On November 5th, hundreds of guests came out for a good laugh at our annual Fostering Laughs Comedy Show in Shrewsbury, MA. The event, hosted by Orlando Baxter, headlined by Paul D’Angelo and featuring Rafi Gonzalez, raised thousands of dollars for kids in foster care.      

In early November we shipped out College Care Packages to 268 young adults who grew up in foster care  and are continuing their education beyond high school. Each care package was filled to the brim with study snacks, candy, hygiene and school supplies, and gift cards. “Thank you so much for the care package. The lipstick I received is my …

Giovanni (seen here on his first day of camp last week) is one of more than 100 youth we’re helping attend specialty camps this summer! From horseback riding camps to overnight camps, and leadership camps to theater camps, youth will be building skills, making friends, having fun and creating wonderful memories this summer!

Rise Above’s Start Above project provides a life-changing, positive opportunity to young adults aging out of foster care. Our most recent recipient was Quejanae, a rising junior at Fitchburg State University who’s majoring in psychology and criminal justice. In addition to being a full-time student, she has two part-time jobs, one of which is serving as a mentor to adults with …

In partnership with Compass, Rise Above is pleased to offer a unique travel, team building, and leadership experience for young adults in foster care. This three part experience will happen over the course of one year, between this summer to summer 2023 and will include: -an out-of-state 6-day wilderness trip -an in-state weekend-long leadership training -and a service trip to …

In early April we sent out 208 College Care Packages to college students who grew up in foster care. Each care package was filled with study snacks, hygiene and school supplies, and gift cards and shipped off to a young adult who is continuing their education beyond high school. “Thank you so much for the care package. You have no …

“Miguel and Daniel were so happy and excited to able to attend the Harlem Globetrotters game. They had so much fun and were able to experience this for the first time. Thank you once again for making the boys New Year’s so great!!” -social worker           Rise Above was able to give Austin his dream day! …

<– Click to watch a short video about the project!  Rise Above Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF) have partnered to build a playground that will strengthen family connections and promote healthy play. The Mercedes Ramirez-Newkirk Memorial Playground is located at DCF’s Worcester West Area Office and will provide a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate space …

In November, 268 College Care Packages were packed up and shipped out to college students who grew up in foster care. Each care package was filled to the brim with study snacks, hygiene and school supplies, and gift cards. Here are just a few of the notes we’ve received from youth recipients: “I just want to thank Rise Above for …

We’re proud to unveil our organization’s values! We’ve put into words the philosophy that guides our programming, interactions and decision making inside and outside the organization: