Thankful

This year has been more than a little challenging. COVID-19 has changed the way we do everything. However, we’ve found opportunities amidst the difficulty to rise to a new level – a higher standard for the individuals in our program and our entire team. We also have many reasons to be thankful this year.

First, we are thankful for those supporters, companies and friends who came to our aid when we put out a call for masks and PPE supplies. When COVID first struck hardest and there were shortages on personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, we posted a call for help. Within minutes, we had responses and within hours, we had supplies delivered! We are so grateful for those who helped.

Although this year’s fundraising events were postponed due to the pandemic, we are thankful for the virtual events we were able to host and still continue to raise funds for our programs. Special thanks to Jack Morelli Music for connecting us with two amazing musicians and entertainers for virtual concerts. We also would like to share special thanks to all who contributed to online fundraisers on Facebook and our website. It is because of this avenue of opportunity that we are able to continue to grow, even during difficult times.

Finally, we are so very thankful for our caring staff at RISE Life Services. They rose to the occasion, providing the support that all of our residents and program participants needed during quarantine, and then while transitioning to a new normal. Our residential staff creatively came up with activities to keep spirits high throughout the houses. The Main Street Connection hosted virtual day program sessions on Zoom to break the isolation that the individuals felt being stuck at home.

As this year comes to a close and we look back at all of the challenges we faced and conquered, we can also find silver linings surrounding each of those challenges. More good grew from those obstacles. Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving and all of our achievements, the greatest being our caring community at RISE.

RISE Life Services provides a residential and supported living environment on the East End of Long Island, dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges to RISE to their full potential. To learn more about RISE Life Services, The Main Street Connection, residential housing, job opportunities and other programs, please browse our website or call 631-727-6220 ext. 203 with any questions.