By Foresee Foundation (4C)
The RISE Foundation was created to help build a stronger, more united and more resilient St. Maarten by developing programs, opportunities and support systems that empower youth, families and communities through mentorship, outreach and volunteerism. Although the organization is still young, its vision is rooted in long-term community impact and in creating opportunities for people to rise above difficult circumstances.
RISE envisions a St. Maarten where vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals are embraced, supported and empowered through the challenges they face, and where youth and families are uplifted toward a brighter and more hopeful future.
The foundation’s work is centred on four core pillars: Youth & Family Development, Holistic Rehabilitation, Disaster Preparedness & Relief, and Holiday Outreach Projects. Through these areas of focus, RISE Foundation believes meaningful change begins by uplifting individuals and families in ways that create lasting impact across the wider community.
Over the past year, RISE Foundation has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting children, youth and families across St. Maarten. Through its Elevate Youth & Family Program, the foundation has provided educational support, mentorship, workshops, volunteer opportunities and life skills development for vulnerable youth.
The foundation has also organized back-to-school support initiatives to assist children, families and teachers as they prepared for the academic year. During the holiday season, its Christmas Angels project provided more than 750 gifts to children, seniors and vulnerable members of the community.
Through Project Hope, RISE Foundation supported more than 40 families with food assistance and other essential needs. Through its RISE READY pillar, the organization continues working toward strengthening disaster preparedness, volunteer engagement and community response initiatives.
For RISE Foundation, the goal is to create a ripple effect where empowered individuals strengthen their families, inspire others and contribute to a stronger St. Maarten. When individuals are uplifted, they often uplift those around them. In that way, families are strengthened, peers are inspired and the wider community benefits. They rise, and the whole island rises with them.
The foundation’s message to the community is simple: Building a better St. Maarten is everyone’s responsibility. RISE wants to see a St. Maarten where no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to rise, but achieving that vision requires people to step forward, volunteer, mentor, collaborate, donate, encourage others and support community initiatives.
This work cannot be done in isolation. Volunteerism, partnerships and community involvement remain central to the mission of RISE Foundation.
Businesses, organizations and community members interested in supporting or volunteering can contact RISE Foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +1 (721) 584-7473 or +1 (721) 523-8421, or follow the foundation on Facebook at risesxm and Instagram at rise.sxm
