Statements
Mission
UpRise Nashville exists to help individuals impacted by poverty, such as single moms, veterans, those overcoming addiction and incarceration, and refugees, get out of poverty by providing tailored training and education to achieve financial self-sufficiency. In as little as 10 weeks, adult students, known as "Leaders", can launch a career with upward mobility and full benefits, resulting in an average increase of $25,413 in their first-year earnings, with an 89% job retention rate one year after graduation..
Background
Instead of asking how to help people IN poverty, UpRise Nashville was born in 2017 from the foundational question: "How do we help people in our community get OUT of poverty?" UpRise helps people get short term skills training to fill job gaps and provide upward mobility, while focusing on job skills training and individualized support. UpRise Nashville exists to alleviate relational, economic and spiritual poverty through education and the power of relationship. Through intentional engagement, we help our Leaders begin to reach their God-given potential.
Since its inception, more than 200 Leaders (participants) have found meaningful work at respected Nashville companies like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Stansell Electric, Waste Management and IMI Trucking.
Impact
UpRise Graduates earn an average of $25,413 more per year in their first year of work and experience a 89% job retention rate one year after graduation. Beyond these numbers are souls and families represented. We celebrate this year that our UpRise Leaders have regained custody of their children, hit sobriety milestones, bought a car and moved into new apartments and homes.
Most of all, Leaders see that they do not need to be defined by mistakes, bad choices or circumstances in their past, that they have a hope and a purpose. Building people, not just careers as at the heart of UpRise. As a result of participation in the UpRise program:
100% of Leaders reported that they are more confident and that recognizing their self worth no longer depends on their past or the opinions of others. "I see myself as a valuable player and an asset to both work and society, as opposed to being a burden."
97% say they are better at setting healthy boundaries to bring stability to their lives. "I'm choosing to put my own needs ahead of others' feelings when I know people are not a good influence on me. I want to protect the new life I am building for myself."
95% say they moved from a place of isolation or an illusion of self-sufficiency to a place of interdependence where they can ask for help in healthy ways. "I have a lot to offer & reaching out to ask for help is not a weakness."
93% say they feel capable and confident in a career setting having learned the five career core competencies of time management, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and professionalism. "I had no self confidence before, and now I do. I never spoke to people or looked them in the eye, but I can do that now. In fact, I talk all the time and love interacting with my patients."
Needs
UpRise has the capacity to admit 60 Leaders in each of our three cohorts this year. And for the last three cohorts, we have had to turn people away. We've had a 65% increase in the last year of people who want to come to UpRise. Thus, we have greater needs in funding, new volunteers and new employer partners.
- Allies walk alongside participants as they practice professional skills like interviewing and into their education path.
- Employer partners provide opportunities for Leaders to use their new skills, talent and training to do quality work that benefits the companies and our community.
- Financial support fuels the work we do, helping Leaders gain access to educational opportunities that put them on a career path.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Employment - Employment Preparation & Procurement |
| Secondary Category: | Education - Vocational & Technical Schools |
| Tertiary Category: | Religion- Related - Christianity |
Areas Served
Most Leaders originate from Congress deemed "Opportunity Zones" in Davidson County. As rent prices continue to skyrocket, Leaders also come from surrounding counties Williamson, Montgomery and Rutherford Counties.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Montgomery |
