The Risingville Intercommunity Service Effort (RISE) repairs homes for those whose living conditions are unsatisfactory and who cannot help themselves, due to physical and/or economic inability. RISE is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and takes place in the southern tier of the Appalachian Mountains in New York State, using volunteer labor of church high school youth and adult groups.
The program’s three goals are:
- Mission – we attempt to be in mission to those we serve
- Discipleship – we discover what it means to act out our faith
- Education – we learn about ourselves and how we can love our neighbors
Each work team is comprised of 4-6 high school youth and 2 adults. Teams raise funds throughout the year to provide for transportation to and from the worksite, building materials, and meals. During RISE week, the teams are housed in centers, usually schools or churches, sleeping on floors, showering in nearby facilities (campgrounds, YMCA…) and learning to live, work, and share in community.
Every Summer for over 40 years, Chatham UMC youth teams have participated in RISE Mission trips to Steuben County, New York helping repair homes for a week.
If you’re interested in joining Chatham UMC’s team, contact the church office at 973-635-7740 or email. If you are looking for information on how your youth group can get involved in RISE, click here.