Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) was founded in 2007 to assist refugees fleeing from the Congo. The initial goal was to help these refugees find housing, jobs, and resources and to advance their education. An after-school program was established for children; then came English as a New Language (ENL) classes for adults.
Volunteers, many of them immigrants and members of the Emmaus United Methodist Church in Albany, played a key role in the early success of RISSE, led by then-pastor Reverend Denise Stringer. An early partnership with The College of Saint Rose and its art education, counseling, literacy, and community service programs provided expertise and volunteers that supported the growth of RISSE services.
Join our vibrant community where real lived experiences that are often overlooked, come to light. Dive into tales of resilience, hope, and unity.
Together, we build bridges of strength and compassion. Together, we thrive.
