“Creating Stability: New RISE Campus Launches in Parkland Neighborhood”

New RISE Campus Opens in Louisville to Support Young Adults and Families

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On a sunny Tuesday in Louisville’s Parkland neighborhood, community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the RISE Campus, a new multifaceted facility designed to support young adults and families. The event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signified not just the inauguration of a building but also the launch of a transformative initiative aimed at providing essential resources, including housing, education, child care, and mental health services.

The RISE Campus, boasting 41 housing units and a range of support services, is particularly focused on aiding individuals aged 18 to 28, with a specific emphasis on those transitioning out of foster care or grappling with significant life challenges. “Today isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about opening opportunities,” stated Kristy Flippins Bartlett, the founder and CEO of the facility. Her vision for RISE extends beyond mere accommodation; it encapsulates a holistic approach to personal growth and healing.

The strategic design of the campus is intended to create a nurturing environment where young adults can not only find stability in housing but also embark on paths toward education and mental wellness. On-site facilities include a learning lab and daycare services, which aim to alleviate some of the immediate hurdles faced by young parents and students alike. “Rise was built to provide safe housing, healing, and opportunity for young adults ages 18 to 28, where we don’t just have a place to stay; we have a place to grow,” Bartlett added.

Managed by the non-profit Option to Success, which has been dedicated to supporting families in Louisville since 2012, the RISE Campus is a product of years of commitment to building a supportive community infrastructure. According to Bartlett, the organization strives to aid young adults in completing their education while simultaneously addressing the complexities of trauma that many of their clients have experienced. “We focus on just getting them graduated through school, and addressing the trauma that they have been impacted by,” she explained.

Furthermore, select units within the campus will cater to fathers raising daughters, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by single parent families. “Access builds stability, and stability builds success,” said Bartlett, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these elements in fostering a conducive environment for growth and recovery.

The RISE Campus symbolizes hope for many, particularly for those who have endured the complexities of the foster care system. Bartlett’s message to these young individuals is clear: “Let all the foster care children who have been impacted by the system know that there is hope. There is meaning, and they will overcome and rise as long as they have the right support system.”

With RISE now operational, Option to Success has outlined plans for future program expansions and partnerships aimed at further enhancing the resources available to the Louisville community. This initiative stands as a testament to the potential of dedicated community efforts to create lasting, positive change for those in need.