In efforts to engage with local businesses, Community Outreach Specialist Ashley Herkommer has been on a mission to foster meaningful connections with small businesses of Long Island and Rise Life Services. By building these relationships, Ashley aims to create a network of support and collaboration that benefits both the local economy and the community’s well-being.
Ashley has been actively reaching out to small businesses, understanding their needs, and exploring ways in which they can collaborate with Rise Life Services. This organization, dedicated to providing support and services to individuals with disabilities and mental health issues, stands to gain significantly from such partnerships. Through these connections, small businesses can participate as donors in community events, and contribute goods and services to programs that support individuals in need.
One of Ashley’s key initiatives is organizing in-kind donations that bring together small business owners, corporate sponsors, community members, and Rise Life Services’ beneficiaries. This also provides businesses with a platform to showcase their products and services, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Ashley has been working to facilitate the efficient redistribution of excess products, ensuring that it reaches those in need rather than ending up in landfills. By waste and providing for vulnerable populations, these donation systems contribute to broader environmental and social sustainability goals.Obtaining surplus items from small business owners, and corporate sponsors provides Rise Life Services with an abundance of donations that will later be used towards the Suicide Prevention Program and the Residency Program, as well as raffle baskets for fundraising events.
One of the main responsibilities Ashley has taken on is to track available surplus items throughout Long Island, match it with Rise Life Services recipients, and optimize delivery routes to ensure efficiency. Additionally, she has been assisting in building further awareness and encouraging participation from local businesses and volunteers which are crucial for the success of the Rise Life Services.
Some of the recent donations obtained:
- Boxes of assorted art supplies donated from Blick Art Supplies. Items included Sketchbooks, Self-Care Journals, Self-Care Weekly Tracker Pads, Positive Affirmation Sticker Books, Mindfulness Cards, Coloring Books, and an assortment of Colored Pencils and Markers. All proceeds to go to Rise Life Services Suicide Prevention Program.
- 100 Assorted High Quality Pillows from Pillow Cube. All proceeds go towards the Rise Life Services Residency Program. Pillows were delivered to all 32 of Rise Life Services Residency homes.
- Numerous Tickets and Vouchers to from local places such as, Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, Adventureland, Let’s Roam: Scavenger Hunt, and Bark Box. All proceeds towards raffle baskets for Duck Race Fundraiser Event on June 9th 2024
- A Private 2-Hour Wine Class and Wine Tasting for 20 people led by a local wine expert. Donated by Total Wine. All proceeds towards raffle baskets for Wine Down Network Up Fundraiser Event on August 8th 2024.
- Official New York Giants and New York Jets Memorabilia. All proceeds towards raffle baskets for Par For A Purpose Fundraiser Event September 9th 2024.
Overall, this represents a collaborative and innovative approach to addressing the dual challenges of waste and insecurities the individuals of Rise Life Services may face. This not only enriches the lives of those receiving help but also strengthens the bond between local businesses and the community.
By continuously engaging with small businesses, Ashley ensures that Rise Life Services remains a visible and integral part of the community fabric. Her efforts are not just about building partnerships but also about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Through her dedication, Ashley Herkommer is making a significant impact on both the local economy and the lives of those served by Rise Life Services.
