By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
RISE, a Mount Pearl program that provides skill-building and social connection for marginalized community members, has seen slow but steady growth since it began in February.
The need was identified through public consultations carried out during the development of the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
“Equity-deserving groups – particularly women and young women – consistently emphasized that safety and support come from building community connections, accessing supportive programming, and creating spaces for shared learning. These insights formed the foundation of the RISE program,” said Kerri Hodder, communications officer for the City of Mount Pearl.
The program is funded through a $50,000 grant from the provincial government. The City didn’t have the resources to run the program itself so it called for proposals from groups and companies interested in doing it. An organization called ElevateHER was asked in January to partner with the City in running RISE, though Hodder said Mount Pearl will also work with other community groups, including First Light.
“Because RISE is rooted in trauma-informed practice, the program required facilitation by a professional with appropriate accreditation and experience,” Hodder said.
Stephanie Atwood, founder of ElevateHER and coordinator of the RISE program, says it responds to a need for accessible, low-barrier spaces where marginalized people can build connections, skills, and a sense of belonging in a safe environment.
“Many individuals are navigating isolation, financial stress, or life transitions, and may not meet the criteria for formal support, but they just simply want to connect,” said Atwood. “RISE fills that gap by offering free, welcoming, and flexible programming that integrates wellness, skill-building, and social connection. It creates entry points for people who might not otherwise engage and does so in a way that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in dignity.”
The Program launched in February with wide-ranging sessions several times a week in different locations. Session topics have ranged from a grief café, to micro finance, safety planning, wellness walks and legal education. The Topics were chosen through a combination of community feedback, observed needs, and ongoing engagement.
Atwood said the programming is designed to be accessible and engaging, which means sometimes reframing topics.
“For example, conversations around safety planning or mental wellness may be embedded within creative, social, or skill-based activities like craft nights or community meals because we've learned that this is how people feel most comfortable engaging,” Atwood said.
Upcoming sessions in April include micro finance on April 2 at the Park Place Community Centre, a community drop-in and swim at the Summit Centre on April 7, a wellness walk April 9, a queer social on April 11 at Park Place Community Centre, a community skill swap at the Summit Centre, and a women and newcomer women job readiness program on April 15 at the Gloria Pearson Community Centre.
Atwood said there have been some storm cancellations so far, and new program take time to build trust and awareness, but there has been growth in participation.
“We also look at success in terms of how people are engaging, not just how many,” she said.