RISE Program

Who We Are

The RISE Program (Reintegration Initiative for Safety and Empowerment) was started by the Linn County Recidivism Committee

RISE was added in early 2015 to the umbrella of Fresh Start Ministries as the mission and vision for both worked well together.

RISE is a secular program which helps guide newly released incarcerated persons toward a bright future by connecting participants with resources and services post-release.

Things such as finding a job, housing, and transportation can be hard to find. With no outside support. RISE offers a welcoming, nonjudgmental place for ex-offenders to come and find the help they need.

Who Qualifies for this PrograM?

“RISE offers an opportunity for anyone wanting to make positive changes in their lives to connect with available local resources for housing, employment, transportation, social services, and other basic human needs.”

Rise program provides resources and support to people newly released from incarceration

RISE Wenzel Program at Correctional Services Complex

Open Monday through Friday 9 am to Noon

Tuesdays 6 pm to 8 pm

Thursdays 4 pm to 6 pm

Saturdays by appointment only

Testimonials

I think the RISE program is very helpful. I think it’s great and I’m very grateful to be able to come and participate.
Matt
They know there’s more to us than being a criminal
Anonymous
Ultimately the RISE program has been of extreme benefit to me as I see it from my standpoint. it gives me a chance. From the program I have learned to work with facilities and do paperwork, get medical needs, also financial security. If it wasn’t for the daily time I have used with RISE, the possibility of my recidivism may have occurred or taken place. The staff at RISE were so helpful and nice, and helped tremendously. it’s a great program and I’m very thankful for all they have done for me.
Jason
This program help me obtain items needed to help me begin my new journey after incarceration. It’s a blessing and the staff are amazing and have been great. Thank you!
Jennifer
They see you as a person with feelings. They remind you that the fallen can rise, overcome and regain a prosperous life through hope.
Anonymous
My name is Jason Linderkamp and am no great guy my life has been a life of crime and not caring about nothing. Just drug’s and crime, prison, jail just a life of "I don’t care." I was in jail when I hear about this Rise Program and how much they would help you just had to let them. I went to this meeting in jail 5 years ago and Mary one of the people who took time out of their life, said I don’t care what you have done in life am here to help listen or do what I can to help you guy’s because you guy’s don’t really get help. After the meeting I sign up with them to meet with them when I got out of jail. And I never would of though I got the biggest hug from the smallest person Mary and said we can’t wait to help you anyway we can or you let us. Me who hadn’t a a hug in I don’t know when and this person not willing to judge me for the wrong I’d done in life just willing to show a caring ear or talk if needed. They have helped with getting bus passes, ID’s, Place’s to live even for me, thing to wear, food to eat while you’re here and coffee, and stuff to fill or place to live at no cost to guy’s and gal’s like us. They have gone above listening and helping if you chose to take the help and use the help. It’s on us to just to use the help and maybe from time to time stop in and say thank you for all the help you guy’s were willing to give me and other like me. And if you're lucky like me you to will get the biggest hug from the small Mary. Just so you know it’s not a bad to ask for help if you truly want to be done with prisons, jail, and just sick of the life of drug’s and everything in life, these people here will go above and beyond to listen ask what they can help with to change the old life we lived. So I say thank you to The Rise Program for always being there when I chose to ask for the help you guy’s have helped me in so many way’s. I owe a lot to you guy’s, I’ll always try and give back anyway I can.
Jason Linderkamp

For More Information Contact

Help Us Change Lives!

The RISE Program accepts new and gently used clothing and shoes for both men and women

In addition, house items are accepted, especially the following items:

  • Small tents
  • Backpacks
  • Bar soap
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Tampons
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Shoes

Additional Services

Adult Jail Ministry

Adult Jail Ministry

The mission of Fresh Start Ministries starts within the correctional facilities of Linn County, Iowa....
Jail Volunteer Program

Jail Volunteer Program

The Jail Volunteer Program is essential to the mission of Fresh Start Ministries starts within the correctional...
RISE Program

RISE Program

The RISE Program (Reintegration Initiative for Safety and Empowerment) was started by the Linn County...
Adult Mentoring Program

Adult Mentoring Program

The Adult Mentoring Program (AMP) is also a community-based program that offers more intensive assistance...
Juvenile Detention Center Ministry

Juvenile Detention Center Ministry

Fresh Start Ministries provides a Youth Minister to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center on a part-time...

State Wide resources

Download the PDF of statewide resources for those coming out of prison or jail.