Our 3 year Plan

Rising From Shadows Foundation Inc.

Business Plan for Donors (2025–2026-2027)

Executive Summary

Rising From Shadows Foundation Inc. is a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. We provide trauma-informed mentoring, advocacy, scholarships, life skills classes, and resource referrals—all designed to foster hope, healing, and long-term transformation. With 1 in 4 U.S. adults affected by childhood abuse, our mission is both urgent and far-reaching.

Funding Need:

2025 90-Day Launch Plan:

  • Raise $50,000 for office setup and therapy referral program

  • Secure mobile-friendly, secure donation infrastructure

  • Activate board, volunteers, and peer fundraising

  • Submit proposals to 5+ local foundations, engage 10–20 major donors

  • Host a virtual “Hope & Healing” launch event

    2026
    We are seeking $500,000 in 2026 support to launch and scale programs and expand trauma-informed services to 50+ survivors in our first year.

Mission & Vision

Mission:
To empower adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect through confidential resources, trauma-informed mentoring, advocacy, scholarships, and referrals—building a resilient community centered on hope, healing, and transformation.

Vision:
A world where every survivor has access to the support, skills, and advocacy needed to reclaim their life and thrive.

Programs & Services

  1. Trauma-Informed Mentoring

    • One-on-one support for emotional growth, skill-building, and empowerment.

    • Confidential, survivor-centered, and matched within 30 days.

  2. Therapy Referrals

    • Prioritized access to EMDR, trauma-based, and PTSD-focused therapy.

    • Partner with experienced, specialized therapists.

  3. Life Skills Classes

    • Personal- cooking, organization, time management, self-defense; Job readiness- interviewing, resume writing, dress for success; Life- home/auto repair; Financial- how credit works, creating a budget, investing.

  4. Advocacy

    • Legal reform efforts (e.g., removing statutes of limitations for abuse cases).

    • Survivor stories drive policy change.

  5. Scholarships

    • Educational, GED. vocational, and certificate programs for adult survivors.

  6. Crisis Intervention & Resource Referrals

    • Immediate support for survivors in distress, including housing and legal aid.

Impact & Outcomes

  • Serve 50+ adult survivors annually.

  • Provide 5+ scholarships per year.

  • Launch and sustain a therapy referral program.

  • Expand life skills classes to reach 100+ survivors.

  • Advocate for survivor-led policy reform in Ohio and beyond.

  • Track outcomes via intake, monthly reports, and long-term follow-up.

Evidence-Based:
Therapy and education together improve life outcomes by 30–50%, reduce PTSD/depression and drug use, and increase stable employment.

Unique Value Proposition

  • Only organization in Ohio offering fully confidential, trauma-informed, survivor-centered services for adults.

  • Centralized support model: mentoring, therapy, advocacy, and scholarships under one roof.

  • Survivor voices lead our programs and advocacy.

  • HIPAA-certified confidentiality and privacy protocols.

Fundraising & Sustainability

90-Day Launch Plan (2025):

  • Raise $50,000 for office setup and therapy referral program

  • Secure mobile-friendly, secure donation infrastructure

  • Activate board, volunteers, and peer fundraising

  • Submit proposals to 25+ local foundations, engage 10–20 major donors

  • Host a virtual “Hope & Healing” launch event

    2026 Annual Budget: $500,000

    Largest expense: Therapy costs 

    Direct program costs: Mentoring, therapy referrals, scholarships, life skills classes, advocacy campaigns

    2027 Annual Budget: $1,500,000

    • Largest expense: Therapy costs 

    • Direct program costs: Mentoring, scholarships, life skills classes, vehicles, housing

Ongoing Revenue Streams:

  • Individual and major donors

  • Corporate sponsorships and employee giving

  • Foundation grants

  • Annual fundraising events (raffles, dinners, silent auctions)

Donor Engagement & Recognition

  • Giving circles and advisory roles

  • Event hosting and recognition at public events

  • Personalized updates, handwritten thank-yous, and invitations to program tours

  • Public acknowledgment (with permission) on website, social media, and event materials

Leadership & Governance

  • Founder: Dee Lewis, survivor and advocate with deep expertise in leadership

  • Board of Directors: Currently recruiting diverse professionals with expertise in trauma recovery, fundraising, and community engagement

  • Team: 3–5 volunteer staff with backgrounds in management, event creation, and survivor advocacy

Call to Action

Your support directly transforms lives.
With your investment, Rising From Shadows Foundation can provide safe, confidential, and life-changing support to hundreds of survivors in Ohio and beyond. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a future of hope and healing.

Ready to make an impact?
Contact Dee Lewis at

Dee@risingfromshadows.com or (330) 468-2468,

or visit www.risingfromshadows.com to learn more and give.

© 2025 Rising From Shadows Foundation Inc.

All rights reserved.
All donations are tax-deductible pending 501(c)(3) approval. 

EIN and IRS documentation available upon request.

Appendix: Survivor Outcomes 

Survivors Who Receive Support 

- 30–50% improved mental health, self-esteem, and employment. 

- Reduced risk of substance abuse and chronic health issues. 

- Greater community engagement and reduced intergenerational trauma. Survivors Without Support 

- Higher rates of PTSD, depression, unemployment, and substance abuse

- Increased risk of homelessness, incarceration, and early mortality. 

- Continued cycles of trauma and isolation.