Upcoming events.
RISE Offices are Closed
All RISE staff are on winter break starting Tuesday, December 23rd and returning Monday, January 5th, 2026 to spend time with loved ones and “recharge” for the new year.
Both Omaha and Lincoln offices will be closed and reopening upon our return on Monday, January 5th.
We’ll follow up on all messages once we’re back, and we truly appreciate your grace and understanding while we’re away. Wishing you a warm, safe, and joyful season!
RISE Men's Wellness Hour
A supportive place for men impacted by incarceration to find resources and community.
In-Prison - OCC: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by December 6, 2025
In-Prison - RTC: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by December 15, 2025
RISE Appreciation Breakfast: Lincoln
Join us for the 2026 Lincoln Annual Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, February 20th! All are welcome!
RISE Appreciation Breakfast: Omaha
Join us for the 2026 Omaha Annual Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, February 27th!
All are welcome!
In-Prison - NCCW: Coaching Day
In-Prison Program Coaching Days are typically held at the three-month mark of curriculum completion. RISE staff and NDCS-approved community volunteers typically spend 3-5 hours inside the prison facility with program participants providing coaching and feedback related to their Personal Statement, Mock Interview, and Business Ideation.
Volunteer Arrival Time: 11am
Event End Time: 4pm
Interested in Volunteering with RISE’s In-Prison Program?
If you are not approved by the Nebraska Department of Corrections to volunteer with RISE inside prison, please apply to begin the process here by January 24, 2026
Second Chance Career and Resource Fair
“Companies and community coming together to connect justice impacted individuals with businesses willing to give them a second-chance”
Open to ALL second chance hires.
Connect with employers
On-the-spot interviews
In-Prison - NSP: Coaching Day
In-Prison Program Coaching Days are typically held at the three-month mark of curriculum completion. RISE staff and NDCS-approved community volunteers typically spend 3-5 hours inside the prison facility with program participants providing coaching and feedback related to their Personal Statement, Mock Interview, and Business Ideation.
Volunteer Arrival Time: 7:30am
Event End Time: 12pm
Interested in Volunteering with RISE’s In-Prison Program?
If you are not approved by the Nebraska Department of Corrections to volunteer with RISE inside prison, please apply to begin the process here by March 14, 2026
In-Prison - TSCI: Coaching Day
In-Prison Program Coaching Days are typically held at the three-month mark of curriculum completion. RISE staff and NDCS-approved community volunteers typically spend 3-5 hours inside the prison facility with program participants providing coaching and feedback related to their Personal Statement, Mock Interview, and Business Ideation.
Volunteer Arrival Time: 11am
Event End Time: 4pm
Interested in Volunteering with RISE’s In-Prison Program?
If you are not approved by the Nebraska Department of Corrections to volunteer with RISE inside prison, please apply to begin the process here by April 13, 2026
In-Prison - NCCW: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by May 18, 2026
In-Prison - OCC: Coaching Day
In-Prison Program Coaching Days are typically held at the three-month mark of curriculum completion. RISE staff and NDCS-approved community volunteers typically spend 3-5 hours inside the prison facility with program participants providing coaching and feedback related to their Personal Statement, Mock Interview, and Business Ideation.
Volunteer Arrival Time: 7am
Event End Time: 11:30am
Interested in Volunteering with RISE’s In-Prison Program?
If you are not approved by the Nebraska Department of Corrections to volunteer with RISE inside prison, please apply to begin the process here by June 20, 2026
In-Prison - RTC: Coaching Day
In-Prison Program Coaching Days are typically held at the three-month mark of curriculum completion. RISE staff and NDCS-approved community volunteers typically spend 3-5 hours inside the prison facility with program participants providing coaching and feedback related to their Personal Statement, Mock Interview, and Business Ideation.
Volunteer Arrival Time: 7am
Event End Time: 11:30am
Interested in Volunteering with RISE’s In-Prison Program?
If you are not approved by the Nebraska Department of Corrections to volunteer with RISE inside prison, please apply to begin the process here by June 27, 2026
In-Prison - TSCI: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by July 25, 2026
In-Prison - NSP: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by August 17, 2026
In-Prison - OCC: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by October 3, 2026
In-Prison - RTC: BPC & Graduation
This event is open to NDCS-approved RISE volunteers only.
Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!
Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.
Roughly an 8 hour commitment.
Please note, times are subject to change slightly.
Must register to volunteer by October 19, 2026
Canceled - RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
Board meeting Dec. 2025
The RISE Board of Directors will meet Thursday, December 18th from 12-1:30 pm online via Zoom or in-person at RISE’s Omaha Office:
3555 Farnam Street Ste #501
Omaha, NE 68131
Canceled - RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
Lincoln RISE and Shine Community Coffee
This casual, open-house style gathering hosted at The Charging Station Coffeehouse is a time for the community to meet some of our staff, learn about our mission, ask questions, network with current volunteers, chat with other local community members, and learn how to get involved with RISE!
RISE Men's Wellness Hour
A supportive place for men impacted by incarceration to find resources and community.
RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
RISE Business Academy: Small Business Saturday Showcase
Stop by The Charging Station for the RISE Business Academy Small Business Saturday Showcase!
Women’s Wellness Coffee Hour (Omaha)
The Women's Wellness Coffee Hour is a support-based coffee hour for women impacted by incarceration. This coffee hour is open to all women (RISE Graduates AND community members) with their own personal lived experience or have a spouse or loved one incarcerated.
RISE End of Year Survey Collection - Lincoln
Your voice matters in deciding the direction of our programming and services at RISE…so, we need your help!
We are hosting a “RISE End of Year Survey Collection” event for people who participated in RISE Reentry Services and/or the RISE Family Program in 2025. The insight you provide is so important to those we serve.
When you come to this event, you will complete a short survey about the services you utilized, and as a bonus, enjoy a meal on us, PLUS receive a $30 Visa Gift Card.
Again, your voice matters and input matters!
Registrations from individuals who are not current participants in one of these programs will not be accepted and will be turned away at check-in.
RSVP Below!
Canceled - RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
RISE Volunteer Social
This is a casual drop‑in event designed for RISE volunteers to relax, decompress after events, and enjoy an evening of connection and conversation. Come meet other volunteers, chat with staff, and build meaningful relationships in a low‑key atmosphere.
Policy & Advocacy Community Conversation
Join us from 6-7:30 as we discuss housing access issues with Together Omaha. Refreshments from Big Mama’s Kitchen and updates on current policy solutions provided.
RISE Business Academy Business Pitch Competition and Graduation
Join us as we celebrate the next graduating cohort of the RISE Business Academy! Lunch and refreshments provided.
Women's Wellness Coffee Hour (Lincoln)
The Women's Wellness Coffee Hour is a support-based coffee hour for women impacted by incarceration. This coffee hour is open to all women (RISE Graduates AND community members) with their own personal lived experience or have a spouse or loved one incarcerated.
Impact Volunteering: TriFaith intiative Winter prep
RISE Impact Volunteers are headed to TriFatih Inititative to help with their winter preparations!
Canceled - RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
TSCI RISE BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION AND GRADUATION
Your loved one has spent the past six+ months in a program that focuses on character development, leadership, job readiness, building positive relationships, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. During this time, they've created business plans from scratch and pitched them to panels of community-volunteer judges, competing for IOU prizes to help with their reentry when the time comes.
In-Prison TSCI: Business Pitch Competition and Graduation
Participants in RISE’s Nebraska in prison program in the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution will compete in a business pitch competition and graduate! Volunteers are needed!
Emerging Advocates Training
This 10-week course will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to start your journey to become an advocate for change.
Lincoln RISE and Shine Community Coffee
This casual, open-house style gathering hosted The Charging Station Coffeehouse is a time for the community to meet RISE staff and learn about our mission.
Canceled - RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
NE Wesleyan University Reentry Simulation
Housing, employment, and financial barriers at every turn, RISE aims to use this simulation as a tool for community members to better understand the invisible handcuffs and road blocks of returning citizens.
Emerging Advocates Training
This 10-week course will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to start your journey to become an advocate for change.
RISE Men's Wellness Hour
A supportive place for men impacted by incarceration to find resources and community.
RISE End of Year Survey Collection - Omaha - Morning Session
Your voice matters in deciding the direction of our programming and services at RISE…so, we need your help!
We are hosting a “RISE End of Year Survey Collection” event for people who participated in RISE Reentry Services and/or the RISE Family Program in 2025. The insight you provide is so important to those we serve.
When you come to this event, you will complete a short survey about the services you utilized, and as a bonus, enjoy a meal on us, PLUS receive a $30 Visa Gift Card.
Again, your voice matters and input matters!
Registrations from individuals who are not current participants in one of these programs will not be accepted and will be turned away at check-in.
RSVP Below!
RISE & Shine Community Coffee
Join us for RISE & Shine at Astute Coffee (Previously known as The Bike Union) every Friday!
This casual, open-table gathering is where our staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell you all about our programs and events!
Volunteer Opportunity: Online Business Research
Volunteers answer questions RISE participants have regarding the specific industry they are looking at entering or creating businesses in. Questions range from marketing and pricing strategies, startup needs, target market brainstorming, tips, products or other services to offer, licensing questions, etc.