Frequently Asked questions

General RISE Questions

  • RISE’s mission is to break generational cycles of incarceration. We transform people in the community by building awareness and empathy that leads to support and opportunity. This is achieved through character development, employment readiness, job creation, and family programming.

  • The program is currently facilitated in several Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities, including the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC), Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP), Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW), Reception & Treatment Center (RTC), Tecumseh State Correctional Facility (TSCI), and Community Correctional Centers in Lincoln and Omaha.

  • "Withness" is a core value at RISE. It means walking alongside people for personal and community betterment rather than doing things for them. It involves meeting people where they are with empathy, encouragement, and altruism.

  • The 6-month In-Prison Program is open to people currently incarcerated in participating Nebraska state prisons. Preference is typically given to individuals who are 1 to 5 years away from their reentry/parole eligibility dates.

  • No. RISE does not provide legal counsel or legal services. Our focus is on character development, job readiness, and reentry support. For legal matters, we recommend contacting a licensed attorney or legal aid organization.

    If you have questions about or need support with the rights of those currently living within a locked facility in Nebraska, please contact the ACLU of Nebraska.

  • Jails are typically used for people awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or are being held for misdemeanors. Jails are operated by city or county authorities.
    Prisons are long-term facilities for people after they’ve been sentenced. Prisons are operated by the state or federal agencies.
    Learn about prison custody classification status’ here.

  • RISE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through a combination of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants (such as those from Union Pacific and FNBO), and fundraising events.

  • Our core values are Tough Love (accountability + grace), Withness (walking alongside), Entrepreneurial Mindset (adaptability & action), Grit (overcoming obstacles), and Rebuilding (restoring lives from the inside out).

  • A Reentry Simulation is an interactive educational experience offered by RISE to the public. It allows community members, employers, and stakeholders to experience the "invisible handcuffs" and logistical barriers people face when returning home from incarceration.

  • Since its inception, RISE has graduated over 800 individuals from its In-Prison Program, with hundreds more served through family and business academy programming.

For Families

  • Your loved one is incarcerated…now what? Families pay both the apparent and hidden costs while their loved ones serve out sentences and for a long time after. Prison can mean large financial costs while also dealing with intense emotional and physical trauma. Learn how to support your loved one here.

  • This program offers support groups, workshops, and coaching to families and community members impacted by incarceration. It includes the Family Wellness Collective, which covers themes like healthy relationships, trauma, and positive parenting.

  • No. Digital communication to individuals living in the facility by RISE staff or volunteers on behalf of families is strictly prohibited by NDCS rules. You must use standard prison communication channels (phone, mail, visitation).

    If you need support setting up your personal communication plan or visitation paperwork, please email family@seeusrise.org

  • These are monthly community gatherings for system-impacted individuals. There is a Women's Wellness Coffee Hour (in Omaha and Lincoln) and a Men's Wellness Coffee Hour (Omaha) designed to build community and peer support.

  • Understanding your loved one’s custody classification and anticipating their release date can be overwhelming and confusing. Learn about prison custody classification status’ here.

  • If your loved one is a RISE graduate, they will be paired with a Community Navigator to help with the transition. Families are encouraged to prepare for the emotional adjustments of reunification through our family workshops.

  • Yes. The Family Wellness Collective is family-style and "kid-friendly." Meals are provided, and the environment is designed to be inclusive for families navigating the impact of incarceration together.

  • Most graduation photos are ready within one month of your loved one's graduation ceremony. You can see the different gallery options here, or you can email our staff photographer, McKenzie Ring, here.

For Volunteers

  • You can apply to volunteer by visiting the "Volunteering" section of our website. You will need to complete an application and, for in-prison opportunities, undergo an NDCS background check and training process.

  • Roles include In-Prison Coaching (resumes/interviews), Business Pitch Competition Judge, Online Coaching (document review), Reentry Support (meals/transportation), and assisting with the Youth & Family program.

    Visit our “Volunteering” page to learn more.

  • It varies by role. Online Coaching can take 1-2 hours from home. In-Prison events (like Coaching Days or Pitch Competitions) are typically 5-8 hour commitments on a specific day.

  • Yes. Any volunteer role that involves entering a correctional facility requires a cleared background check and approval from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), which can take 90+ days.

  • While a record does not automatically disqualify you from all roles, entry into prisons is subject to strict NDCS approval. RISE values lived experience, so we encourage you to apply and discuss your specific situation with our volunteer coordinator.

  • Judges sit on panels inside the facility to hear business pitches from program participants. You score pitches, provide feedback, and help select winners. It is a full-day event filled with professional engagement and celebration.

  • Yes! The Online Coaching opportunity allows you to review personal statements, resumes, and business ideas via an online portal. You provide feedback digitally without needing to travel to a facility.

  • NDCS has a strict dress code (e.g., no blue jeans, no tight clothing, specific shoe requirements). RISE provides detailed guidelines to all approved volunteers prior to their scheduled event.

  • RISE organizes community service events (like gardening or food pantry assistance) where alumni, volunteers, and staff work side-by-side to give back to the local community, demonstrating the positive impact of returning citizens.

  • Once approved as a volunteer, you will receive access to sign up for specific upcoming events (like a Coaching Day at OCC or a Graduation at NSP) via our volunteer management platform.

  • NDCS strictly prohibits any communication between volunteers and the facility residents including, but not limited to JPay, phone calls, visitations, or other communication services.

For Donors

  • Donations support program curriculum, reentry supplies (like "Welcome Home" bags), staff support for case management, and family programming. Your giving directly funds the tools needed to break the cycle of incarceration.

  • Yes. RISE is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records.

  • A Welcome Home bag contains about $100 worth of essential items—hygiene products, laundry detergent, basic linens—that a graduate needs immediately upon release. Donors can sponsor these bags directly.

  • Yes! Monthly giving provides stable funding that allows us to plan long-term programming. You can select "Monthly" when making a donation through our website.

  • RISE Giving Day is an annual fundraising event, often held in April during Second Chance Month, where we rally the community to support second chances and celebrate the power of redemption.

  • We offer sponsorship opportunities for events. Please contact our development team to discuss sponsorship packages and recognition.

  • We publish annual impact reports and newsletters detailing graduation statistics, employment rates, and personal success stories made possible by donor support.

For Employers

  • RISE graduates have completed over 300 hours of character development and job readiness training. They possess "grit," adaptability, and a strong desire to succeed. Our graduates have an 87% employment rate.

  • The WOTC is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from certain target groups, including qualified ex-felons. Hiring a RISE graduate may make your business eligible for this credit.

  • Yes. RISE Employment Specialists work closely with graduates to identify their skills and strengths. We only recommend candidates who are job-ready and a good fit for your specific open roles.

  • RISE hosts career fairs and "Lunch and Learn" events. Employers can register to set up a booth, meet candidates, and conduct on-the-spot interviews. Contact our Director of Employment Services to save your spot.

  • We provide ongoing support through our Employment Program, including conflict resolution assistance, retention coaching, and training on the benefits and best practices of Second Chance hiring.

  • A Fair Chance Employer is one who assesses candidates based on their skills and qualifications rather than solely on their background. They are willing to look past a criminal record to see the potential in the person.

  • The average starting wage for our program participants is approximately $17.21/hour, reflecting the quality and readiness of the talent we provide.

  • Contact the RISE Employment Team via our website. We will set up a meeting to understand your hiring needs and discuss how we can pipeline qualified talent to your organization.

For Graduates

  • Yes. Full reentry services (Case Management, Navigator support) are exclusively for graduates of the RISE In-Prison Program. However, we provide a list of community resources for non-graduates on our website.

  • A Community Navigator is a RISE staff member assigned to walk alongside you. They help you navigate housing, employment, healthcare, and parole requirements, starting up to one year before your release.

  • The RBA is a 12-week entrepreneurship program for system-impacted individuals in the community. It helps you take a business idea from concept to launch, providing training on marketing, finance, and operations.

  • There is no time limit. RISE graduates are welcome to utilize reentry services for as long as necessary. Whether you’ve been out for a month or five years, we are here to support you.

  • The pack includes hygiene essentials (soap, deodorant, toothpaste), laundry supplies, and other basic necessities to help you get through your first few weeks home without financial stress.

  • Yes. Reentry services can provide bus passes and a 1-year Heartland Bike Share membership to help you get to work and appointments.

  • RISE provides a cell phone with 30 days of paid service to eligible graduates upon release to ensure you can communicate with employers, parole officers, and family immediately.

  • The Alumni Association is a network of graduates who support each other. They hold monthly meetings, social events, and volunteer opportunities to build brotherhood/sisterhood and give back to the community.

  • While RISE does not own housing, your Community Navigator will advocate for you and connect you with housing partners, rental assistance programs, and transitional living facilities that accept background-impacted individuals.

  • If you are interested in policy and advocacy work, you can apply for the Emerging Advocates program. It trains you how to share your story to influence legislation and community perception.