Charles Evdos, Executive Director of RISE Life Services, and Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar have announced that the Town has approved the construction of a new space that will provide RISE to expand its Without Walls program.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and every individual who will benefit from this new project, I want to thank Supervisor Aguiar and the Town of Riverhead government for helping us move forward with this project,” said Evdos. “This plan has been in the works for some time, and with cooperation between the Town and RISE, it is now a reality.”
“The need for all of these services is dire, and the work RISE does both in our community and far beyond changes lives every day,” said Aguiar. “We are proud to have RISE in Riverhead and look forward to the day the doors open.”
The new space will house the Main Street Connection Day program, part of the RISE Day Program Without Walls. This innovative program provides life services skills and promotes independence to its attendees.
“This allows RISE to expand our No Walls program, which is desperately needed on Long Island,” said Evdos. “We will be able to provide services in Riverhead at our Main Office as well at the Sensory Garden."
The Sensory Garden, provides a space for RISE to grow food used at the group homes operated by RISE. The organization’s food pantries will also benefit as the location will be used to collect, store and then make food available to those in need.
“The number of individuals and families that need food has grown to frightening numbers,” said Aguiar. “We are committed to helping organizations answer the call and fulfill their mission of putting food on every table on Long Island.”
Construction is expected to begin in November.
“Again, we want to thank the Supervisor for her dedication to RISE Life Services,” said Evdos. “We cannot do this alone, and having partners in government is crucial to our success.”