Blog
Real Reentry: “Welcome Home to Me.”
This month, Terrance "came home" and spent time at our new RISE office in Omaha and received his "Welcome Home" bag.
Nebraska’s 2024 Legislative Session is Underway
Nebraska's 108th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session began yesterday, January 3rd, and it was right to business. Learn more about the day and how to follow along here.
RISE Has 688 Graduates!
"I've been told that I've matured and have become more disciplined, I am not as quick to be angered, and I've become more educated because of this program and others.”
Now Accepting RISE Business Academy Applications!
The RISE Business Academy (RBA) is now accepting applications for it’s 9th Cohort starting January 17, 2024.
The RBA is a 12-week program led by Dr. TJ Dickson, held just three times a year with a Business Pitch Competition and Graduation taking place at the end of each cohort.
Real Reentry: Up the Ladder
Evan graduated from RISE's In-Prison Program in June and has spent the last several months working with his RISE Community Navigator, Cody, as he transitioned down to the community correctional center.
King of King Church Gifts RISE with Generous Donation
RISE is delighted to announce the generous gift of $10,000 from King of Kings Church in Omaha, Nebraska. The generosity of King of Kings will allow for RISE’s Community Navigation team to provide hygiene essential packs to RISE graduates returning home after incarceration.
Real Reentry: Moving Up
RISE not only opened a reentry office in Lincoln last month but also moved from the second floor of the Blackstone Plaza to the fifth floor. September was…wild, chaotic, thrilling, sweaty, hard, beautiful, and joyful.
RISE Academy Celebrates New Lincoln Office
RISE is pleased to announce the opening of a new Lincoln-based reentry office in the old Lincoln Literacy Building located at 745 S. 9th Street. RISE will host an open house event for the community on Friday, October 6th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a ribbon cutting at 3:15 PM and remarks from RISE Board Member and Lincoln resident, Ava Thomas at 3:30 PM.
Nebraska LB50 Becomes Law
As we find the end of summer drawing near, this means the interim session is upon us and the next legislative session is quickly approaching; just like the change in the seasons. With the change of the legislative sessions, we'll start to look for the implementation of the laws passed at the end of the 108th Legislative 1st session.
Real reentry: not giving up.
At 18, Les was homeless, jobless, and had very few personal belongings - he came to our office wearing his county-issued shower shoes. Les was and is...alone. He's 18. A kid. Alone.
Les was paired up with Jon, a RISE Case Manager, who began working compassionately to determine his greatest needs.
What Will LB 50 Change?
Everyone is eager to learn more about the changes LB50 will have for our Builders and people we all know and care about.
Real reentry: Keep Going
Like so many others, "Ben" didn't win this particular battle of addiction when he came home the first time. He served 2 more years back in prison. But his army, RISE and this community of ours - YOU - didn't stop having his back.
RISE Cohort Graduates 21!
In February, 129 people volunteered their time by reviewing the cover letters, resumes, and business ideations of our 8th cohort at the Omaha Correctional Center. We are SO excited to share that they graduated last week!
Thank you Dinner vendors!
These shared dinners would not be possible without the food! So a special thank you to all the vendors who make these dinners possible. The food helps create a welcoming and enticing offer for families and participants to come back every week.
REAL REENTRY: FAMILY MATTERS
Research has shown that staying connected with family while incarcerated is wildly beneficial. It improves health, behavior, and can reduce the likelihood individuals will return to prison after being released.
Nebraska LB50 Becomes a Law
The Nebraska Unicameral ended two days early yesterday, but not before LB50 passed its final round of debate with a vote of 34-15!
Nebraska governor signs proclamation for Fatherhood
The Fatherhood Initiative is a statewide program of Lutheran Family Services (LFS), in partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska, RISE, and in collaboration with Sarpy County.
Union Pacific Volunteers with RISE
Research has shown that staying connected with family while incarcerated is wildly beneficial. It improves health, behavior, and can reduce the likelihood individuals will return to prison after being released.
Criminal Justice Reform Bill On Its Way to Final Round
LB50 was debated on select file for four hours on Wednesday and survived a cloture vote, where at least 33 senators had to decide if the bill received a full and fair debate. It was then advanced to the final round of debate with a vote of 30-7.
LB50 Advanced to Select File
The Judiciary Committee’s omnibus bill, LB50, advanced to select file last night with a vote of 28-8. Even through some contentious moments, senators continued to work towards agreements on the latest amendment that they hope to have finalized in the next round of debate.