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Tiffany Allred, James Childs, Bridget Dansie, Sarah Zeeman, and Dustin Huff run the Rise Program at the Utah County Jail. (courtesy Rise Up organization)

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Games were played at last year's Rise Up fundraiser barbecue. (courtesy Rise Up organization)

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Miguel Elizarraraz is a graduate of the Rise Program. He shared his success story at last year's Rise Up fundraiser. (courtesy Rise Up organization)

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Games were played at last year's Rise Up fundraiser barbecue. (courtesy Rise Up organization)

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Helping people to change their lives for the better is the purpose of the Rise Program and the Rise Up Foundation, and this Saturday, others can help to support these programs by attending a fundraiser that will be fun for the whole family. The Rise Up Fundraiser BBQ will be held on June 27, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Since its inception in 2017, the Rise Program at the Utah County Jail has worked with over 2,700 men and women, providing support for life skills and substance abuse, according to James Childs, founder.

Through the Rise Program, inmates learn ways to lead productive lives, stay away from substance use and be integrated back into society through humane treatment and services. During this past year, the Rise Program has partnered with Hope4Utah to teach suicide prevention lessons to inmates as well.

According to Sarah Zeeman, Rise instructor, the program in the jail is an eight-week program, but many continue to be involved even after completion. “Our graduates stay in our program until they leave jail so we have quite a few that keep coming to the group,” she said.

Transitioning from jail into the community and treatment programs can be very difficult. That is when Rise Up, a nonprofit organization, steps in. Rise Up provides aftercare every week for those who are dealing with the difficult transition from incarceration. In the meetings, they are provided with support, connection, resources and recreation. “Sometimes, people show up looking for a job and they are able to get help within the group,” Zeeman said.

“We always have graduates who reach out and want to go to sober living and we can possibly pay for them for a month of sober living. They have treatment within the jail. Then, they get out. Then what?” Zeeman said. “Felons have a hard time finding a place to live. Also, the structure of a program is important. Sober living helps them find that structure. Every step down from treatment, they do well.”

One important component that makes Rise Up different from other programs is the continued support. With other programs, when the client is finished, communication is cut off and they are on their own. “Not our program,” Zeeman said. “They’re able to call us and come and see us and get support and remain friends with us and do aftercare. We can show up to court for them and we can vouch for them and help them transition.”

All proceeds from the second annual bbq fundraiser will go directly toward providing classes, community support, hygiene items and basic needs for the previously-incarcerated individuals. In addition to food from R&R Barbecue, there will be an auction, raffles, cake, games, a bounce house, face painting and Disney heroes and princesses.

Additionally, some graduates will share their stories and talk about how Rise Up has helped them to turn their lives around. Utah County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Sheriff Mike Smith will be there. “We’re trying to bridge the gap between law enforcement and those who have been in jail, and to see the success stories,” Zeeman said.

If people are not able to attend the barbecue, there are other ways to support the Rise Up organization. At RiseUP-Utah.org, donations can be made. Also people can sponsor a person who is going through the program.

The Rise Up Fundraiser Barbecue will be held at the Kelly’s Grove church pavilion in Hobble Creek Canyon, 6364 S. Kelly Drive, in Springville on June 27, from 3 to 7 p.m.