Rising to occasion, CASC changes name

By Matt Chiappardi, Staff Writer
   HIGHTSTOWN — The Community Action Service Center has changed its name amid an expansion of its services and the launching of a new Web site.
   The 41-year-old service organization is now called “Rise: A Community Service Partnership.”
   According to a press release, members chose the name because it implies “upward movement.”
   ”We’ve created a new name that expresses the spirit of our mission. We wanted to convey the optimism of working together to help people get where they want to be,” said Amanda Porter, vice president of the board of directors.
   Along with the cosmetic change, Ms. Porter explained that Rise has begun a partnership with the United Way of Greater Mercer County to address the need for nutrition, extended child care for working families during the summer months, and domestic violence prevention services.
   Ms. Porter added that the organization plans to partner more with local religious groups to share Rise’s resources, including the local food pantry and Greater Goods Thrift Store on Mercer Street.
   ”We remain committed to supporting these efforts by offering a hand up to neighbors in our community who need our help and resources,” said Executive Director Lydia Santoni-Williams.
   Founded in 1967, CASC, now Rise, operates from a North Main Street office. But it is seeking a $400,000 state grant to move to bigger space at 268 Academy St., the former site of Planned Parenthood.
   The nonprofit organization is geared toward facilitating family development and access to affordable health care, information and support necessary to build and maintain self-sufficiency. It offers health and wellness programs, drug and alcohol counseling, a career center, and summer day camps along with the food pantry and thrift store.
   Rise launched its new Web site, www.rise-community-services.org, developed through a partnership with a nonprofit web design organization called UX Test Kitchen.
   ”People will be able to find us easily and get information fast. We believe it will give everyone a better understanding of how we meet the needs of our community and how they can help,” Ms. Santoni-Williams said.
   In addition, the organization is planning to implement its first direct-mailing fundraising campaign.
   With credit and fundraising opportunities drying up due to the recent financial crisis, Ms. Porter said she hopes the redesigned site and image will spur as many people as possible to donate.
   ”All nonprofits are feeling the pinch of the economic crisis in a lot of different ways. Hopefully the new Web site will inspire people to support us through this difficult stretch,” she said.
   Managing Editor Vic Monaco contributed to this story.