Mission and History
Mission Statement
The mission of Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) is to advocate for and support self-sufficiency among refugee and immigrant communities in Onondaga County, NY through employment, education, social support, and economic independence.
Vision
RISE envisions a future where all refugees and immigrants are empowered to become economically independent, actively contribute to their new communities, and preserve their cultural heritage.
Values
- Respect
- Inclusiveness
- Collaboration
- Integrity
History
RISE was originally founded as the Somali-Bantu Community Association (SBCA) in 2004, in response to the needs of Somali Bantu refugees displaced by civil war and famine. Initially functioning as an informal support network offering educational programs, SBCA quickly evolved into a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The growing demand for services led to multiple relocations before settling at its current location on Burt Street in 2012.
By 2014, with support from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and local foundations, SBCA expanded its services, hired staff, and enhanced its leadership through development programs. In 2015, reflecting its broadened mission and increasingly diverse clientele, SBCA rebranded as Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE).
Since then, RISE has grown significantly, now employing 13 staff members—75% of whom are former refugees. With continued support from national and regional funders, RISE has launched new initiatives in agriculture, economic development, education, and women’s empowerment. This growth underscores its commitment to serving all refugees and immigrants with dignity and respect.
Programming & Community Benefits
Each year, RISE serves nearly 400 refugee and immigrant families from over 25 countries. Unlike traditional refugee agencies that limit support to the first 90 days after arrival, RISE offers extended assistance to ensure long-term integration and success.
Key Programs and Services Include:
- Case Management & Interpretation: Includes housing support, family crisis intervention, translation services, mediation, and community referrals.
- Employment Services: Offer job-readiness screenings, training, coaching, vocational English instruction, and job placement—empowering individuals to become self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.
- Citizenship Program: Since 2009, this program has helped over 100 individuals become U.S. citizens through weekly preparation and mock interviews, maintaining a 100% success rate.
- Adult Literacy & Life Skills: ESL instruction, computer training, resume building, and hands-on workshops (e.g., sewing) support clients in everyday life and the workplace.
- Women & Youth Empowerment: These programs foster inclusion and build confidence through cultural events, field trips, arts-based learning, and community-building workshops. Youth-focused programs address academic support and leadership development through both school-year and summer enrichment.
From April to September 2017 alone, RISE provided employment services to 396 individuals, resulting in 42 full-time and 10 part-time job placements. Programs like these demonstrate RISE’s belief that diversity is a strength—and that building empowered, engaged communities begins with investing in people.