When Fear Turns Into Triumph

At RISE Augusta, we believe every child holds extraordinary potential—sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether meeting basic needs, delivering early literacy programs, or equipping teens with real-world skills, we invest in students before they become another statistic. Our goal - brighter futures!

When fear turns into triumph

What the Research Says

Children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school later in life. (Annie E. Casey Foundation)

Parent Tip

Read aloud together—even in upper grades! Poetry is a great way to incorporate this tip.  Hearing fluent reading strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and stamina.  Writing is also a critical component to literacy. Putting words on paper reinforces decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Research shows that students who write regularly read better—and remember more.

Darrien’s Story — From Tears to Triumph

At the start of the year, second-grader Darrien cried whenever reading was mentioned. Feeling “not smart,” he hid under the table to avoid trying.  RISE tutors created a safe, predictable environment—one where mistakes were allowed and effort was celebrated. Slowly, Darrien tried again… and 

Today, he reads full paragraphs with confidence and a proud smile. Writing still slows him down—he says it takes “so long”—but he’s pushing through, one step at a time. And everyone who knows Darrien can already see it -- he’s going to master writing and one day look back and wonder why it ever felt so hard.

Your Gift Matters

Your generosity turns fear into triumph for children like Darrien.  Please consider a year-end donation so children like him can step into reading with confidence, not In fear that they cannot learn.