As Medicaid structures continue to shift and funding becomes increasingly uncertain, organizations like RiseUP face a critical challenge: how do we maintain the quality, safety, and dignity of care our participants deserve when essential infrastructure is no longer fully supported?

For decades, RiseUP has depended on Medicaid reimbursements to sustain the majority of our services. But Medicaid does not fund the backbone of what makes RiseUP safe, accessible, and fully inclusive — things like transportation, residential repairs, adaptive spaces, and the tools our teams need to do their work well.

That means we cannot complete critical infrastructure projects without community support.

This year, we are asking our community to stand with us.
Because when we rise together, we truly do thrive forever.

Our 2025–2026 Project Needs: $72,000 Goal

Every dollar given during Colorado Gives Day directly supports essential upgrades that keep our programs safe, modern, and equipped for those we serve.

Here’s exactly what your gift makes possible:

• 12-Passenger Van for the Denver Day Program
  Reliable transportation is essential for employment, medical appointments, and community inclusion.
• Exercise Room for the Colorado Springs Day Program
  A dedicated wellness space promotes health, mobility, and emotional well-being.
• Renovations for Meade House (Youth Residential Program)
  Updating living spaces keeps our youth homes safe, comfortable, and trauma-informed.
• Exterior Painting for Fortune House (Youth Residential Program)
  A refreshed exterior protects the home and creates an inviting, dignified environment.
• Welcome & Branding Video for HR
  A high-quality onboarding video strengthens hiring, supports staff retention, and ensures our values are communicated clearly from day one.

These projects are not optional — they are essential to uphold RiseUP’s commitment to safety, inclusion, and person-centered care.

Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever

As Medicaid funding continues to evolve, it covers fewer operational and infrastructure needs than in previous years. Without community support, critical upgrades that ensure safety, access, and independence would otherwise be delayed — or remain unfunded.

Your gift ensures RiseUP can:

• Transport adults to jobs and community activities
• Maintain safe and welcoming homes for youth
• Provide health and wellness resources
• Improve staff training and onboarding
• Strengthen long-term sustainability

Simply put: your generosity fills the gap where Medicaid stops.

Colorado Gives Day Gives Us a Powerful Opportunity

Colorado Gives Day — happening Tuesday, December 9 — is one of the most impactful days of the year for nonprofits across the state.

It’s not just a day to give.
It’s a chance to amplify your gift through one of the country’s largest philanthropic incentive funds.

When you donate through Colorado Gives Day:

• Your gift is boosted
• Your impact is multiplied
• Your support goes directly to critical, immediate needs

You can give now, or pre-schedule your gift early:

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/rup

How You Can Help Today

Make a Colorado Gives Day donation
Pre-schedule your gift now
Share our page with friends & family
Post about why you support RiseUP
Encourage your workplace or community group to join you

Every share, every dollar, and every act of generosity strengthens the future for those we serve.

Together, We Rise Above the Cuts. Together, We RiseUP.

When you give to RiseUP, you are supporting real people — students building confidence in the classroom, adults gaining independence through employment, and families who finally feel seen, supported, and surrounded by community.

You make it possible for individuals of all abilities to live full, meaningful, connected lives.

Rising Together. Thriving Forever.

About RiseUP

RiseUP is at the forefront of advancing inclusion for neurodivergent individuals in Colorado. With a dedicated K–12 school, adult day and residential programs, and supported employment services, RiseUP provides comprehensive support from childhood through adulthood. RiseUP’s mission is to promote dignity and self-worth by building transformational communities where people of all abilities thrive side by side.