Our Story

RISE was founded on the belief that every survivor deserves a path to healing, empowerment, and renewal. Our mission is to restore dignity,

build confidence, and create a strong network of support for those overcoming the impact of domestic violence and trauma. Through

holistic healing programs, community partnerships, and survivor-led initiatives, RISE stands as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals toward reclaiming their lives.

Rachel’s Story

For Rachel Wilkerson, the journey to founding RISE is deeply personal. A survivor herself, she escaped the clutches of violence and trauma in 2006 and spent the next 15 years relentlessly pursuing healing, self-discovery, and community upliftment. In her journey, she found solace in the belief that no experience is wasted in the hands of the divine—that even in life’s darkest trials, a greater purpose is unfolding, and within our communities, seeds of change are sown.

A pivotal moment in Rachel’s healing came unexpectedly at Pure Smiles in Westerville, Ohio. Her broken smile—a painful reminder of her past—found care and compassion in the hands of her hygienist, Jody, who offered treatment at no cost. With each visit, Rachel not only reclaimed her smile but also her voice, finding a safe space to process her trauma and begin anew.

Fueled by gratitude for the kindness she received, Rachel founded RISE in 2021, answering a calling to extend this same warmth and transformation to other survivors. Her mission became clear: to empower others to move from victimhood to resilience, fostering a community where no one has to navigate the journey alone.

RISE in 2025: Expanding Our Reach

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

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

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Empowerment Workshops – Training programs focused on personal and professional development, helping survivors regain confidence and independence.

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Community Training & Advocacy – Expanding our educational outreach with workshops for local businesses, salons, and organizations to recognize, support, and advocate for survivors in their communities.

Healing Through Movement & Expression – Incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices to help survivors reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and cultivate inner peace. Additionally, creative art therapy will provide an outlet for self-expression, allowing survivors to process emotions and reclaim their narratives in a supportive environment.

Through these initiatives, RISE continues to stand as a lifeline for survivors, proving that healing is possible, transformation is within reach, and no one has to walk this path alone.

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