Annual Report

At Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE), we are committed to transparency, accountability, and sharing the impact of our work with the community. Each year, our annual report provides a comprehensive overview of our programs, partnerships, financial health, and the progress we’ve made in fulfilling our mission to empower refugee and immigrant communities in Onondaga County.

RISE has grown from a small community-based initiative founded by Somali Bantu refugees in 2004 into a vibrant, multi-service organization that supports individuals from over 25 countries. From education and employment assistance to youth mentorship, women’s empowerment, and community gardening, we remain dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency through opportunity, advocacy, and cultural integration.

In recent years, RISE has significantly expanded its programming thanks to community support, volunteer engagement, and grants from partners such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the Women’s Fund of Central New York, and the Central New York Community Foundation. Our staff—many of whom are former refugees themselves—work tirelessly to ensure that all New Americans have access to the tools, education, and support they need to thrive.

We are currently in the process of compiling our latest Annual Report. It will be available on this page soon. The report will highlight the outcomes of key initiatives including:

• The Individual Development Account (IDA) Program, which helps participants build financial literacy and invest in long-term assets like cars, education, or small businesses.
• Our Education and Literacy Programs, including ENL/ESL classes, after-school tutoring, and the Saturday Academy.
• The Women Empowerment Project, which supports refugee women in developing leadership, communication, and professional skills.
• Youth programming and mentorship, including sports and career readiness initiatives.
• Community health and case management services that promote access to housing, healthcare, and interpretation assistance.
• The SyRAPP urban farming initiative, providing refugees with agricultural training and economic opportunity through community gardens and incubator farming plots.

We look forward to sharing the full report with you soon and thank you for your ongoing interest in and support of our mission.