Community Education

Learning is one of the best ways we can show up for one another. Whether you're a parent navigating a new stage, a neighbor who wants to know what to do when someone's struggling, or a professional building your skills in this field, RISE offers free and low-cost trainings designed to meet you where you are - because we believe families thrive in well-resourced, well-informed communities. Find the right opportunity for you below.

We are excited to offer the following classes at no cost to our community. CLICK HERE to register for a pre-scheduled general session.

Have a large group (10+) who would like to host your own private class? CLICK HERE to complete a request form.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring individuals how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The course is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people and introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. Participants will earn a three-year Youth Mental Health First Aid certificate from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

MHAT works with a team of community trainers to offer sessions in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Trainers are made available via a grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER (QPR)

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based suicide prevention training designed to teach participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and respond effectively to someone who may be in crisis. Similar to CPR for medical emergencies, QPR equips individuals with the skills to intervene early and connect someone at risk with appropriate professional support.

During this training, participants will learn how to:

Recognize the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide.
Ask direct and compassionate questions about suicidal thoughts.
Persuade someone to seek help and accept support.
Refer individuals to appropriate mental health resources and crisis services.
Increase confidence in responding to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

This presentation is appropriate for community members, educators, behavioral health professionals, family members, faith leaders, and anyone who wants to be better prepared to support someone at risk of suicide. Participants will leave with practical tools and resources to help save lives and promote hope within their communities.

WELLNESS ACTION RECOVERY PLAN (WRAP)

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a simple yet powerful tool that empowers individuals living with mental health and substance abuse to develop a personalized plan for managing their mental health and substance misuse, maintaining wellness, and living a meaningful and productive life.

This training will provide an overview of the WRAP process and its role in promoting recovery, self-advocacy, and resilience. Participants will learn how WRAP can help individuals identify wellness tools, recognize early warning signs, develop action plans for challenging situations, and create crisis and post-crisis plans that reflect their personal goals and preferences.

The training will also include information and resources for individuals living with mental illness, family members, peer support specialists, and behavioral health providers. Participants will gain a better understanding of their role in supporting the development, implementation, and ongoing use of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan to improve recovery outcomes and foster person-centered care.

CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES

You don't have to guess your way through parenting. We bring you practical, real-world guidance on the things you're actually dealing with - like knowing what's normal for your child's age and stage, or figuring out how to handle screens and social media without a daily battle. Come with your questions. Bring your own experience, too - we're building this series around what caregivers actually need, so tell us what topic you want to see next.

Classes are free to attend and include dinner and childcare. Registration is required - CLICK HERE to find an upcoming class near you and register today!

PEER SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PARENTS

Parenting can feel isolating, even when you're doing everything right. This group is a space to stop carrying it alone - sit down with other caregivers who understand the exhaustion, the worry, and the small wins nobody else notices. No judgment, no expertise required, no pressure to have it all figured out.

Group sessions are free to attend and include dinner and childcare. Registration is required - CLICK HERE to find a group near you and register today!

RISE & SHINE

Working with families means constantly learning - and RISE & Shine is where our community does that together. This free series is built for social service professionals and for anyone who wants to show up better for the people around them, with real conversations on the issues that matter: digital safety, helping families navigate uncertainty, the lasting impact of trauma, and the unique challenges facing families experiencing homelessness. Come for the content, stay for the community of people doing this work alongside you.

Free to attend - CLICK HERE to register for the next morning of action.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Led by Prita Chhabra, Public Allies Site Director, this three-course series is designed for professionals ready to sharpen how they lead, connect, and navigate hard conversations. Across three courses - Strengths-Based Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Conflict Resolution - you'll walk away with tools you can use immediately, not just theory. Whether you're leading a team or building your own leadership foundation, this is practical, applicable growth.

Email Prita at Prita.Chhabra@RISEcs.org to schedule your classes today!