RISE Network's Annual Celebration Lunch

RISE Network's Annual Celebration Lunch

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Posted 2015-06-17 by Jay Crisp Crowfollow
You know that feeling when you realise that something utterly valuable has been in your backyard for years and you haven't known? Not treasure, as such, but an integral branch of the community?

I had that feeling when I was invited to attend the RISE Network annual celebration.

Last Friday saw the RISE Staff members gather together for their once a year luncheon and quiz afternoon. It was the first of their two yearly social events and there couldn't be a more deserving group of people to relax for an afternoon of jollity. A very purple theme brightened the stately Midland Town Hall, the food was reportedly fabulous and there were prizes galore.

RISE provide services for youth at risk, the elderly, people with a disability, mental health clients and carers in the Hills and beyond. Originally HSCG (Hills Community Support Group), RISE has risen from its modest beginnings over 30 years ago. From its inception in the early 1980's after a meeting of Swan residents to discuss the various support needs for members of the community to the organisation it is today, RISE has cared for thousands of our community with compassion, encouragement and excellent knowledge.



Currently RISE employs 360 staff members, has 120 volunteers and provides services to over 2000 clients. Their focus is on strengthening connections in the community - "of our elderly, people with a disability, those with mental health issues, youth at risk, and care givers. We are becoming much more user friendly, helping you work out how we can support you in what you want to achieve. The focus is no longer on what programs we run, but rather on what you want to do."

On paper, RISE is surely a success. However, the real crown jewel of this organisation is its staff.

A collaborative Social Club team have been planning this event for some months. RISE Social Club Member, Jennifer, reports the difficulty trying to get staff from varying departments, many on different shifts with outside of regular hours, to one or two events per year. Although they are in attendance to celebrate (and some are just totally determined to win!) every staff member that I had the pleasure to chat with not only spoke about their families but also their jobs. It seems that if you are a RISE staff member your clients are carried with you in your heart.



Jennifer also mentions that although RISE has been part of the Kalamunda, Mundaring and Swan Shires for over three decades and now assists clients as far as Joondalup, some members of the local public aren't aware of their existence.

If you know someone who could benefit from RISE's extensive services, you are encouraged to visit their website here: http://www.risenetwork.com.au/

I was pleased to see the staff leaving at the end of the afternoon laughing, all except those at the table who were convinced they would win the quiz and who were overtaken at the last round. At least they were still smiling.

#perth_hills
#learn_something
#greater_perth
#eastern_suburbs
#community_events
#community_centres
#avon_valley
#swan_valley
#june
%wnperth
130596 - 2023-06-13 06:53:31

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