Our Mission

At RISE, we believe trauma may shape a story — but it doesn’t define the ending.

RISE was born from the belief that every survivor deserves more than survival. They deserve healing, dignity, and the chance to write a new chapter rooted in hope, strength, and self-worth.

Our mission is to break the generational cycles of abuse and trauma that have silenced far too many. We ignite healing and inspire empowerment — not just for survivors, but for their families and communities.

Through holistic programs, trusted partnerships, and survivor-led initiatives, RISE offers more than services — we offer sanctuary. A path forward.

We see every survivor not as broken, but as brave. And we walk beside them as they reclaim their power, rewrite their story, and rise into the life they deserve.

Rachel’s Story

For Rachel Wilkerson, founding RISE wasn’t just a passion project — it was the answer to a deeply personal calling.

In 2006, Rachel found the strength to escape a life of violence and trauma. What followed was a long and often lonely road — 15 years of rebuilding from the inside out. She navigated the quiet aftermath of survival, wrestling with shame, fear, and the haunting echoes of abuse. But alongside the pain, there was a fierce determination to heal — and to transform that healing into hope for others.

Rachel came to believe that no experience is wasted in the hands of the divine. That even in our darkest valleys, purpose is being shaped. And that within every community, no matter how broken, seeds of change can take root.

One of those seeds blossomed unexpectedly at Pure Smiles in Westerville, Ohio — a place she walked into carrying more than just dental pain. Her broken smile was a visible reminder of everything she’d endured. But instead of judgment, she was met with compassion. Her hygienist, Jody, offered care at no cost — a simple act of kindness that created space for something far greater.

With each visit, Rachel didn’t just reclaim her smile — she began to reclaim her voice. The dental chair became a place of safety, where walls started to come down and healing began to rise.

That moment changed everything.

In 2021, Rachel founded RISE — not just to give back, but to build a movement rooted in dignity, empowerment, and second chances. What began with one woman’s healing has grown into a community-wide effort to break the generational cycles of abuse and trauma, and to create a world where survivors are seen, supported, and celebrated.

Her mission is clear: to walk alongside others as they rise — not just from what they’ve survived, but into who they were always meant to be.

RISE in 2025: Expanding Our Reach

As RISE continues to grow, 2025 marks a year of transformative expansion with initiatives designed to provide holistic healing, skill-building, and empowerment:

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• Survivor Days – Safe, supportive spaces for survivors to engage in healing activities, including community groups, self-defense training, yoga, and art therapy.

• Empowerment Workshops – Programs focused on personal and professional development to help survivors regain confidence and independence.

• Community Training & Advocacy – Workshops for businesses, salons, and organizations to recognize, support, and advocate for survivors.

• Healing Through Movement & Expression – Yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy to help survivors reconnect with their bodies, process emotions, and reclaim their narratives.

• Advocacy & Public Speaking – Rachel shares her story across communities, classrooms, and boardrooms, leading honest conversations and offering workshops for all ages.

Through these initiatives, RISE proves that healing is possible, transformation is within reach, and no one has to walk this path alone.

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Together, We RISE.​​

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RISE was born from a place of healing, compassion, and the belief that every trial can lead to a brighter tomorrow. Through our journey, we invite others to embrace healing and empowerment, one step at a time.

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Because what lives in the dark, dies in the light.

“God is within her. She will not fail.” - Psalm 46:5