RiseUP
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.
These programs are proven to enhance communication, self-esteem, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional well-being.
Join us as a volunteer or partner to empower the next generation to become Responsible, Independent, Strong, Empowered, Upstanding, and Productive.
Together, we can unlock their full potential.
We RiseUP Together!
Our History
Sandy’s Journey
With a background in social services, Sandy saw firsthand the struggles of teens aging out of foster care—too often left without support, stability, or skills, leading many into homelessness or incarceration. Motivated by this reality, she and Joe became a foster-to-adopt family and, unexpectedly, adopted a sibling group of three. Their commitment to love, nurture, and equip their children with life skills deepened their desire to help even more young people.
The Birth of RiseUP
Recognizing that the need extended far beyond their family, Sandy and Joe founded RiseUP Cooperative to provide teens and young adults with the love, guidance, and resources they need to thrive.
Joe’s Vision
Together, they believe in the ripple effect: while they cannot help every young person, they can plant seeds of hope and skills that empower the next generation to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
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.
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:
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Financial literacy
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Career readiness
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Health and safety
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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.