THE STRONGEST COMMUNITIES

WELCOME PEOPLE HOME.

Celebrating Second Chance September.

Your gift gives an incarcerated individual the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

MOMENTUM MADE POSSIBLE because of you.

As we celebrate Second Chance September, we're reminded that second chances aren't defined by a single moment, they're built through consistent opportunities, committed supporters, and a community willing to believe in people.

Every success represents another person, another family, and another community moving toward a brighter future.

Second chances don't happen once a year...they happen every. single. day.

As a recurring donor through our Second Chance Circle, or someone considering becoming one, your monthly support ensures these opportunities continue long after September ends.

Impactful Reentrty

956

RISE In-Prison Program Graduates since 2017.

425

RISE In-Prison Program Graduates have returned to the community since 2017.

330

RISE In-Prison Program Graduates actively utilize RISE’s reentry services.

66

RISE Business Academy Graduates have found stability and generational wealth through entrepreneurship and their thriving small businesses.

217

Families have found healing and support through the RISE Youth and Family Program.

Home

Most RISE In-Prison Program Graduates in the community call Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Greater Nebraska home.

“What RISE offers our community is critical for individuals in the criminal justice system, and I want to support this work on an ongoing basis.

I started a monthly gift to RISE because it ensures I provide monetary support year-round, and makes my philanthropic support easy to maintain. I never have to worry about forgetting to contribute, and I also stay connected with the organization on a monthly basis to learn about progress and emerging needs. Furthermore, RISE knows it has my reliable support every month. By giving monthly, I am able to contribute more annually than I would with a one-time gift, and unlike all the other subscription services for which I pay, I feel that my monthly gift to RISE contributes something greater to Omaha, Nebraska, and the world beyond myself.”

Joel Gehringer, RISE Recurring Donor

Make a donation.

Every dollar translates into a mentor’s time, a classroom filled with learning, or a tool that helps someone re‑enter society.

Get to know rise

  • To break the generational cycles of incarceration.

  • RISE is the largest nonprofit organization in Nebraska focused solely on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. We follow an inside/out model. Both in and outside of facilities and in and outside of one’s self.

    For our program participants, this inside-out work is done through character development, employment readiness, job creation through entrepreneurship, family programming, and case management.

    For the community, we build awareness and empathy that leads to support and opportunity. We do this through volunteering opportunities, mentorship, advocacy, and educational experiences. These connections heal families, create employment pathways, careers, and lower recidivism.

  • That all people will find freedom from incarceration.

    Why does "freedom from cycles of incarceration" matter?

    It means building wealth and livable wages for families impacted by incarceration.

    It means parents parenting in person and making positive contributions to their community.

    It means more tax dollars for education, infrastructure, and services.

    It means there are legislative changes to outdated sentencing laws.

    It means people aren’t punished because of race or economic status.

    It means that generational incarceration in families is stopped dead in its tracks.

    It means improved public safety, available housing, more mental health and substance abuse support, and higher levels of educational attainment.

  • Tough Love
    Leading with unwavering love through equal parts accountability and grace. Love that recognizes second chances are given with both compassion and empowerment.

    Withness (Yes, we made this word up!)
    Walking alongside people for personal and community betterment. Meeting people where they’re at in a current moment with empathy, encouragement, and altruism.

    Entrepreneurial Mindset
    Challenging one's past through courage, curiosity, adaptability, and action. Building creative ways to find solutions while being an active drive in the direction of your life.

    Grit
    Addressing obstacles head-on and setting goals despite them. Building second chances by harnessing one’s strengths, drive, and passion.

    Rebuilding
    Guiding people in finding purpose to restore lives and develop safer communities from the inside out.