Local Impact

Rising Lights Project

Stories of Impact

2024 Impact Story

David Gould, Sue Gould

James Gould & Jenna Korenstra

2023 Impact Story

Callie and Cheryl Poole

2022 Impact Story

Kyle and Michele

What people are saying.

"Being the mother of special needs children can make you feel extraordinarily isolated. You long to feel like you belong, and most importantly, you want to be around others who understand you. I’m so happy to say that I have found these things as a member of the Rising Lights Project Mom Group. Having the opportunity to be around a group of mothers at different stages of parenthood, inspiring each other, motivating each other, and exchanging resources is an immeasurable feeling."

-Luchana I
"Rising Lights is good for David because it broadens his social network. He is an extremely sociable young man – he’s ready to tell everyone he meets about summer airshows and how he rides his bike. When we drop David off at Rising Lights on Friday mornings, he’s always welcomed by staff and friends – “Hi David. Good to see you!” And off he goes. When we pick him up, it’s the same routine – “Bye David. See you next week!” Lots of people with intellectual disabilities live a solitary life, so being surrounded by friends and staff who accept him, care about him and enjoy him is a great gift to David."

-Jim Gould
"I love volunteering with Rising Lights because of its core values that recognize the potential in every individual. I wholeheartedly recommend volunteering for Rising Lights because it has changed my perspective on life's small joys and taught me that despite our differences, we can all find meaningful connections."

— Lindsay Y