“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, I did, and my life is gorgeous today.” “I want to inspire hope and inspiration in others,” says Alex, a former resident of two RISE recovery programs, Hedgerow House and Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) Recovery Apartments, when telling his recovery story. “Help is available, and if you’re… Read More
Ralph Bell, Counselor at Hedgerow House, has been in recovery for over 35 years. Despite, or perhaps because, he was arrested and incarcerated, he met Father Young — Reverend Peter G. Young Jr. — who helped get him a better path. Ralph attributes his success in his recovery to Father Young. “He was my advisor,” Ralph… Read More
Mary is a former RISE Housing and Support Services resident who recently moved into a brand-new apartment and finds herself living independently after getting some help on her journey into recovery. Mary was a resident at Milestone Manor, a RISE Community Residence, and while living there she was very inspired when a former resident came… Read More
Elaina, a RISE Healthy Housing and Support Services Supported Housing resident, has submitted another poem she wrote and would like to share. Like many of the participants in RISE programs, Elaina finds that writing is a great coping skill. Thank you Elaina for sharing your poetry with us. Stormy Eve She stormed into the… Read More
Michelle, like many individuals living with mental health challenges, had been experiencing a “flattened affect,” an underlying symptom of several mental and physical health conditions as well as a side effect of some medications. “I never wanted to do anything, even when my sisters or my friends reached out to me.” The symptoms which… Read More
Lucinda made this beautiful Diamond Dotz® butterfly and presented it to RISE Housing and Support Services in appreciation of the services she has received since being in our housing programs. When presenting her artwork to our staff, she shared with us why she made it and how doing arts and crafts helps her maintain her… Read More
Elaina, a Supported Housing resident, shared a beautiful poem she wrote in tribute to our agency and most importantly to the people we serve. She feels it expresses the transformative nature of our new name, RISE! Winged Creatures We all must face change, regenerate, rejuvenate, Embrace metamorphosis, a cathartic, beautiful necessity, In order that… Read More
A year ago, March 2020, as things began to shut down due to the Covid-19 virus, Lawrence was standing on a street corner in Saratoga with a sign that said ‘Too ugly to prostitute. Anything helps.’ This year he is celebrating sobriety, being in stable housing, and a reconnection to his family. He was spotted… Read More
“Living in RISE Housing Programs – Rain House and PSAP – gave me the opportunity to heal.” “From homelessness and isolation to vitality” is the theme of Robert, a Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) resident’s story. He proudly shares how housing programs at RISE Healthy Housing and Support Services helped him regain his life. Robert… Read More
Elaina, a RISE Healthy Housing and Support Services Supported Housing resident, shared a poem she wrote in hopes that it inspires others as much as it did her while writing it. Stepping Lightly She steps as lightly as a willow branch Blowing in a gentle breeze Wisps of long sun-drenched hair Barely hiding the pain in… Read More
