Volunteers

There is a strong tradition of volunteer activity and involvement in reentry work, transitional housing, recovery communities, faith communities, educational programs, and correctional-adjacent support systems.

RISS is no different.

Volunteers will be an important part of the RISS campus from the beginning. In our early stages, we will rely heavily on volunteers to help build out educational opportunities, mentorship, workforce training, professional support, activity assistance, spiritual support, and community connection.

As RISS grows, some volunteer roles may eventually become full-time paid staff positions. That is part of building a serious, sustainable institution. But volunteers will always remain an integral part of the RISS ecosystem.

RISS is not designed as a place where volunteers briefly “drop in” from the outside, perform a charitable act, and then disappear. Our model is built around meaningful community involvement. Volunteers help create the human infrastructure that surrounds residents as they rebuild stability, confidence, skills, relationships, and long-term direction.

Areas of Volunteer Involvement

Volunteer opportunities at RISS will include several areas, including but not limited to:

Mentorship
Instructors and teachers
Workforce trainers
Activity assistance
Clinic and counseling support roles
Chaplains and spiritual support volunteers
Legal, financial, and professional advisors
Community event support
Educational and self-enrichment support
Campus life and recreational assistance

Each of these areas will have more detailed information on separate pages.

A Structured Volunteer Environment

Because RISS is a residential campus, volunteer involvement must be structured, consistent, and accountable.

Volunteers are not simply guests. They are part of the larger campus ecosystem. They may teach, mentor, advise, assist, worship, eat meals, attend events, support activities, and participate in campus life depending on their role and authorization.

At the same time, RISS will maintain clear boundaries. Residents, staff, volunteers, service providers, and community members all deserve a safe, respectful, and professional environment.

Volunteer participation will be guided by policies, orientation, role expectations, and campus standards. This protects residents, protects volunteers, and protects the integrity of the RISS model.

Why Volunteers Matter

Reentry is not solved through housing alone. It is not solved through curriculum alone. It is not solved through supervision alone.

People rebuild their lives through structure, opportunity, consistency, relationships, dignity, accountability, and access.

Volunteers help make that possible.

They bring experience, knowledge, professional skill, encouragement, faith, practical support, and community connection onto the campus. They help make RISS more than a residence. They help make it a living community.

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.