The Millstone Times March 2021

Rise Reaches Out to Our Neighbors in Need Now More Than Ever! By Pam Teel

Since the late ’60s, communities have been aware that acting locally is the first step in solving the big problems like poverty that still trouble our world. In Central NJ, Rise helps families and individuals recover from setbacks by providing services to help people feel valued, safe and optimistic about their futures. Rise has been fortunate to assemble a talented, thoughtful and warm-hearted team along with the hundreds of partners and volunteers that are truly motivated and driven by Rise clients’ successes. This collective generosity ensures that Rise’s vision and mission are enacted daily in the organization’s offices and stores and in the com- munity at large. In the fifty-four years it has been in existence, Rise has grown significantly, especially under the guidance of its current Executive Director. Leslie Koppel, a Monroe Township resident, started out as a manager of the Rise Thrift Store. When the director of Rise left, Ms. Koppel interviewed with the Board of Directors who decided to take a leap of faith and give her a chance. Equipped with her Master’s degree in Public Policy and the support of coworkers in all ranks, Ms. Koppel quickly stepped into the role of Executive Director of the entire organization. She began at a crucial time in Rise’s history: with programs floundering and supporters questioning their future, the new leader had her work cut out for her. She immediately found it necessary to re-establish all grant, corporate and donor relationships. In time, she was able to do that and much more through sound management strategies, persistence and belief in herself, her staff and Rise’s mission.

Executive Director of Rise, Leslie Kop- pel and her dog Tilly. Tilly is well known around Hightstown.

In 2020, Rise addressed skyrocketing need for its services due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Helped by an outpouring of community support, Rise was able to fully respond to the 300% increase in the number of families seeking assistance. Continuing food distribution to those in need, the 3,100-square- foot Rise Pantry now helps to serve an average of 764 families per week. In 2020 alone, 68,765 boxes of food were distributed to people in the Hightstown, Roosevelt, East Windsor, Monroe, Plainsboro and Cranbury areas. As Rise looks ahead to 2021 and the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it knows that the need for services will only increase. With learned experience, the support of grants, donations and sponsorships, and collaboration with community partners, Rise will meet the needs of community members and ulti- mately help them to rise beyond their current situation, overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Rise will continue to provide services outdoors and in safe indoor settings. Ms. Koppel hopes that, “By this summer we can bring some children back together into a classroom for learning and fun. We are planning for an expanded Rise Youth Conference to travel and stay in a local university. Of course, we are ready to pivot to hold the conference at a local park – we just want to provide opportunities for our kids to reconnect with each other and our com- munity. Last summer our Rise Camp created an outdoor mural, and we look forward to again providing learning experiences to local kids. We welcome youth volunteers and community partners as we plan for summer 2021.” Ms. Koppel is constantly, pleasantly surprised by the generosity of individuals, businesses and corporations – whether it be in their volunteer commit- ments or through their donations. During COVID 19, “the Rise volunteers were on the front lines, helping people get through the darkest days of the pandemic.” She is thrilled that Rise is helping to meet the community’s needs and proudly says, “No one here needs to be hungry. They can get food. If they need clothing, they can get scarves, coats and gloves and they can get vouchers to Rise Thrift Store for additional clothing and household goods. We can help them with paperwork and connect them with State and Federal service programs. Children can have school supplies, attend camp and learn about safety. We cover holidays with food baskets and gifts. Sometimes, we can even help with emergency funds. We believe we are meeting the needs of low-income families in our community to the best of our funding ability.” Below are some of the programs that are offered by Rise as funding allows: Free Breakfast and Lunch provided by Mercer Street Friends. Through Federal funding, 300 to 400 meals a week are given out to families with children. Rise Academic Enrichment Summer Camp . Part of the programming at Rise is a commitment to serving local youth and teens. In partnership with the East Windsor Regional School District, they host the Rise Academic Enrichment Summer Camp Program, a six-week summer day camp for local children from kindergarten through 12th grade. This program is designed to offer quality summer childcare and volunteer and employment options for local families while providing a fun and educational experience for campers. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale in order to be affordable to all families. Rise to College Readiness. This initiative provides support for the practical mechanics of applying to college. It assists the underrepresented juniors and seniors in the East Windsor Regional School District in navigating the complex process of planning, searching, applying, choosing and paying for college. Barriers are removed and mentors provide guidance to the students interested in pursuing higher education. Rise to Entrepreneurship. Have an idea for a business? These weekly classes will help you to prepare and launch your new venture (youth and adults). Health Screenings. Rise partners with local agencies to bring a variety of health services to clients.

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10 The Millstone Times

March 2021