Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Fuimaono
Hi Deja, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My mother has been a foster care parent for almost 20 years. In college, I worked as a behavioral health aid at a foster care agency. I eventually became a Master level student participating in homeless outreach. These experiences led me to become a licensed mental health therapist serving youth with mental illness. I gained experience providing services to adolescents in a psychiatric hospital. Today, I am the founder of a nonprofit called RISE Homes. We provide transitional housing and wrap-around services to youth who’ve aged out of foster care and youth experiencing homelessness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been full of curves. We’ve been denied office space and rental space due to the stigma around the population we serve. It has been difficult maintaining funding and securing housing for our youth in need. Balancing my non profit along with being a mother of 3 with one on the way, has caused emotional roller coasters.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about RISE Homes?
My name is Deja Fuimaono and I am the founder of RISE Homes. RISE Homes is a 501 C3 nonprofit organization here in Las Vegas, NV. Our mission is to create a Reliable, Inspiring, Supportive, and Empowering environment for young adults to succeed. We believe that opening the doors of transitional living and housing stability are the first steps towards providing a better future. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our community by providing a safe living environment along with wrap-around services to assist our youth on their journey to independence.
We primarily service youth 17-24 who have aged out of foster care. We provide transitional housing services which include: monthly food delivery, furniture, haircuts, individual and group counseling, transportation, Laptops for schooling, school/vocational enrollment, goal planning, life skills training, job placement, DMV Vouchers, and snap enrollment. We currently have 4 homes.1 female home and 3 male homes primarily located in North Las Vegas.
We help our participants focus on time management, social skills, and life skills to improve self-sufficiency and accountability. Academic improvement and community involvement are also key points in our program. We stress the importance of education and leadership as they transition into adulthood.
We partner with The Department of Family Services, STEP UP, The Just One Project, EmployNV, CPLC YouthBuild, United Way, Glen Co. (Burger King), Heavenly Smiles Dental, and other community agencies to make sure we meet our clients’ needs.
When youth turn 18 and exit child in the often have nowhere to go. We welcome them to our program and help them transition into independent living.
How do you think about happiness?
Serving my family and my community. As a social worker part of our ethics and principles is to serve our community and fight for injustices. I live to see others fulfill their dreams and aspirations..
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.risehomesnv.com
- Instagram: @risehomesnv
- Other: Info@risehomesnv.com
