R.I.S.E. – Reflect • Inquire • Support • Empower

At Hope WINS, we believe strong families build strong communities. That’s why we created R.I.S.E.—a dynamic, heart-centered initiative designed to support caregivers on every step of their parenting journey.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, behavioral challenges, or simply looking for connection and guidance, R.I.S.E. stands for the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to Reflect, Inquire, Support, and Empower—together.

At Hope WINS, we don’t offer quick fixes—we offer real relationships. We aim to build a web of support around every caregiver and child in our community. Whether you’re attending your first family night or building a lasting partnership with a parent mentor, you belong here.

Let’s R.I.S.E.—together.

What is R.I.S.E.?

R.I.S.E. is more than a program—it’s a movement of connection, learning, and healing. Built to strengthen family bonds, increase resilience, and foster community, Hope WINS offers support to meet families where they are and grow with them along the way.

Through family-centered gatherings, peer mentorship, and consistent support, R.I.S.E. provides a safe space for reflection, growth, and empowerment.

Services Under the R.I.S.E. Umbrella

R.I.S.E. Family Connections

These FREE family gatherings are held on select dates throughout the year at Grace Episcopal Church, 10 S. Cherry Ave., Freeport, IL 61032.

R.I.S.E. Family Connections brings families together to share a meal, connect, learn, and have fun in a welcoming community.

Each gathering begins with a family style meal. Meals are most often provided by local restaurants and caterers, with occasional meals prepared by Hope WINS staff or volunteers. Families eat together around the table while enjoying conversation starters, icebreakers, and activities designed to encourage connection.

Following the meal, parents and caregivers participate in a speaker led presentation or interactive session focused on real life topics that matter to families. Topics may include parenting, coping with stress, communication, relationships, life skills, self care, navigating challenging seasons, strengthening families, and connecting with helpful resources and supports.

At the same time, children rotate through three levels of activities designed to make learning meaningful and fun. Children participate in an activity that mirrors what parents are learning, a hands on craft or activity connected to the gathering’s theme, and a free play space where they can relax, play, and connect with others.

By giving parents and children opportunities to explore similar ideas in different ways, families leave with new conversations, shared experiences, helpful resources, and tools they can continue using at home.

Please see our Calendar of Events for upcoming R.I.S.E. Family Connections dates, times, themes, and registration information.

These gatherings nourish more than just the body. They feed the spirit of community.

Parent Support Group

Our FREE Parent Support Group is designed for parents and caregivers of children with higher support needs, but no parent or caregiver will ever be turned away. We believe everyone deserves a place to connect, feel supported, and be around people who understand that parenting and caregiving can be hard, messy, rewarding, exhausting, and everything in between.

Parents and caregivers come together in a welcoming, judgment-free space to talk openly, share experiences, build connections, learn from one another, and take some time to decompress. Through guided conversations, group activities, guest speakers, resources, and peer-to-peer support, participants can gain new ideas and tools while also having a space to simply be heard.

Childcare is available by request and reservation. Please see our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates, times, locations, and registration information.

Sometimes the best support is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Parent-to-Parent Partner (P²P)

Our FREE Parent-to-Parent Partner (P²P) support connects parents and caregivers one-on-one with a trained Parent Partner who understands the journey through their own lived experience.

Whether you are navigating IEPs and school systems, working through challenging behaviors, searching for resources, feeling overwhelmed or burned out, or simply needing someone who understands, your Parent Partner is there to listen, encourage, share resources, and help you work toward goals that are meaningful to you and your family.

P²P is built around connection, shared experience, and meeting families where they are. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

If you are interested in P²P, please complete the Referral Form located on our Contact Us page, and a member of the Hope WINS team will reach out to learn more about what you are looking for and discuss next steps.

Every family deserves someone in their corner. This is that someone.

R.I.S.E. Parent Power Hour

R.I.S.E. Parent Power Hour is a one-hour gathering where parents can connect, learn, share resources, and build their village with one another and within the community. Designed to be short, impactful, and energizing, each Power Hour will give parents a boost of knowledge, confidence, connection, and practical support in just 60 minutes.

More details coming soon!