rise

 The RISE program centers creating intergenerational spaces to increase access to knowledge, voices, stories, and wisdom focused on reimagining societal structures and system towards being equitable and liberatory. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, other community stakeholders and partners, and TQYC staff work together to create intentional spaces that are supportive in learning and unlearning systems of oppression while creatively being invited to be curious and imaginative in dreaming of alterative systems that empower our communities to create projects and initiatives through our other TQYC programs. RISE aims to continue long held traditions of passing down knowledge to the next generations as a way to preserve cultural knowledge and inspire further cultural building. Youth and YA are encouraged to explore complex topics and engage in knowledge sharing on an intergenerational level. This allows for the creation of practices that embody the rich wisdom that comes from intergenerational knowledge sharing.

RISE Mental Wellness program is thoughtfully designed to provide comprehensive alternative supports and solutions for increasing mental wellness that go beyond the traditional psychiatric carceral system. This is accomplished through multiple interconnected approaches: providing essential harm reduction supplies that help individuals manage their mental health challenges safely, distributing customized mental wellness kits filled with tools and resources for self-care, facilitating connections to thoroughly vetted and community-approved mental health providers who understand the unique needs of QTBIPOC youth, and offering ongoing wellness coaching sessions and community events that create spaces for healing and growth. Through these various pathways, the program ensures participants have access to holistic mental health support that honors their autonomy and lived experiences.