The Art of Housing: A Blog

Board Member Profile: Patrick Shafer

  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

An Evening of Impact: Board of Directors Dinner 2026

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

Celebrating Community: Holiday Parties at Rise Above and Progressive Steps Apartments

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: Celebrating Resilience, Recovery, and Community

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

Celebrating the Season Together: RISE 2025 Holiday Party

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

Robert’s Journey of Resilience

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

Thank you, Arrow Bank!

RISE Housing and Support Services is proud to share some wonderful news of community support. This week, Arrow Bank presented RISE with a generous $1,500 donation, helping us continue our mission of providing safe, stable housing and compassionate services for individuals and families throughout Saratoga County. This contribution strengthens our ability to support those experiencing… Read More

Leave a Gift Under the Tree for Homebase

The holiday season is a special time at Homebase Therapeutic Community Center — a time filled with hope, connection, and community. This year, you can help make the season brighter for individuals who rely on Homebase by purchasing a gift from our Amazon Wish List. Each gift, whether big or small, helps create a warm… Read More

Finding Home: Katie’s Story with RISE Affordable Housing

When Katie and her family began searching for a safe, welcoming place to call home, the journey felt overwhelming. Like many families, they needed more than just an apartment—they were looking for stability, comfort, and a community where they could truly belong. They found that at RISE Affordable Housing. “When we started our family, we… Read More

Celebrating John: A Week of Milestones at Hedgerow House

At RISE Housing and Support Services, we have the privilege of witnessing life-changing moments. The quiet victories, the big breakthroughs, and the powerful transformations that happen when someone is supported in their recovery journey. This week, we are honored to celebrate one of those moments with John, a recent graduate of Hedgerow House. In the… Read More