We empower underserved communities through education, nutrition, and workforce development programs—because lasting impact starts with dignified partnerships and locally-led solutions.
Join Our MissionRISE & THRIVE is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equity, resilience, and opportunity through sustainable, community-led development initiatives. Founded in 2015, we believe that systemic change happens when communities themselves define their vision for the future and co-create solutions with dedicated allies.
Our work centers on three core pillars: education equity, nutritional security, and workforce development. We partner directly with schools, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and municipal agencies to ensure our programs respond to genuine community needs—not just perceived gaps. By centering lived experience in our design process, we’ve created a model where programs grow from within communities, not atop them.
"Our mission is to create pathways where individuals and families can rise to their full potential—building resilience through sustainable practices, accessible education, and dignified employment opportunities."
We maintain full transparency in our operations and financial reporting. As a fully accredited charity with an A+ rating from Charity Navigator, we ensure your contributions directly support community empowerment—92% of every dollar goes straight to program delivery, with only 8% allocated to administrative costs and 10% to fundraising efforts.
Real stories of transformation from the communities we serve—where dignity, agency, and innovation drive measurable change.
In South Los Angeles, our After-School Enrichment Program reduced the local high school dropout rate by 38% in just two years. By pairing certified educators with community mentors and providing meal support and academic counseling, we created a holistic learning environment where students thrive academically and socially. One participant, Maya Rodriguez, recently earned her first college scholarship in computer science—she’s now mentoring younger students in our program.
Learn More →Our Food Sovereignty Initiative has transformed five urban blighted lots into community gardens across metro Detroit. These gardens now produce over 12,000 pounds of fresh produce annually—distributed through weekly farmers markets, school meal programs, and SNAP enrollment support. The initiative has trained 150+ residents in sustainable urban agriculture, with 78% becoming certified Master Gardeners who now lead workshops for neighbors.
Learn More →Our Tech Pathways Program has placed 327 individuals in living-wage tech roles since 2021, with 89% retention after one year. We combine industry-aligned training (coding, cybersecurity, UX/UI) with trauma-informed career coaching and employer partnerships at companies like Salesforce, Intuit, and local minority-owned startups. Participants receive full-stack training, portfolio development, and guaranteed interviews—resulting in an average starting salary of $65,000.
Learn More →Whether you're looking to volunteer your time, contribute financially, or explore partnership opportunities, RISE & THRIVE offers multiple ways to become part of transformative change. Use our interactive giving portal to:
Our giving portal is designed with security and accessibility in mind—featuring end-to-end encryption and options for donors with disabilities. All contributions support our 501(c)(3) status, meaning your gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Our programs are designed to be collaborative, culturally responsive, and sustainable—creating long-term change through community ownership.
Our K-12 initiative that provides academic coaching, technology access, and college readiness workshops. We support 17 schools across 3 states with 22 full-time education advocates.
Food sovereignty program that transforms food deserts through community gardens, nutrition education, and SNAP/WIC enrollment support. 25+ garden sites operating nationwide.
Job training program offering credential programs in skilled trades, healthcare, and technology—including mentorship, transportation support, and employer placement.
Local capacity-building initiative that trains community leaders in advocacy, grant writing, and nonprofit management—empowering sustainable self-determination.
Hear from our partners, alumni, and team about what makes RISE & THRIVE different.
"Before joining RISE & THRIVE's Tech Pathways program, I was working three jobs while raising my kids. Now I'm a frontend developer with benefits and flexible hours. This program didn't just change my career—it changed my family's future."
"The Food Sovereignty project transformed our neighborhood. We went from a food desert with two bodegas and one liquor store to a vibrant community garden with weekly farmers markets. The skills we've learned have kept us connected during difficult times."
"As an executive director of a small nonprofit, RISE & THRIVE's Community Connect program gave me the tools to apply for foundational grants and hire my first development officer. Their hands-on approach to capacity building is unlike any other technical assistance I've received."
Common inquiries about our mission, operations, and impact.
Yes, RISE & THRIVE is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 88-3742901) with public charity status. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. We maintain an A+ rating with Charity Navigator and are fully compliant with IRS reporting requirements.
We proudly maintain a 92/8 program/admin expense ratio—meaning 92% of every dollar supports our frontline services, while 8% covers essential administrative functions. This exceeds the industry standard of 65% and reflects our commitment to responsible resource management.
Absolutely. We follow a community needs assessment (CNA) framework that includes focus groups, door-to-door surveys, and collaborative visioning sessions with existing community leaders. Every program is co-designed with local stakeholders to ensure alignment with actual priorities—not external assumptions. This approach has led to 94% program retention rates post-implementation.
Yes! Our Volunteer Match System ensures every skill level finds purposeful opportunities. From event support and administrative tasks to mentoring and skilled professional services, we value diverse contributions. All volunteers receive orientation and ongoing support—including trauma-informed care training for those working directly with participants.
Your partnership helps communities design their own futures through sustainable, dignified support that respects local knowledge and agency.