RISE TOGETHER

Still Showing Up: What This Year Taught Us

This year asked RISE TOGETHER to do what community work so often requires: adapt, stay present, and continue forward with intention.

It was shaped by movement — physical, relational, and strategic — and by the understanding that prevention work rarely follows a straight line. Plans shifted. New opportunities emerged. Some efforts required patience, while others exceeded expectations. Through it all, the work continued and not because it was easy, but because it mattered.

A smiling woman stands next to a screen displaying 'Rise Together' while three young girls speak into microphones during a community event.
A group of young people with colorful hair writing on a large banner featuring the word 'RISE' and decorative wings in a gymnasium setting.
A speaker addresses a diverse group of students seated in an auditorium, with a presentation screen and information table visible in the background.

RISE has never been about a single program or location. It has always been about people, need, and long-term commitment. At RISE TOGETHER, plans shifted, leadership stretched across states, new opportunities emerged, but the work stayed rooted in the Fox Valley.

We celebrated our 12th Anniversary at Gibson Community Music Hall, found our new home office in Kaukauna, built new momentum alongside community partners, and kept showing up where it mattered most.

Two performers on stage at a lively event, one wearing a red beanie and black outfit with a message, the other in a green shirt with a prominent statement. The audience is engaged, with various people visible in the background.
A woman reading from her phone on stage at a community event, with a banner that says 'Stand Up. Speak Out.' in the background.
A diverse group of people gathered in a venue, raising their fists in solidarity while posing for a group photo.

We gathered in rooms for training and education, grew RISEconnection both virtually and in person, and continued expanding prevention work across Wisconsin. At the same time, we launched RISE Hangouts at the Community Living Room—creating spaces designed to start small and grow through consistency, trust, and presence.

A woman stands on stage speaking to an audience at an event related to RISE TOGETHER, with a colorful backdrop displaying the message 'We Are Not Alone'.
A speaker engaging with an audience in a community event, presenting ideas related to connection and empowerment.
A young woman stands on stage speaking into a microphone while holding a paper, addressing an audience of attentive listeners in a large auditorium.
Three women smiling and posing together in front of a brick building, with a sign that reads 'COMMUNITY LIVING'.
A group of students and adults posing for a photo in a gymnasium, holding certificates that say 'I am speaking out because...' and showcasing their commitment to community and prevention efforts.

This year also brought important milestones. We strengthened sustainability, launched county-wide prevention initiatives, and saw years of listening, learning, and data collection come to life through the publication of our research with Penn State College of Medicine in the National Institutes of Health—affirming what youth and communities have been telling us all along: connection works.

A speaker presents in a gymnasium filled with students, with a display table featuring informational materials in front of a large 'Home of the Tigers' sign.
A group of four adults and a child standing together in front of a 'Rise Together' banner at an event.
A presenter speaking on stage at a conference, with a 'POLK VISION LEADS' sign in front and audience members seated in the foreground, surrounded by green lighting.
A presenter engaging with a group of young students in an auditorium, with many students raising their hands to participate.
Three young individuals smiling while wearing matching 'Seymour HOPE Squad' sweatshirts, standing in front of a softly lit background.

We were also reminded that impact doesn’t always happen on a stage. Some of the most meaningful moments happened quietly. In small groups, in ongoing spaces, and in moments where safety and trust mattered more than a microphone.

A speaker presenting on body language and active listening to an audience in a community setting, with a projector displaying relevant information in the background.
Three individuals facing a large audience in a gymnasium, one wearing a red shirt with 'HOPE' printed on it, while the others wear grey shirts. The audience is engaged and attentive.
A woman stands in front of a presentation screen, holding a microphone and pointing towards a chart taped to a board, while an audience listens attentively.
Panel discussion titled 'Breaking Silence Together' featuring six speakers, including students and community members, engaging in conversation about support and awareness.
A group of young people is engaged in writing on a large banner with the text 'Rise Together.'

As we look ahead, our focus remains steady. We’ll continue strengthening what works, growing thoughtfully, and meeting communities where they are—across the Fox Valley, Florida, and beyond.

For those who want a more detailed look at our programs, partnerships, and data from this year, we invite you to explore our full 2025 Impact Report, which offers a deeper snapshot of the work behind this reflection and what’s coming next. We know this work is relational, long-term, and deeply human, and it continues because of the people who choose to show up alongside us.

And last but not least, thank you to each and every student, educator, and community partner that believe in this mission and helped make this year possible. We truly couldn’t do this work without you.

Happy New Year

RISE TOGETHER

nadinemarie241

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