Holidays

At RISS, holidays are not treated as afterthoughts.

They are part of how we intentionally rebuild community, restore healthy social rhythms, strengthen family relationships, and create positive memories for residents who may have spent years — and in some cases most of their lives — in environments where holidays were ignored, unstable, stressful, or simply “another day.”

For many people, holidays are tied to:

  • family,

  • traditions,

  • belonging,

  • shared meals,

  • laughter,

  • decorations,

  • celebrations,

  • and memories.

For many justice-impacted individuals, those experiences may have been inconsistent, absent, or connected to painful memories instead.

RISS intentionally treats holidays, birthdays, seasonal traditions, and community celebrations as part of the broader emotional, cultural, and social infrastructure of the campus.

This is not about pretending life is perfect.

It is about helping residents rebuild healthy connections to community life, family traditions, civic culture, cultural identity, and positive shared experiences.

Why Holidays Matter

Reentry is not just about housing and employment.

It is also about rebuilding the parts of life many people take for granted:

  • celebrating birthdays,

  • participating in family traditions,

  • gathering around meals,

  • decorating spaces,

  • sharing stories,

  • attending community events,

  • and creating memories with others.

At RISS, holidays are designed to:

  • build community,

  • reduce isolation,

  • encourage resident participation,

  • create opportunities for leadership,

  • strengthen relationships,

  • reinforce healthy routines,

  • and provide moments of joy during the difficult process of rebuilding life.

Many celebrations will include:

  • communal meals,

  • themed activities,

  • resident-led decorating,

  • contests and games,

  • cultural education,

  • volunteer participation,

  • family inclusion,

  • civic and historical discussions,

  • and gift-giving traditions.

Residents are encouraged to actively participate in helping shape the culture and traditions of the community.

The Big Three

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Easter
Other Holidays at RISS

If you believe reintegration should be built intentionally, not reactively, we invite you to explore how you can help bring the RISS model to life.

Donor Information