Our Story

For Rachel, a survivor herself, this journey is deeply personal. Escaping the clutches of violence and trauma in 2006, Rachel dedicated the subsequent 15 years to a relentless pursuit of healing, self-discovery, and community upliftment. In this journey of healing, she found solace in the belief that no experience is wasted in the hands of the divine; that amidst the darkest of trials, there lies a divine hand weaving threads of beauty, and within our very communities, seeds of change are sown.

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The turning point came unexpectedly at Pure Smiles in Westerville, Ohio. Rachel’s broken smile, a constant reminder of her past pain, found compassion and care in the hands of her hygienist, Jody, who offered to treat her at no cost. With each visit, Rachel not only reclaimed her smile but also her voice, finding a safe space to heal and process her trauma.

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In 2021, overflowing with gratitude for the kindness she received, Rachel envisioned RISE. She knew her calling was to extend this warmth and transformation to other survivors, to be a beacon of hope and empower others to move from victimhood to resilience.

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

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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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What lives in the dark, dies in the light.