all ages.

Perhaps the most meaningful event took place this summer at The Sparks Barn in Louisville, Nebraska—the First Annual RISE Alumni Appreciation Event. During this event, reentry graduates were honored, RISE staff gave updates on their areas of the organization, and we all shared a meal.

We also spent time during this event honoring the ten RISE graduates we have lost over the years. We spoke about each of them and invited those who knew them to write down memories that would be shared with their loved ones. This collective processing of grief was profound—many in attendance had spent time with the people we have lost, participated in post‑release programs, and had come to know—and love—them, just as we have.[3]

As we look forward to the ongoing community in 2024, RISE continues to listen to the needs and desires of our graduates. This will always be reflected in the RISE Alumni Association—a space for our people and a hub for reentry services.