Rise proudly celebrates our 2026 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:

Brooklyn Tool

Since partnering with Rise in 2019, BTI has provided meaningful opportunities for people we support as they work and build skills in an inclusive job environment. Today, BTI serves as a SET site for a supported employment team of approximately ten people.

What makes BTI stand out is its commitment to the team. Everyone at BTI takes the time to build relationships with the Rise team, ensuring they feel welcomed and appreciated. Recently, when a pipe burst in the building where the Rise team worked, BTI sprang into action and rearranged office spaces so the team could continue working while repairs were made. BTI has created a workplace where our team is included and valued.

Fit Art – Country Fit & Brush Strokes Creative

For approximately four years, Country Fit and Brush Strokes Creative have partnered with Rise’s New Richmond program through their Fit Art program. Each week, individuals supported by Rise participate in fitness activities, enjoy a healthy shake, complete a craft project, and volunteer by helping deliver shakes and label cups.

CJ Pedersen and Kayleen Jakes have created a program that participants look forward to each week. Their commitment to the program helped secure grant funding in 2024, allowing people we support in Wisconsin to participate free of charge for an entire year. Their continued dedication has helped support the growth of the New Richmond Life Enrichment program and create opportunities for connection with other organizations in the community.

Ry’s and Shine

Over the past two years, Ry’s and Shine has partnered with Rise programs in Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, and New Richmond to provide activities, events, and opportunities for the people we support. Founded by Jill and Mike Strobel, the nonprofit has helped more than 100 people participate in community outings and experiences that bring connection, joy, and new opportunities to engage with others. Ry’s and Shine also supported improvements to the sensory room at Rise’s Oakdale Life Enrichment program.

The Strobels’ son, Ryan, attends Oakdale, giving Jill many opportunities to connect with the people we support and learn about their interests. One such connection inspired a trip for 40 people to Sea Life at Mall of America. Through every event, outing, and act of generosity, Ry’s and Shine brings its mission to life: creating a community where everyone is valued, loved, and seen. We are grateful for their partnership and the meaningful experiences they help make possible.