Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Bryan Dahlberg, a program associate for RISE, recently sat down for an interview with Corbin Hubbell from the Southern Nebraska Register to discuss his work with the organization and his personal journey. RISE is a program that works with individuals in prisons to help them develop their character, prepare for employment, and learn the skills necessary to become legal business owners.

Dahlberg explained that the program starts with recruiting individuals who are interested in participating. These individuals then spend six months in a "foundations" part of the program, where they explore why they are in prison and work on changing their mindset and behavior. After this, they focus on job readiness for three months before moving on to learning about entrepreneurship and becoming legal business owners.

The program typically starts with around 36 to 38 people, and Dahlberg, along with some peer facilitators, guides them through the process. He shared that they graduate anywhere from 60 to 80% of the participants, noting that it is not an easy program and some individuals drop out along the way. However, those who do graduate often experience significant transformations in the way they think and function.

Dahlberg's involvement with RISE began in 2019. After working for Catholic Social Services, he asked for guidance on what to do next. He received a clear answer while praying at the Holy Family Shrine, where he felt called to work with individuals in prison. Through connections with colleagues, he learned about RISE and decided to pursue a position with the organization.

When asked about his experiences working with the individuals in the program, Dahlberg emphasized the importance of helping them change their self-limiting beliefs. He explained that many of these individuals have been nurtured in criminal behavior and have grown up in environments where following the rules was not a priority. His role is to provide an alternative perspective and show them that they can choose a different path.

Dahlberg also highlighted the significance of building relationships and establishing trust with the participants. He believes in relational evangelism and discipleship, using his own faith as a platform to share with them. He encounters individuals from various religious backgrounds, including Muslims, and seeks to meet them where they are and share his faith if they are open to it.

For those interested in learning more about the program, Dahlberg directed them to the See Us Rise website (seeusrise.org). The website provides information about RISE, including contact details, employee profiles, and stories from participants. Additionally, RISE can be found on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

As Dahlberg concluded the interview, he acknowledged that while RISE is a secular organization, his personal motivation comes from a higher calling. He sees his work as a way to serve God while also making a living. By going into prisons and helping individuals, Dahlberg is making a positive impact on their lives and guiding them towards a brighter future.