RISE, or Reading Inspirational Stories to Empower, is a program that emphasizes the importance of literacy, history, service, and equality. This program helps connect community volunteers and Rosedale youth to the lessons of the past through stories of civil rights and social justice
The week of January 19-23, over 25 volunteers took time out of their busy schedules to impart these lessons to schoolage children by reading stories aloud to local classrooms. Mary Welsh, Frank Rushton Elementary School Principal, said of the program: “We appreciate the fact that the community is willing to come in and join in on the work with our children. It’s great for the kids to hear other perspectives on Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights.”