Man doing a poetry read with blue and purple lighting behind him.
People painting canvases around a table.

RISE YOUTH & FAMLY PROGRAM

The RISE Youth & Family program offers access to support groups, workshops, community referrals, one-on-one coaching, and individualized assistance to all system-impacted families.

RISE Youth + Family Program Mission Statement:
To break the generational cycles of incarceration one family at a time. 

Vision:
That all families are empowered toward wellness by developing skills to thrive.

WHAT WE DO:

  • The Family Wellness Collective is a 10-month program, offered in six-week themes, to improve individual and family wellness.

    The program is delivered over family-style meals and discussion-based learning. A creative project accompanies each theme.

    The six overarching themes are:
    Healthy Relationships
    Effective Communication
    Trauma, Grief & Resiliency
    Self Actualization
    Positive Parenting
    Building Resources & Community.

    Meets Fridays 5:30-7:30 pm in Omaha.

    Requirements:
    • Meets Friday evenings
    • Commitment to consistent attendance
    • Must be 16 years of age & up.
    • Open to all people and families in the community impacted by incarceration.
    • Must be enrolled by the Director of Family Programs, Geri Knight.

    Learn more here.

  • Offered twice a month for system-impacted women to build community with other women over coffee.

    Lincoln:
    Every 3rd Saturday of the month.
    11am-12pm.

    The Mill on Telegraph
    330 S 21st St
    Lincoln, NE 68510

    Omaha:
    Every 4th Saturday of the month.
    11am-12pm

    The Mill on Leavenworth
    3105 Leavenworth St
    Omaha, NE 68105

    Who can attend:
    All women impacted by incarceration personally or through a loved one.

  • Specific to the loved ones* of in-prison program participants. Includes external communications regarding cohort and program updates community events community, support, etc.

    For more information, contact Director of Family Programs, Geri Knight.

    *Communication is done via email and text messages to loved ones living outside in the community. Digital communication to individuals living in the facility by RISE staff or volunteers is strictly prohibited by the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

  • The RISE Family Program understands that needs vary from family to family and is here to help. Our individualized assistance can include support such as providing community and housing referrals, employment assistance, and identification assistance. However, the Family Program cannot offer any financial support, clinical support, or legal services.

    Available to:
    • Loved ones of RISE In-Prison Program participants and graduates.

  • Family Program workshops offer an abridged version of Family Wellness Collective themes to incarcerated RISE graduates for continuing education. The material and delivery length is tailored to the specific needs of the RISE graduates.

    For more information, email Director of Family Programs, Geri Knight.

Questions about the rise YOUTH + FAMILY program?

Email Geri Knight, Director of Family Programs.

RISE Director of Family Programs smiles in front of a mural.

YOUTH + FAMILY PROGRAM VOLUNTEERING

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours for 2 weeks
    Locations: RISE Office | 3555 Farnam Street | Suite 501 | Omaha, NE 68131

    Working with the RISE Youth & Family Program’s Family Wellness Collective to create art of many kinds in correlation with the programming topics being discussed.

    Frequency: Two Friday evenings from 6-8 pm.

    Mediums needed: 
    • Painting (murals, smaller pieces, personal pieces), woodwork, ceramics, digital, etc.
    • Music
    • Spoken word / Poetry

    Requirements:
    •     Experience in your medium of choice
    • Ability to teach adults and kids
    • Ability to empathize

    For more information on becoming a Volunteer Community Artist, email Geri Knight here.

  • Time Commitment: 1.5 hours
    Locations: RISE Office | 3555 Farnam Street | Suite 501 | Omaha, NE 68131

    Provide and serve meals to the RISE Youth & Family Program participants before they have class. This is a great opportunity to create a sense of community and belonging!

    Frequency:
    Every Friday from 5:30-7 pm.

    Requirements:
    •     Capabilities of bringing and keeping food at a safe temperature
    • Capabilities of making and serving food to accommodate dietary needs
    • Kid-friendly

    Provide a meal here.

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
    Locations: RISE Office | 3555 Farnam Street | Suite 501 | Omaha, NE 68131

    Be a RISE Youth & Family Program buddy for a child of participants taking the program. Buddies play games, color, and hang out to give parents the space they need to engage in this important program.

    Frequency:
    Even Friday from 5-7 pm

    Requirements:
    •     Experience with kids of all ages
    • Kind, understanding, patient, empathetic, and energetic

    For more information, email Geri Knight here.

RISE Programs