RISE Above is the first facility of its kind in Saratoga County, filling a significant gap in the local continuum of care for people battling substance use disorders.
RISE Housing and Support Services was joined by representatives from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), and local elected officials and community members Tuesday, for the ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open RISE Above, located in the Town of Ballston, Saratoga County.
RISE Above is a residential rehabilitation space for people on their addiction recovery journey. RISE Above will provide a structured environment for people whose potential for independent living is seriously limited due to their substance use disorders. This residence provides a course of rehabilitative services and on-site programming in a structured environment including monitoring, support, and case management.
The opening of RISE Above comes at a critical time, as the opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities across the nation, including Saratoga County and the greater Capital Region. The need for a dedicated residential rehabilitation space has never been more urgent. According to the latest data, opioid-related fatalities and overdoses remain at record-high levels, with many individuals struggling to find the stability and resources necessary to begin their recovery journeys.
RISE Above is the first facility of its kind in Saratoga County, filling a significant gap in the local continuum of care for people battling substance use disorders. By providing a safe, structured environment with tailored rehabilitative services and on-site support, RISE Above offers individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain independence. This space is not only a response to the opioid crisis but will include treatment and support to help individuals struggling with any substance addiction.
RISE Above will be able to serve up to 20 people at a time, and is a co-ed facility. There will be professional staff on site overseen by a medical director. This is a voluntary program, meaning the course of treatment will be determined on an individual basis, and the length of stay would depend on the needs of the resident. The anticipated average length of stay is between 3-6 months.
“I’m extremely proud today to celebrate the opening of RISE Above, Saratoga County’s first residential recovery facility,” said Congressman Paul D. Tonko. “As a leader in Congress on issues of addiction and recovery, I know that facilities like this one form an essential component of the robust, well-rounded strategy we need to combat the opioid epidemic that has shattered countless lives in communities across our nation. Recovery is a journey that demands community support — and RISE Above will provide a structured and compassionate environment where individuals from all backgrounds can get the treatment and resources they need to rebuild their lives. Going forward, this facility will play a vital role in saving lives and supporting recovery here in Saratoga County and beyond.”
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Ensuring that those impacted by addiction can access the help and resources they need is vital to supporting their long-term overall health, including recovery from substance use disorder. As the first program of its type in Saratoga County, this will give individuals in the Capital Region another option to receive lifesaving addiction care, and builds on the ongoing vision of OASAS to bring a range of various treatment options to communities across the state. We are proud to support this new facility, which will have a positive impact on individuals, families, and the local community.”
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez, said, “DASNY is proud to work with OASAS in their important mission to improve the lives of New Yorkers, and gratified to help create a space that will positively impact so many people for decades to come. We salute the dedicated staff of RISE Housing and Support Services for their tireless work to support New Yorkers in need.”
“There’s an urgent need for expanded residential recovery services in our area and across the state for people with substance use-disorders,” said Senator Jim Tedisco. “RISE Housing and Support Services will help address that need in Ballston and Saratoga County by providing a safe and structured environment to help people fighting substance use disorders to remain in recovery from their addictions.”
“The opening of RISE Above is a monumental step in addressing the addiction crisis in Saratoga County,” said Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh. “As the opioid epidemic continues to affect our communities, this facility provides a crucial resource for those on the path to recovery. RISE Above not only offers a structured, supportive environment, but it also brings hope and opportunity for individuals to regain their independence and rebuild their lives. I am proud to stand with RISE Housing and Support Services and all our partners in this effort to help those in need and make a lasting difference in our community.”
“I am so happy to celebrate the opening of RISE Above. We know recovery does not happen in isolation,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. “We know the truth in the saying, ‘it takes a village,’ and we know the proven effectiveness of residential facilities in preventing relapse. I am grateful to RISE for their determination and hard work in ensuring that our community members who are in recovery will get the level of support they need to heal their mind, body and spirit which will help them lead sustainable, healthier lifestyles — benefitting us all.”
“The Town of Ballston stands in support of families who have been devastated by opioid addictions,” said Eric Connolly, Town of Ballston Supervisor. “We are proud that RISE has chosen our town to set up Saratoga County’s first residential recovery facility. It is our deepest hope that their efforts help countless people to find peace and productivity.”
“We are so very fortunate to have this agency and this program in our community,” said Megan Johnson, Acting Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “When RISE and Sybil and her staff see an unmet need in our County and among our residents, they are relentless in developing a project to meet that need and making it happen. With the opening of Rise Above, we now have here in our backyard a vital lifeline for those struggling with addiction, offering a safe and supportive environment where individuals can embark or continue on their journey towards lasting recovery, but importantly, do so close to home and be supported by the programs and people in their own community who will be there with them, side by side, as they navigate their recovery journey. I congratulate RISE on the completion of another part of this continuum. I hope you are always with us, and with our community members, on this journey.”
“I am honored to have been present at the ribbon cutting today for the new residential rehabilitation space, RISE Above,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. “This is a wonderful addition to RISE’s programs and a much-needed service for persons who wish to live independently within our communities, but face significant functional impairment in meeting this goal and would benefit from a structured environment in order to achieve their objective. I am pleased to support this new endeavor.”
“We are glad to support RISE Housing and Support Services in the launch of RISE Above, which will certainly serve as a much-needed resource in our area,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “We commend RISE for opening this first-of-its-kind facility in Saratoga County, and would like to express our sincere gratitude for all this organization does to create a safe and healthy community.”
“RISE Above is more than a facility—it’s a lifeline for individuals who are ready to fight for their future,” said Sybil Newell, Executive Director, RISE. “This space represents hope, resilience, and the belief that everyone can heal and rebuild their lives given the right support. We’ve seen the toll addiction takes on families and communities, but we’ve also witnessed the transformative power of support, structure, and compassion. Here, residents will not only find the tools to overcome their struggles but also the encouragement to rediscover their potential. Today, we celebrate the strength of those who walk through these doors and the community that stands behind them.”
While at RISE Above, residents will have access to medical staff as there will be a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, and a licensed practical nurse on staff. They will assist in MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment) for those who require it. These medications help curb cravings from drugs and alcohol.
Substance abuse counseling with credentialed counselors will be available 7 days a week. Staff will facilitate groups on a regular basis to help the residents identify activators, implement new coping skills, explore alternate pathways that include developing routines and structure, into their day to day lives. All residents will have access to a balanced nutritious diet during their treatment journey, as well as a complimentary membership to the nearby YMCA. Transportation will be provided to and from the gym to support their wellness goals.
The facility will also provide holistic approaches with a CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate). CRPA’s will provide non-clinical peer support while mentoring and providing recovery coaching services. RISE Above will accept referrals from many sources including, but not limited to, inpatient rehabilitation programs, residential reintegration programs, drug court, or correctional facilities.
