PHILIPSBURG:--- A team of young local professionals recently came together and established RISE Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting vulnerable individuals
and communities.
With more than 30 years of combined experience in the non-profit and community development sectors, the leaders of RISE Foundation have a shared passion for
helping the people of Sint Maarten reach their full potential. The board of RISE Foundation comprises four members, who are also the co-founders of the
organization: the President, Ms. Chiaira Bowers, the Vice President, Mr. Josiah Lamothe, the Treasurer, Ms. Priya Misir, and the Secretary, Mr. Kevin James.
Here is a word from the President: “Over the years, my team and I have witnessed first-hand the gaps, the lack of access, and the real challenges that families in our
community face. That’s why we formed RISE Foundation—to respond to the areas where support is most lacking and needed. By reaching
out and truly listening to the people of St. Maarten—and by working alongside dedicated partners, sponsors, and volunteers—we aim to build practical solutions
and create lasting change.”
The RISE Foundation's programs are divided into four main pillars. One of them is the Elevate Youth and Family Development Program, which provides mentorship,
scholarships and life-skills workshops for youths, and supports families by promoting healthy communication, skills development for guardians, and
strengthened parent-child relationships.
Ms. Kyria Ali, CEO of NAGICO, one of the key partners of this program, gave the following endorsement: “At NAGICO, we believe in investing in the future, and that
means empowering our youth. We are proud to partner with the RISE Foundation, whose programs align well with our community development and youth empowerment commitment. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the RISE Foundation on their establishment and wish them great success as their wins translate to a stronger St. Maarten.”
Another pillar of the RISE Foundation programs is RISE READY, an acronym for Readiness, Emergency Action, and Disaster Recovery. In collaboration with the
Government of Sint Maarten under Emergency Support Function – 7 (ESF–7), RISE
Foundation provides support with shelter setup and management, mass distribution of relief goods, and logistical support during emergencies.
There is also RISE REACH, another acronym that stands for Rebuilding, Empowering, Assisting, Coaching, and Healing. This program is designed to offer
hope and practical support to those facing difficult life circumstances, including the unhoused, ex-offenders, and other disadvantaged persons. RISE Foundation
provides support through access to meals, counseling, life coaching, educational, and work opportunities.
Acting Director Cynthia K. M. Clarke-Filemon of Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS), another key partner, stated, "At J&IS, we believe that no single
organization can create meaningful transformation alone; it takes a united community. That’s why our partnership with RISE Foundation is so impactful.
Together, we are empowering individuals, whether they are justice-involved, system-involved, or in need of a second chance, with the mentorship, life skills, and
opportunities to RISE above their challenges.”
The fourth pillar is the Season of Light Program, which includes two heartfelt initiatives – one that connects community members with less-fortunate children to
provide them with gifts, and another that assists underprivileged families with their most urgent needs, through which RISE Foundation brings the spirit of giving
to life in a meaningful way.
RISE Foundation is calling on potential volunteers and contributors in the community to “Partner for Impact”, as it is only possible through collaboration with
dedicated individuals and organizations. Financial contribution remains the most vital and immediate way to assist in making a deep, lasting impact – whether
through a one-time contribution, or a recurring monthly, quarterly, or annual commitment. Partners will be updated regularly with a detailed account of how
their contributions directly impact the empowerment of the community.
RISE Foundation invites the community to connect by calling +1 721 584-7473, sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visiting the social media accounts: @risesxm on Facebook and YouTube, and @rise.sxm on Instagram.
