Empowering thru Advocacy

Advocacy promotes equality, social justice, social inclusion, and human rights. It aims to make things happen in the most direct and empowering ways possible. It recognizes that self-advocacy – whereby people, perhaps with encouragement and support, speak out and act on their own behalf – is the ultimate aim.

 

Community Engagement Officers

RISE presented the 2025 RISE Above and Beyond Award to the Saratoga Springs Police Department Community Engagement Officers:on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the RISE Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show VIP Cocktail Party at the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.   Each year, RISE recognizes community members who go above and beyond in supporting our agency and the… Read More

Rising Strong: Margaret’s Story of Resilience and Renewal

“Little nervous, but good evening. My name is Margaret…” That’s how Margaret began sharing her recovery story at a recent RISE event. What followed was a powerful testimony of heartbreak, perseverance, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. This Recovery Month, we’d like to share her story with you.   Before coming to RISE,… Read More

Suicide Prevention Begins with Awareness

At RISE Housing and Support Services, we believe that every life matters. Suicide affects individuals, families, and communities, and raising awareness is a vital step toward prevention. Positive mental health is more than the absence of illness—it’s having the support, resources, and connections to navigate life’s challenges. Our programs focus on safe and supportive housing… Read More

A Life Rebuilt: Jason’s Path Through Hedgerow House and Beyond

I’m Jason. I am a former Hedgerow House resident, and I currently work for RISE as the chef at RISE Above Residential Rehabilitation Program. I have been sober for 18 months, and I’m not the same person I was 18 months ago, when alcohol and the disease of alcoholism were taking over my life. I… Read More

RISE Celebrates Diversity by Creating Safe Places

At RISE we believe in creating safe places for individuals to seek the help they need regardless of their circumstances, race, or sexual orientation. We recognize that the disparity members of our community face when seeking to overcome mental health, substance use, and other life challenges such as homelessness is often compounded by systemic barriers,… Read More

Turn Awareness Into Action

The theme for Mental Health Month 2025, “Turn Awareness into Action,” aligns perfectly with our core value to serve as a catalyst, leader, and partner in meeting the housing and recovery needs of our community.  Over the past few years RISE has turned awareness into action by finding the gaps in care in our community… Read More

Alcohol Awareness Month: Celebrating Kendra’s Journey to Recovery

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to reflect, educate, and inspire hope. At RISE Housing and Support Services, we are proud to highlight the courageous journeys of individuals who have committed to sobriety and transformed their lives. Today, we’re honored to share Kendra’s story—one of resilience, growth, and the power of support. Kendra’s path to… Read More

Celebrating Michael’s Journey!

From Street Homelessness to Independent Living Michael is a resident in the Riverview ESSHI Apartments. The ESSHI Apartments are permanent supportive housing units. They provide support services to enhance Michael’s ability to successfully live independently in the community. For Michael, the best part of independent living is that it gives him the ability to focus… Read More

Congratulations Dawn White Daum!

Congratulations Dawn White Daum, Milestone Manor Program Director, for your appointment to the New York State Trauma Informed Network and Resource Center Advisory Council! We are very excited about this wonderful opportunity to further trauma informed care in New York State! The New York State Trauma Informed Network and Resource Center (TINRC) funded by the… Read More

DiNapoli: Numbers of Homeless Population Doubled in New York

This article is from the Office of the new York State Comptroller Homelessness in New York state has grown sharply, more than doubling between January 2022 and January 2024, according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Homelessness grew by 53.1% from January 2023 to January 2024, more than four times… Read More