Rise, A Nonprofit Dedicated To Helping Survivors Of Abuse, Opens In Sauganash

Jennifer Solarte founded &Rise in 2019 to support abuse survivors, drawing from her own experiences of emotional abuse. After years of healing and personal growth, she opened a new office in Sauganash, expanding the nonprofit's services beyond its initial online support groups initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, &Rise offers ten weekly support groups, including in-person meetings, and provides one-on-one counseling with the first ten sessions free. Financial education and legal workshops help participants navigate complex issues like divorce and custody cases. Solarte emphasizes that mental health resources should be accessible to all, particularly for women of color who often face cultural stigmas.

The welcoming office space encourages women to share their experiences, fostering a sense of community. Many women find validation in the support groups, often expressing relief to hear "I believe you. " With participants traveling from various locations, &Rise is making a significant impact on survivors across the nation.