Opportunity to Move Forward
RISE works alongside refugees and immigrants as they build independent lives, support their families, and contribute to the communities they call home.
Community-Led Support
Practical support rooted in respect for each person’s strengths, culture, choices, and goals.
Building Independence & Belonging
Connecting people with newcomer services, employment, education, care management and health, and agriculture in Syracuse and Buffalo.
Our Story
RISE Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment
Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) works alongside refugees and immigrants as they build independent lives, support their families, and contribute to the communities they call home. Our work begins with respect for the knowledge, resilience, and cultural traditions people bring.
Our Mission
RISE advocates for and facilitates economic independence and community inclusion for refugees and immigrants through education, employment, social support and service navigation.
Haji A. Adan
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Haji leads RISE’s vision, strategy, and community partnerships. As a former refugee and co-founder, he brings a personal understanding of the newcomer experience and a commitment to helping refugees and immigrants achieve economic independence.
His leadership centers on community voice, cultural identity, and opportunities for people to shape their own futures.
Help opportunity
take root.
Our Causes
Children Education
Providing quality education, school supplies, and scholarship opportunities to underprivileged children in rural communities and urban slums, ensuring no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
Healthcare Access
Delivering essential medical services, health check-ups, and medication to remote communities while promoting health awareness and preventive care practices among vulnerable populations.
Sustainable Livelihood
Empowering families through vocational training, small business support, and agricultural development programs to create sustainable income sources and break the cycle of poverty.
Volunteer
About Volunteering
This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We believe the best way for our initiatives to be successful is for the community to actively get involved. This is an easy and efficient way of contributing to the great work we do at Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment. Get in touch with any questions about how you can Volunteer Your Time today.
Our Programs
We are committed to creating sustainable change through our diverse range of programs that address critical needs in our community.
Agriculture
Sustainable farming initiatives that empower communities with food security and economic opportunities.
Learn MoreSelf-Sufficiency
Programs designed to help individuals and families achieve independence and financial stability.
Learn MoreEducation
Quality education initiatives that provide learning opportunities for children and adults alike.
Learn MoreResettlement
Supporting individuals and families in establishing new homes and rebuilding their lives.
Learn MoreCare Management
Comprehensive care services for vulnerable populations, ensuring their wellbeing and dignity.
Learn MoreGet Involved
Join our mission and make a difference in your community through volunteering or donations.
Contact UsUpcoming Events
Join us in our upcoming community events and make a difference
Testimonial
Helping those in need with housing
Eric, DePasqualeGreat place that does great work for the community
Maurice, BrownDoing great work iwth refugees and immigrants
Lawrence, Riley
Get in touch
Clara Barton
HR & Office Manager
Contact Infomation
404 Oak Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
412 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14201
Buffalo 412 Niagara Street Buffalo, NY 14201
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