RISE Cohort Graduates 21!
by McKenzie Ring, Director of Marketing + Communications
In February, 129 people volunteered their time by reviewing the cover letters, resumes, and business ideations of our 8th cohort at the Omaha Correctional Center. We are SO excited to share that they graduated last week!
Because of these incredible volunteers, 21 participants pitched their businesses and graduated with flying colors last Tuesday!
We welcomed over 24 loved ones into the facility to celebrate with us - some even came from Arizona! We haven't had that many family members since pre-pandemic times! The connections are crucial.
Jason won the pitch competition with his company, Precision Tuck-pointing, where he aspires to replace the old mortar from joints in the older, brick buildings being renovated in the Omaha area.
This was such an incredible and supportive group of men. When there were nerves, they took breaths together. When there were memory lapses, there was encouragement and support. The norm was high-fives, huge smiles, and giving accolades to each other. To say we are so proud of them is an understatement.
"I've been in prison since 2016. June 5th of 2020 was the last time I talked to my grandma. I promised her I would make something of myself. In December of 2021 I lost my brother to murder. When I came to this facility in Omaha I promised myself I would join classes and do what I needed to do to keep that promise to my grandma, but to also show my baby brother sitting over there, that you can do anything you want. The gentleman in this class - they've supported me in so many ways. This hasn't just become a community, it's become a brotherhood. We talk about this class outside of class, to others, and do everything we can to get people involved in the next cohort. To everyone...thank you."
- RISE Graduate, Omaha Cohort 8
1st Place: Jason - Precision Tuck-pointing
2nd Place: Agustin - Mobile Family Ink
3rd Place: Dean - Mach 1 Auto Brokers
4th Place: Andrew - Lull
5th Place: Matthew - Turtle's To Do List
Peer Favorite: Agustin - Mobile Family Ink
Family Favorite: Agustin - Mobile Family Ink
RISE Withness Award: Jason
Valedictorian: Andrew
RISE Reminder
We are very much looking to bulk-up our volunteer pool for RISE events inside prison facilities! While the process to do so is still lengthy, it's still 100% worth doing. If I can get you started on this process, please email Chantal Wentz, Volunteer Relations Manager, here.
