Core Group Cares is the parent nonprofit organization focused on service, giving, and community impact. The Rise Initiative is one of its key programs, dedicated to connecting second-chance job seekers with meaningful employment through strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofits.

Rise serves individuals facing barriers to employment, including:

Justice-impacted individuals looking for a second chance; Survivors of trafficking rebuilding their lives; Young adults aging out of the foster system and Veterans transitioning into the workforce.

We connect them with job opportunities, training, and mentorship to help them build stable, fulfilling careers.

Businesses can partner with Rise in several ways:

Hiring through Rise – Gain access to motivated, pre-vetted talent.

Corporate sponsorships – Support workforce development efforts.

Workforce training partnerships – Help equip candidates with job-ready skills.

If your business is interested in becoming a partner, click here to learn more.

We don’t replace your HR team—we enhance it.

Our goal is to make hiring second-chance talent easy—helping you access great candidates while your HR team focuses on what they do best.

There’s no cost to businesses for hiring through Rise.

We believe in removing barriers—not creating them. Our services, including candidate vetting, interview coordination, and job placement support, come at no charge to our employer partners.

We do, however, accept donations and sponsorships from businesses that want to invest in expanding opportunities for second-chance hires.

Nonprofits can partner with Rise by:

Referring candidates in need of employment opportunities.

Collaborating on training & mentorship programs.

Providing wraparound support (such as housing, counseling, or transportation).

We work alongside nonprofit partners to create a seamless transition from support services to sustainable employment.

If you know someone who could benefit from Rise, you can refer them here. Our team will connect with them to determine their best-fit job opportunities and support them throughout the hiring process.

We welcome referrals from individuals, nonprofits, case managers, and other organizations working with those who need a second chance.

We match candidates with career-track jobs in industries where they can grow and thrive, including:

Skilled trades (construction, manufacturing, logistics)

Hospitality & service (restaurants, hotels, customer support)

Healthcare support roles

Tech & administrative positions

Each placement is based on skills, experience, and career goals, ensuring that candidates and employers find the right fit.

There are several ways to support our mission:

Donate – Your contributions help fund training, job placement, and wraparound services. Give here.

Volunteer – Get involved in community service and job readiness programs.

Advocate– Share our mission and help spread awareness about second-chance hiring.

Every action—big or small—helps create lasting change.