Rise proudly celebrates our 2025 community partners who helped bring our mission to life over the past year. These awards honor businesses that go above and beyond to create inclusive workplaces, offer hands-on training, and open doors to meaningful careers for people we support. Whether they’ve stood beside us for decades or joined us more recently, each honoree plays a vital role in building opportunity and belonging. This year’s honorees are:

Finley’s

Built with inclusion at its core, Finley’s was founded in 2016 by two former special education teachers who wanted to change the unemployment rate for people with disabilities — and they’re doing just that.

The dog treat company employs people with disabilities as product ambassadors who are the friendly Finely’s representatives inside local stores. Finley’s partnered with Rise in 2017 as their first ambassador program, and the collaboration continues today.

Rise ambassadors working with Finley’s are supported, valued, and thriving. Many have taken on new responsibilities, including mentoring and training others. The program is proof that when you lead with heart and hold high expectations, amazing things happen.

MT-RSR

MT-RSR’s partnership with Rise — through both supported employment teams and independent placements — reflects a deep commitment to creating inclusive workplace opportunities.

The company has not only welcomed people supported by Rise onto their team but has also championed their growth and success every step of the way. At MT-RSR, inclusion isn’t a checkbox — it’s part of how they do business.

By fostering confidence, encouraging skill development, and believing in each person’s potential, MT-RSR proves that strong partnerships can strengthen both business and community.