About Us
Our Story
About Us
About RiseUP Cooperative
Who We Are
RiseUP Cooperative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering teens and young adults (ages 13–23) with the essential life and leadership skills they need to build brighter futures. Through engaging workshops and resources, we bridge critical service gaps to ensure every young person has the tools to rise above life’s challenges and avoid becoming a statistic.
Our Belief
We believe every teen has the potential to grow into a responsible, confident, and empowered adult. By teaching practical skills, fostering a positive mindset, and building self-esteem, we help young people unlock their full potential and become strong, independent, and productive members of society.
What We Do
Our dedicated volunteers bring passion and expertise to every workshop, delivering practical tools and knowledge that empower teens to thrive in all aspects of life. Our workshops cover a variety of essential topics, including:
- Financial literacy
- Career readiness
- Health and safety
- Mental health and well-being
Workshops for Adults
At RiseUP, we believe creating change takes a village. That’s why we also offer workshops for adults, including parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with teens. These sessions equip adults with valuable strategies and insights to better support the young people in their lives.
Our Impact
By equipping teens with critical life skills and empowering adults to guide them, RiseUP is transforming lives and shaping a stronger, more resilient community. Together, we’re building a legacy of hope, opportunity, and success for the next generation.
Join Us
At RiseUP, we know that meaningful change happens when we come together. Join us in our mission to uplift and support our youth, ensuring they have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a better tomorrow.
RiseUP Cooperative – Empowering the Next Generation to Thrive.
Our Story
Our Story: The Founders of RiseUP Cooperative
Sandy’s Journey
With a background in social services, I witnessed the challenges and heartbreak many teens face firsthand. Far too many young people grow up without someone to make them feel valued, without a family to call their own, and without a dependable support system. I saw countless teens age out of foster care, left to navigate the world on their own without the tools they needed to succeed. Tragically, many of these young adults became homeless or incarcerated—victims of a system that failed to prepare them for life.
Motivated by these harsh realities, Joe and I decided to become a foster-to-adopt family, hoping to provide love and stability to at least one child. To our surprise, we were presented with the opportunity to adopt a sibling set of three. Without hesitation, we embraced them into our family and committed ourselves to nurturing, loving, and equipping them with the tools for a bright and successful future.
The Birth of RiseUP
While raising our children, we realized that helping just our family wasn’t enough. We felt called to do more—to extend that love, guidance, and support to other young people in need. This unwavering desire to empower the next generation led us to create RiseUP Cooperative.
Joe’s Vision
We know we can’t help everyone, but we firmly believe in the power of planting seeds and creating ripple effects that spark change for generations to come. By providing teens and young adults with critical skills and resources, we can help them take charge of their futures and create better tomorrows for themselves and their communities.
Our Mission
At RiseUP, we work to instill core values in the youth we serve:
- Responsibility: Owning their actions and decisions
- Independence: Building the confidence to navigate life on their own
- Strength: Facing challenges with resilience
- Upstanding Character: Acting with integrity and compassion
- Productive Mindset: Striving for growth and success
We firmly believe that the only way to RiseUP is to RiseUP together. With the support, skills, and encouragement provided through our workshops, we empower young people to rise above life’s challenges and embrace their full potential.
Joe and Sandy Pricer
Founders, RiseUP Cooperative
Our Staff
Sandy Pricer
President and CEO
Co-Founder , MSW
Email: sandy@riseupcooperative.org
Angela Sparks
Community Engagement Director and Blog Manager, MSW
Email: angela@riseupcooperative.org
Our Board of Directors
A.J. Davis
Board Chair
Chief Engagement and Volunteer Officer at
The Ronald McDonald House Charities
Danielle Cooper
Director, Vice Chair, Trivia Night Lead
Benefits Analyst at
Astec Industries
Wendy Jenkins
Director, BOARD SECRETARY
Assistant Director of Clinical and Coordinated Entry Services at
The Family Justice Center
LCSW, CFSW, CCFP, CLC
Nicole Benjamin
Director, Governance Committee Chair
Staff Attorney at
Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Ashley McKnight
Director
Talent and Culture Strategist at
EPB
Christopher Greer
Director
Insurance Agent at
Comparion Insurance HOME | AUTO | LIFE
Jack Sells
Director
Founder, Managing Partner and Accountant at
Arrow Exchange Tax Solutions
EA. CTC, CTP
MacKenzie Kelly
Director and Grant Specialist
Executive Director at
The Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition
Stephanie Athalone
Director
Workforce Development Business Services for
Southeast TN Development District
Tedarrell “TD” Scott
Director
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
SouthEast Bank
Vonnie Stone
Director
Branch Director for Dunlap/Whitwell location of Adoration Home Health and Hospice
Clinical Instructor at Western Governors Univesity
Advisory Board
Joe Pricer
Co-Founder and Advisory Board Chair
Head of Customer Solutions Deployment at Optimal Dynamics
Some of our Volunteers
Kalista Bartee
Fundraising Committee Chair
Marion Rhines
Primary Blog Writer
Writer/Author
Instructional Assistant at Cedar Bluff Middle
