RISE2hope History
RISE2hope, formerly Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative NW (JRJI NW), was born of an unlikely encounter between Bill, a man serving a life sentence, and Jennifer Kelly, a musician and Director of Formation at L’Arche Seattle. Jennifer was invited to perform in Bill’s prison – the Washington State Reformatory (WSR) – in 2015. While helping set up the concert, Bill revealed his prayer to make an Ignatian retreat. Jennifer shared this surprising encounter with Jesuits West Provincial Scott Santarosa, SJ. Familiar with Jennifer’s work in Ignatian spirituality, he asked her to found a Seattle-based version of an Ignatian-centered prison program in Los Angeles – Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI). She agreed and interned for a year with JRJI visionary and founder, Mike Kennedy, SJ and his team in LA.
In 2016, Jennifer laid the cornerstone for JRJI NW by building relationships with WA State Department of Corrections religious services, staff and inmates. With their support and start-up funding from Jesuits West, she began providing Ignatian retreats and music at WSR.
By 2019, news of JRJI NW programming success was spreading. Programs were expanded to serve more prisons and additional retreat volunteers were recruited and trained to support this demand. The work of JRJI NW was being shared at national conferences, local parishes, high schools, and interfaith organizations. Education and advocacy activities around restorative justice expanded. Inmate participation in JRJI NW programs increased with the message that all seekers were welcome.
Pandemic programming challenges were met in innovative ways: a novena program delivered through audio recordings, written reflections and meditations; the establishment of a pen pals writing program; recorded Masses and prayer services shared in prisons statewide.
During this time, program growth was guided with the development of a business plan and an advisory board; a digital newsletter was launched and JRJI NW opened an office at St. Joseph Church. Additional start-up funding by Jesuits West provided salary and benefits for Jennifer as a full-time Director; two Jesuits were briefly missioned to support the program and two part-time administrative staff were hired.
By 2024, having successfully completed the first major donors’ campaign, JRJI NW hired its first full-time administrative assistant. In support of the progress and with deep belief in the mission, Jesuits West has joined the major donors with a generous three-year pledge.
In January of 2024, with the encouragement and support of Jesuit Provincial Sean Carroll, JRJI NW decided to pursue independent 501(c)(3) status. Articles of Incorporation are in place, our official 501(c)(3) status from the IRS has been received, and a diverse and talented board of directors met for the first time in October. In discernment with JRJI NW’s constituents behind bars, a new name – RISE2hope – was chosen. It is an exciting time!