On Saturday, October 5th, Arise Collective’s board, staff, Women’s Reentry Project (WRP) participants, friends, and allies gathered for A Cause for Celebration 2024 and the 5th Annual Hope Awards Ceremony at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh.

This year’s event honored women’s reconnection to their loved ones, best selves, and higher power. This reconnection and women’s roles in a healthy community are at the core of Arise Collective’s mission.

Joined by Valonda Calloway as the Mistress of Ceremonies, this celebration featured a dinner and desserts provided by Catering Works; an exceptional, alcohol-free beverage bar from Umbrella Dry Bar; powerful stories from current WRP participants and others with lived experience; sensational music by SmoothIvory2 and Sizzle the DJ; and a successful Fund-A-Need auction hosted by Ben Farrell of Custom Benefit Auctions.

Also featured at this event was the 5th Annual Hope Awards Ceremony, which provided an opportunity to honor three inspiring leaders in our community: SouthLight Healthcare, Angel of Hope; Tisha Temple (Recovery Alive), Beacon of Hope; and Stephanie Treadway (Redirection NC), Champion of Hope.

“This celebration provided a window into the courage of women who are walking or have walked the journey of incarceration. Their stories of heartache and triumph remind us of the promise of this work,” said Jennifer C. Jackson, CEO of Arise Collective.  “Through their powerful stories, everyone in attendance understood without a shadow of a doubt that women, when supported, can indeed live lives of dignity and higher purpose – thriving, not just surviving, after a period of incarceration.”

Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who made this annual fundraising event a huge success!  All of the proceeds will go towards the vital work and mission of Arise Collective: to equip women with the tools and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive – both in prison and in the communities to which they return.