Five Rising Ground team members wearing blue shirts smile at the camera while standing outdoors in front of a Rising Ground sign.

About Rising Ground

NYC Human Services Organization, Since 1831

Rising Ground is a human services organization that supports individuals and families in New York City and lower Westchester County by providing the resources and skills needed to help them positively direct their lives. Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground provides therapeutic treatments and trauma-informed supports that meet the physical, mental health, psychological, and educational needs of youth and adults facing a myriad of complex challenges.

Mission

Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity.

Vision

Rising Ground envisions a future for New York where every child has an equal opportunity to succeed; where vulnerable individuals and families have the resources and support they need; where people with disabilities can access opportunity and fully participate in their communities; and where all are supported as they navigate life’s challenges and positively direct their lives.

Rising Ground staff members smiling with one another.

Our Values

Accountability – ethical behavior; personal responsibility; accountability to others, clients and staff; integrity; fiduciary responsibility

Connection – connection to families, community, the organization, and each other; communication; collaboration; engagement; teamwork

Tenacity – grit; never giving up; creativity; commitment; smart thinkers; spunk; initiative; drive; dedicated to overcoming obstacles; resourcefulness

Service – respect for others and the work itself; client-focused efforts; compassion; support

Awards & Recognition

New York Community Trust Non-Profit Excellence Awards Gold Winner 2014

Recipient of the Alliance for Children and Families’ prestigious Strategy Counts award.

National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) has identified our special education school as a NASET School of Excellence for the past five years in a row.

The Mayor’s office praised our Volunteer Program for engaging 450 volunteers in over 3,500 hours of service over the course of a single year.

Accreditations

Rising Ground fully meets all 20 Better Business Bureau standards for charity accountability.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation

FAQs

Answers to common questions about our services, impact, and how to get involved.

Yes, Rising Ground is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Since 1831, Rising Ground has provided a safety net for New York’s most vulnerable. Today, we operate over 100 programs across all five NYC boroughs and Westchester, supporting more than 30,000 children, adults, and families annually. Please see our History page for more information.

We are funded by the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations as well as government funding from public funding sources including:

New York City Administration for Children’s Services, New York City Department of Education, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services, New York City Department of Probation, New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, New York City Mayor’s Office to End Gender Based Violence, New York City Council, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Education Department, New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, New York State Office of Victim Services, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York State Office to Prevent Domestic Violence, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Head Start and Office of Refugee Resettlement, Medicaid, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Westchester County Department of Social Services, and local school districts of Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Stueben, and Orange counties.

Contributions to Rising Ground fuel our “person centered” approach, providing everything from childhood education and foster care to mental health services and support for those with intellectual disabilities. Donations allow us to innovate beyond government-funded mandates to provide holistic support for families in crisis.

To make a gift, please visit Donate – Rising Ground

Our 195- year legacy is built on the belief that everyone can rise when given the right support. We are an “impact-first” organization, meaning we use evidence- based practices to ensure our programs create long-term, measurable change.

Yes, our programs are open to people who speak all languages. We have team members who speak English and Spanish, and we work intentionally to ensure language is never a barrier to care. If someone seeking services speaks another language, we will coordinate interpretation services and take the necessary steps to make sure they can fully access support.

Transparency is core to our work.

You can view our most recent Annual Report and IRS Form 990 on our website at Annual Reports & Financials – Rising Ground or via GuideStar. These documents provide a detailed look at our programs, financial stewardship, and the impact your support makes possible.