Rise for baby and family
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Mission
Our mission at Rise for baby and family is to support families with infants and toddlers who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities through comprehensive therapeutic services that build upon the family’s strengths, to provide childcare for children of all abilities, and to be a resource and advocate for inclusion throughout the Monadnock Region.
How Rise for baby and family serves our community
Rise for baby and family supports families with children up to age 3 with two critical programs: Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) and childcare.
FCESS (also called early intervention) offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy as well as counseling and educational support for children who have confirmed or potential developmental delays or disabilities. Our program serves approximately 250 children with a wide range of needs each year by partnering with families to help them achieve their priorities for their child’s future. There is no charge for these services beyond what available insurance provides; families never receive a bill from Rise.
Rise’s childcare program serves up to 25 children daily. This safe, inclusive, and play-based program offers diverse opportunities for growth for babies and toddlers. This is a particularly important service for our community as high-quality childcare is a critical need in our region. While it is a struggle to find quality, affordable childcare for any child, it is especially hard for children with developmental challenges. Approximately 40% of the children enrolled in Rise childcare are receiving FCESS services or are considered at risk.
FCESS/early intervention helps children prepare for school and achieve better outcomes, both academically and socially. It also improves a child’s chances for educational and vocational success throughout their lifetime. We want to remind families that they can request an FCESS evaluation if they have any concerns about the way their baby or toddler (up to age 3) is moving, talking, or behaving. Evaluations are at no charge to families and do not require a doctor’s referral.
We are always looking for new ways to support families.
Recently, the organization has held several community cafes. These group events allow families to come together and support each other, guided by an experienced facilitator. Our last gathering focused on families with both a child with special needs and a typically developing sibling – and discussed ways to support the needs and emotions of the sibling. It’s an important topic that doesn’t receive as much attention as it deserves.
Ways to help
As a nonprofit, Rise for baby and family is always looking for ways to engage community members in being able to give back. No matter which way you give, you’ll be supporting Rise for baby and family’s efforts toward making a difference in the lives of children and families throughout the Monadnock Region. The organization accepts:
Volunteers to support our gardens (in the spring and summer), routine cleaning projects, and building maintenance
Volunteers to hold babies and play with young children
Volunteers to staff our annual events
Financial donations – no matter how small or big, financial donations support the work of Rise for baby and family and directly impacts the services provided to children and families.
For more information, contact Rise for baby and family by emailing info@riseforbabyandfamily.org, by calling (603) 357-1395 or by visiting their website, riseforbabyandfamily.org.
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Founded
1981
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Leadership
Alicia Deaver, Executive Director
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Number of Employees
28
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Number of Volunteers
5
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“Receiving early intervention services from Rise was the first and most important step I took to get my child the help he needed.”
—Rise parent