Rise UP Cooperative

09/03/2026

What a night! 💙

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate six years of RiseUP with us on September 1st!

Looking around the room and seeing so many volunteers, supporters, partners, friends and people who have been part of RiseUP’s story over the years was pretty incredible.

Six years of workshops, events, partnerships, friendships, learning, growing and—most importantly—thousands of young people impacted along the way.

None of it happens without people willing to show up, give their time, share their talents, support the mission and believe in what we’re doing.

Thank you for celebrating with us, for being part of the journey, and for helping make the first six years of RiseUP possible.

Here’s to everything that has been—and everything still to come. 💙

We RiseUP Together.

09/02/2026

🌟 Please join us in welcoming Angela Sparks as RiseUP’s Interim Executive Director! 🌟

Angela is no stranger to RiseUP. Over the past year, she has served as our Community Engagement Director, building relationships, supporting our programs, connecting with volunteers and community partners, and helping carry our mission forward.

As RiseUP enters this next chapter, we are excited to have Angela step into the role of Interim Executive Director. Her heart for young people, commitment to our community, and belief in the mission of RiseUP make her a wonderful person to help lead the organization through this transition.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have Angela at the helm as RiseUP continues equipping and engaging teens and young adults with the life and leadership skills they need to be ready for tomorrow.

Please help us congratulate Angela and welcome her into this new role! ❤️

The mission continues. The work continues. And We RiseUP Together.

09/01/2026

🎉 Six years. Thousands of lives. Countless moments that matter.

Today, September 1, RiseUP celebrates 6 years of equipping teens and young adults with the life and leadership skills they need to thrive.

What started as a simple idea has grown into an organization that has impacted more than 6,000 youth through workshops, leadership development, community partnerships, and countless meaningful conversations.

This milestone wouldn't be possible without our incredible volunteers, donors, workshop leaders, interns, board members, community partners, schools, and supporters. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us invest in the next generation.

Here's to celebrating six amazing years—and to the lives we'll continue to impact together in the years ahead.

💙 Thank you for being part of our journey. We RiseUP Together.

08/31/2026

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 🌟

This week, we're excited to recognize Chris for the time, creativity, and dedication he poured into planning RiseUP's Volunteer Appreciation & Birthday Bash!

Behind every successful event are volunteers who quietly work behind the scenes to make it all come together, and Chris did exactly that. From helping plan the details to creating a fun and welcoming experience for everyone, his willingness to serve made a lasting impact.

Volunteers like Chris remind us that it's often the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the biggest difference. We're incredibly grateful for his servant's heart and his commitment to celebrating the people who make RiseUP possible.

Chris, thank you for helping us honor our volunteers and celebrate another year of empowering youth. We appreciate all you do and are thankful you're part of the RiseUP family!

💙 We RiseUP Together.

08/28/2026

Sharing this opportunity from the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center!

RiseUP has been fortunate to call the FJC home, and I can’t say enough about the collaboration, connections, and support we’ve received from the incredible people there over the years. It truly is a special community of people doing meaningful work.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference while working alongside some pretty amazing people, take a look at this opening. I can personally say—it’s a great place to work and an even better community to be part of!

08/27/2026

08/25/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to give back?

We're seeking passionate volunteers who want to use their skills to make a lasting impact.

Whether your strengths are in:
✨ Event Planning
✨ Grant Writing
✨ Marketing
✨ Bookkeeping
✨ Writing
..there's a place for you at RiseUP!

Join a team that's committed to empowering teens and young adults with the life and leadership skills they need to thrive.

📧 Reach out today: [email protected]

08/24/2026

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 🌟

This week, we'd like to extend a special thank you to Wendy as she concludes her service on the RiseUP Board of Directors.

Board members play a vital role in helping nonprofits grow, remain mission-focused, and serve their communities well. Throughout her time with RiseUP, Wendy generously shared her time, insight, and heart to help guide our organization and support the work we do for teens and young adults.

Serving on a nonprofit board is often a behind-the-scenes commitment, and we're grateful for the leadership and dedication Wendy has given to RiseUP.

Wendy, thank you for your service, your encouragement, and the many ways you've contributed to our mission. We wish you nothing but the best and hope you'll always know you'll be a valued part of the RiseUP family.

💙 We RiseUP Together.

08/21/2026

I’m not quite sure how you say goodbye to something that has been such a big part of your heart for six years.

RiseUP started with an idea, a lot of faith, and a belief that young people deserve more opportunities to learn the life and leadership skills that help them navigate the real world. I could never have imagined where that idea would take us.

Together, we built something that has reached thousands of teens and young adults, brought hundreds of workshops into schools and community organizations, connected incredible volunteers with young people who needed them, and created relationships and memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

But RiseUP was never supposed to be about one person. If we built it right, the mission should be bigger than its founder—and strong enough to continue without me.

I believe it is.

So, after six years, I am retiring - stepping away from the organization I founded and have had the privilege of leading. This chapter is ending for me, but RiseUP’s story is far from over. New leadership brings new ideas, new energy, and the opportunity to take this organization places I never could on my own. I am genuinely excited to see where it goes. Effective August 31st.

To every board member, staff member, volunteer, donor, workshop leader, community partner, parent, friend, and young person who trusted us—thank you. You helped take something that once existed only in my head and heart and turn it into something real.

And to my family, especially Joe, who sacrificed, volunteered, carried boxes, showed up at events, listened to approximately 8,472 RiseUP ideas 😂, and shared me with this organization for six years—thank you. None of this would have happened without you.

There is sadness in closing this chapter, but there is also tremendous pride and gratitude.

I may be passing the torch, but I will forever be grateful that I got to help light it.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

We RiseUP Together. Always. ❤️ - Sandy (and Joe ) Pricer