When I tell people what I do, I get one of two responses. Either, "That is so inspiring!" Or, "It must be depressing to work with those families." This is addressed to the folks who believe the latter.
Alexa (not her real name) is 25 today. She became involved with RISE when she was 8. Her mother was incarcerated 25 times and died of a drug overdose. So yes, that's depressing. But what followed leaves me in awe of Alexa and others like her.
From her experiences she drew determination, and instead of despair, she ultimately saw hope and opportunity. She graduated from La Salle Academy and La Salle University and is now applying to law school.
This fall, she returned to RISE to mentor to a girl whose life story bears a striking resemblance to her own. Alexa said, "If RISE didn't exist, I would be incarcerated or worse."
Through our work at RISE, I have come to believe in redemption and the power of an individual's will. Growing up, I had little exposure to anyone like Alexa. I assumed conviction and strength came from large bank accounts and privilege. I was wrong.
Now 20 years into this work, I am more often the student than the teacher. These families have taught me that people possess the capacity for greatness if given the tools they need.
It is a lesson that all of us, in whatever capacity, could take to heart. •
