Luke Cicora joined the RISE Board of Directors in August 2021, inspired by a longstanding desire to give back to the community he calls home. Luke moved to Saratoga Springs in 2000 for work, knowing no one in the area. Over the years, he built a life, friendships, and deep roots in the city. As… Read More
At SunRise, therapeutic experiences extend beyond traditional sessions. Healing often happens through connection, presence, and meaningful interaction. Recently, residents participated in a special equine-assisted experience that beautifully demonstrated the emotional impact animals can have in a therapeutic setting. During the visit, residents had the opportunity to engage with Lexi Squared, a gentle and intuitive… Read More
At the New York State Capitol, our Executive Director, Sybil Newell, stood alongside fellow advocates calling for additional funding to strengthen New York’s mental health and substance-use disorder system. Community-based providers like RISE are facing a workforce crisis driven by rising costs and lagging wages. As Sybil shared: “People come to us after cycling through… Read More
Patrick Shafer has proudly served on the RISE Board of Directors for eight years. He joined the board alongside several long-standing members and has had the opportunity to witness firsthand the tremendous growth of the agency over nearly a decade. Patrick was introduced to RISE through former board member Billy Taft. At the time,… Read More
Our recent Board of Directors Dinner was a meaningful evening centered on connection, reflection, and the powerful impact of RISE programs. Each Program Director invited a resident from their program to join us and share their personal story. These residents spoke directly to our Board of Directors about their journeys — where they began, the… Read More
The holiday season is a time for connection, reflection, and joy—and at Rise Above and Progressive Steps Apartments, those values were on full display during this year’s holiday celebrations. Residents and staff came together to enjoy festive gatherings filled with laughter, shared meals, music, and seasonal cheer. For many residents, the holidays can be… Read More
Mental Wellness Month is a time to recognize the strength it takes to heal, the importance of support, and the powerful role community plays in recovery. At RISE Housing and Support Services, this month reminds us why our mission matters—and how truly life-changing it can be. In this video, Robert, a former RISE resident,… Read More
As 2025 comes to a close, we took time to pause, reflect, and celebrate what truly makes our community special… our people. This year’s Holiday Party was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments that reminded us why connection and community are at the heart of everything we do. Staff gathered to enjoy an… Read More
Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care has launched a campaign to replace misinformation about homelessness with truth, compassion, and data-driven solutions. Myth One – Homelessness is a Choice We often hear “Homelessness is a choice” but the reality is today’s wages do not meet the basic needs of many in our area. Creating housing vulnerability and… Read More
At Caffè Lena’s TrueSongs 2025: Stories of Courage, Resilience & Community, Robert Winkler shared his powerful story of struggle, resilience, and hope—a journey that reminds us how quickly life can change, and how critical support and community are in finding your footing again. TrueSongs shines a light on the work of local nonprofits that help create a healthier,… Read More
