Falls Community ARC Coalition at R.I.S.E.

and Olga Rosas worked to contribute to R.I.S.E. (Rebuild, Independence, Self-Love & Empowerment) Founder & President Katelyn Smith and First Baptist Church (FBC) Marlin Volunteer Andrew Parmer, at the First Baptist Church Marlin, to sort and prepare clothing for its distribution.

The mission of R.I.S.E. is to help previously incarcerated women rebuild with independence and self-love, while empowering them to live fulfilled lives.

R.I.S.E.’s goal is to provide necessities, such as This is not just another description of volunteerism. It is heartwarming and undeniable to witness the skills gained through volunteer work: leadership, communication,teamwork, problem-solving, and project management. The intricate value of volunteerism is multiplied in its effect on another human being, on helping others.

On June 4, 2025, Falls Community A.R.C. Coalition members Derinda Austin, Bettye Trotter, clothing, hygiene products, information on identification, resume-writing, and more.

R.I.S.E.’s hope is that helping the previously incarcerated women gain an independent footing will help them from resorting to former -and not necessarily constructive- acquaintances, places, and experiences.

Thank you to these volunteers in our community. Their passion for making a difference - giving unpaid time doing something to benefit others - is demonstrated in their reliability and dedication to the work they do, repeatedly.