Every person deserves a

Second Chance

Support RISE’s programs that help incarcerated individuals re‑enter their families, communities, and jobs.

Learn how your gift makes a difference

WHO WE ARE.

RISE is a non‑profit dedicated to empowering incarcerated individuals so they can return safely and successfully to their families and neighborhoods.

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

Why give?

  • 794

    In-Prison Program Graduates as of 2024

  • 71%

    of participants in the RISE In-Prison Program have had at least one family member incarcerated in their lifetime.

  • 25%

    of participants in the RISE In-Prison Program were experiencing homelessness or were temporarily staying with friends or family at the time of their arrest.

  • >29%

    of 2024 RISE In-Prison Program participants had experience living in the foster care system.

  • 47%

    of 2024 participants in the RISE In-Prison Program have had more than one family member incarcerate in their lifetime.

  • 19 Years Old

    Average age of 2024 RISE In-Program graduates at the time of their first incarceration.

Impactful Reentrty

85

RISE In-Prison Program Graduates returned to the community in 2024.

317

RISE In-Prison Program Graduates live in the community.

299

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

Home

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

“I want to be on this movement to change lives. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity that i’ve been given. And I’m so excited for what’s next!”

RISE Graduate

“I did not expect so much support throughout the program and the consistent involvement afterwards. I love feeling like i found a new community of positivity and inclusiveness within rise”

RISE Business Academy Graduate

“Wow, just wow! The event yesterday ble me away and was beyond anything i could have imagined.”

Volunteer

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.