RISE - formerly Pinebelt CWJC

Happy Monday! 🌞

Every day is a gift from God and we are already equipped with all that we need to perform what God has called us to do.

You are uniquely created for the job that belongs to you. Don't let anything bring you down, just keep looking for the way up and stay prayed up! 🙌

Breathe in, breathe out, and enjoy today!

Even when the path feels uncertain, God never loses sight of where He's leading us.

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that we don't walk through valleys, shadows, or storms alone. His presence gives us courage, His promises give us hope, and His faithfulness carries us forward one step at a time.

No matter what you're facing today, take heart. The Shepherd is still guiding the way. ❤️

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..." — Psalm 23:4

Sometimes the advice that changes our lives comes from a parent, mentor, friend, teacher, pastor, or even a complete stranger.

Today, we'd love to hear from you.

💭 What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Share it in the comments below. Your words might be exactly what someone else needs to read today. ❤️

❤️ Friday Motivation ❤️

Being kind doesn't always mean agreeing.

Sometimes kindness looks like offering grace when someone is having a difficult day. Sometimes it looks like choosing patience when you're frustrated. Sometimes it looks like extending an olive branch even when your feelings have been hurt.

We never truly know what someone else is carrying. Behind every smile, every mistake, every hard conversation, there may be struggles we cannot see.

Kindness costs very little, but it can make a lasting impact.

Today, choose kindness.
Choose grace.
Choose patience.
You may never know how much someone needed it.

💚 We loved having a visit from the apprentices and students of Pine Belt Baptist Association!

Thank you to Kennedy, Randy Sims, Carly, Naomi, Isaac, and Seth for spending part of your day with us, learning about the mission of RISE and how lives are being transformed through education, workforce development, life skills, and community support.

We believe strong communities are built when people come together to serve, encourage, and invest in one another. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about what we do and for your willingness to be involved.

Please join us in thanking these future leaders for their servant hearts and commitment to making a difference!

💚

💚 Please join us in welcoming Nicole Hauff as the new Executive Director of RISE! 💚

Nicole brings a heart for people, a passion for helping others grow, and a deep commitment to strengthening our community. Throughout her life and career, she has worked alongside individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, helping them recognize their value, overcome obstacles, and move toward healthier, more stable futures.

She believes lasting transformation happens when people are seen, valued, and equipped with the practical tools they need to succeed. That belief aligns beautifully with the mission of RISE as we continue helping individuals build pathways to self-sufficiency through education, life skills, workforce development, and community support.

As Executive Director, Nicole is focused on expanding opportunities for participants, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing the mission of RISE throughout the Pine Belt. She is passionate about creating environments where people can gain confidence, pursue education, develop workforce and life skills, and take meaningful steps toward lasting stability.

Nicole lives in Mississippi with her husband and family and is committed to serving others with compassion, wisdom, and practical leadership.
We are excited for this new chapter and look forward to the impact Nicole will make as she leads RISE into the future.

Please help us give Nicole a warm RISE welcome in the comments! 👇💚

Catherine doesn't want a big fuss made over her. As usual, she shines most when she is lifting up and serving others. She has always preferred to be the one holding the spotlight, not standing in it.

But we couldn't let this moment pass without saying thank you.

Over the past 10 years, Catherine has poured her heart into RISE. While there are countless numbers, accomplishments, and milestones we could celebrate, the most important thing isn't what was built. It's the lives that were changed.

Through her leadership, hundreds of people have found hope, encouragement, support, and the love of Christ. She has led with compassion, served with humility, and consistently put others before herself.

From the Hot Air Balloon Festivals, to expanding the program, to launching the Adult Literacy Program, Catherine has invested her time, energy, prayers, and resources into helping others succeed. She has believed in people when they struggled to believe in themselves.

The true legacy she leaves behind isn't found in programs or events. It's found in the people whose lives are better because she cared.

If Catherine has impacted your life, please leave a comment and share a memory, word of encouragement, or message of gratitude.

❤️ We love you, Catherine, and we will miss you dearly.

Thank you for ten years of faithful service, leadership, and love. May God bless you abundantly as you step into this next chapter, and may He continue to use your gifts to change lives wherever He leads you next.

Your RISE family loves you. ❤️

✨ Monday Motivation ✨

Start your Monday with intention.

When doubt creeps in, remember who God says you are. You are capable, valuable, and created for a purpose.

Take a deep breath, trust His plan, and keep moving forward one step at a time. The same God who brought you this far will continue to guide your path.

Have a blessed week! 💙

Happy Sunday! ❤️

We hope you have a great church to go to today, or listen online, and hear the word of God preached! The best way to start your week is with some encouragement, rest, and growth.