Volunteerism
RISE VOLUNTEERS ARE AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION TO BREAK GENERATIONAL CYCLES OF INCARCERATION.
RISE volunteers are essential to the success of our reentry programs. Through their support, guidance, and mentorship, they provide critical resources and encouragement to those seeking a second chance.
Volunteering Engagement
By sharing their time, skills, and expertise, these dedicated volunteers actively contribute to creating a more just and equitable future. Their enthusiasm for promoting rehabilitation after incarceration, personal growth, and community reentry program is contagious and plays a vital role in empowering individuals to thrive beyond the confines of the criminal justice system. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of RISE volunteers as we work together to break cycles of incarceration for all.
In‑Prison Program Volunteers
62 unique volunteers attended 19 in‑prison events, with many attending three or more.
As of December 2024, 88 active volunteers completed the Nebraska Department of Corrections (NDCS) volunteer process, enabling them to participate in facility‑based programming. This is more than any other NDCS community partner![1]
2024 Volunteer Highlights
RISE hosted 34 events requiring volunteer support. A total of 161 unique volunteers stepped up to:
Assemble hygiene backpacks for released graduates.
Staff phone banks for policy and advocacy efforts.
Support three cohorts of the RISE Business Academy to completion.
Hold space for system‑impacted families at two Family Program Showcases.
Build empathy and awareness by assisting with two Community Reentry Simulations.
Attend two community graduations.
Participate in three online events to conduct business research for incarcerated participants.
Support RISE In‑Prison Program classes and Milestone Events.
“Wow. just wow! The event yesterday blew me away and was beyond anything I could have imagined. The rest of the day with my team was all about debriefing, sharing ah‑ha moments, and asking how they can help.”– Union Pacific Volunteer
Online Business Research Initiative
74 unique volunteers contributed to our new Online Business Research opportunity, helping in‑prison participants prepare for their Business Pitch Competition. Their support resulted in some of the best pitches to date and significantly alleviated the workload for RISE In‑Prison Program Associates.[2]
Corporate Engagement
Union Pacific continued to support RISE through corporate volunteer initiatives, including employees attending a graduation ceremony in June at the Omaha Correctional Center and participating in a reentry simulation held at their headquarters in November. Their involvement exemplifies how corporate partnerships can enrich our programs and provide meaningful experiences for participants.
Exciting Roll‑Out for 2025
RISE's mission to break cycles of incarceration depends on growing a community that fosters empathy, empowerment, and opportunity.
In 2025, we are launching a new initiative to engage more individuals with in‑prison program milestone events. Experienced volunteers and stakeholders will have the opportunity to serve as “Trip Leaders” for coaching days and graduations, recruiting from their personal and professional networks to expand our volunteer base. Stay tuned for more details![3]
Thank you for making 2024 impactful. Let’s keep the momentum going into 2025!
