Who We Are

 

The R.I.S. Foundation is a South Los Angeles–based nonprofit dedicated to healing, housing, and hope. Founded by Angelica Brightmon, a South Central native whose own journey through homelessness and recovery shaped her vision, the foundation was created to ensure that no one in our community has to face instability alone. The name R.I.S. carries a deeply personal meaning. It represents the middle names of Angelica and her sisters — Ruth, Irene, and Saida. Together, these names honor a bond of family, resilience, and love that continues to inspire the values of the foundation. Their story reminds us that healing and strength are not individual journeys, but collective ones — rooted in support, unity, and compassion.At its core, the R.I.S. Foundation exists to bridge the gap between crisis and stability. We provide services that help individuals move from surviving to thriving — combining housing support, community health, workforce development, and sustainable living practices. We are more than an organization. We are a movement rooted in lived experience — where healing is possible, housing is attainable, and hope is always within reach.

 

 

 

What We Do

At the R.I.S. Foundation, we provide a continuum of care that helps individuals move from crisis to stability and long-term success.

Recuperative Care Facility (70 Beds total): 

A 20-bed center, our first recuperative care site, which established our model of whole-person recovery.

A newly opened 50-bed facility, expanding our capacity to serve more clients with comprehensive medical and non-medical support. Both facilities are staffed with CNAs, CHWs, Peer Workers, Case Managers, Resident Aides, and other care professionals who ensure every client receives compassionate, structured support.

Housing Navigation & Transitional Housing:

 We help clients secure permanent housing by guiding them through the process step by step — from applications and referrals to move-in support. Our team works closely with partners and landlords to remove barriers and match clients with safe, affordable housing.

For those not yet ready for permanent housing, we offer transitional living with wraparound case management. Clients receive support with daily living, health appointments, and life-skills development, ensuring they have the tools and stability needed to succeed once they transition into permanent homes.

 Community Health Worker (CHW) Program:

Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) blend professional training with lived experience, making them trusted guides in our community. Many of our CHWs are graduates or current participants of RIS programs, creating a cycle where those once served become leaders who serve others.

They provide:

  • Health education on hygiene, chronic disease, nutrition, mental health, and women’s health.

  • Navigation support to connect clients with doctors, therapists, and community resources.

  • Cultural liaison services to ensure care is respectful and accessible.

  • Workshops & coaching that build healthy habits and long-term stability.

 Workforce Development & Employment:

At the R.I.S. Foundation, we believe that economic stability is key to lasting independence. Our Workforce Development programs prepare individuals for long-term careers, not just short-term jobs. Through initiatives like RISE TO WORK and partnerships with local community organizations and local WorkSource centers, we provide:

Job readiness training – résumé building, interview skills, and workplace etiquette.

Work-based learning opportunities – internships, apprenticeships, and transitional jobs.

Career pathways – connections to healthcare, social services, and green jobs that offer growth and stability.

Supportive services – transportation, coaching, and case management to remove barriers to employment.

Many graduates of RIS programs are hired directly as CHWs, Peer Workers, or Resident Aides, creating a pipeline where lived experience becomes professional expertise.

Food Access & Sustainability:

In South LA’s SPA 6 — a recognized food desert — too many families and individuals lack access to healthy, affordable food. The R.I.S. Foundation responds by providing regular food distribution to those in need, ensuring that hunger is never a barrier to recovery. Our outreach goes beyond our walls — we go directly to encampments across Los Angeles to deliver meals and provide immediate relief for people experiencing homelessness. By meeting people where they are, we build trust, reduce food insecurity, and connect individuals to additional resources and services.

Transportation Assistance:

Reliable transportation is often the difference between missed opportunities and lasting stability. That’s why the R.I.S. Foundation provides free transportation support to ensure clients can attend medical appointments, social service meetings, job interviews, and other essential activities.

Our services include:

Taxi vouchers and TAP cards for public transit.

Vans and cars for group trips or specialized needs.

Staff coordination to align rides with each client’s care plan.

For clients without access to programs like Butterfly, RIS offers a direct application process to remove barriers and keep services accessible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real-Life Expertise at Your Service

At the R.I.S. Foundation, we believe in the power of lived experience. Our team is more than staff — we are individuals who have faced hardship, overcome obstacles, and built resilience. These experiences fuel our passion and deepen our ability to serve with authenticity and care. We don’t just bring expertise — we bring empathy and understanding. We know what it feels like to struggle, to celebrate small victories, and to keep pushing forward. That lived perspective makes our support genuine and transformative. Through our signature workforce pathway — From Recovery to Leadership — many of our staff are graduates or participants of RIS programs. This approach creates a pipeline where those once served become the leaders who serve tomorrow. At RIS, you’ll find more than professionals. You’ll find friends who listen, mentors who guide, and advocates who stand beside you. We’re here not just to meet immediate needs, but to uplift, empower, and walk with each person on their journey.

Together, we rise. Together, we lead.

 

 

 

 

 

3585 S. Vermont Ave Unit 18479| Los Angeles, Ca. 90018
PH: (213) 282-0901