We Rise Together Outreach official logo
We Rise Together Outreach

When we lift each other, we all rise.

Connecting Hearts. Uplifting Families. Building Brighter Futures.

Rooted in family, faith, and a commitment to serving neighbors throughout San Diego.

Help Us Make a Difference ↗ Read Our Story

From our family to yours

Our Story

Every act of kindness begins with a caring heart. Ours began at home.

For more than 10 years, our journey has been guided by faith, family, love, and a simple belief: no one should feel forgotten, especially during the moments when family and community matter most.

Long before We Rise Together Outreach had a name, our family prepared home-cooked meals for neighbors experiencing homelessness. At Thanksgiving, we welcomed military families and individuals who might otherwise spend the holiday alone to share a meal and feel part of our family.

Christmas Eve brought another beloved tradition. Our parents opened their home for pajama parties filled with finger foods, music from a DJ, games, prizes, gifts, and laughter. Dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, they helped create memories that guests could carry with them long after the celebration ended.

About five years ago, Ava and her family joined this labor of love. Together, our families expanded our outreach to children, teens, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families facing difficult circumstances. From these traditions, We Rise Together Outreach was born.

Today, we continue connecting neighbors with compassion, practical support, and opportunities to experience belonging. Our story is still being written, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

2025 community impact

Every number represents a neighbor

900+People served
2,500+Toys and gifts distributed
0–18Ages of children and teens receiving gifts

Made possible by the generosity of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners.

A tradition worth honoring

Our Family Legacy

Our parents helped teach us that opening your home and sharing what you have can make someone feel seen, loved, and included. Their joyful holiday gatherings helped plant the seeds of a mission that continues today.

Coming soon: memories, photographs, and personal reflections from the family members who helped inspire our journey.

What we do

Community care in action

Food & Holiday Support

Sharing meals, holiday food support, and moments of fellowship with neighbors.

Children & Youth

Bringing joy through toys, gifts, and celebrations that remind young people they matter.

Connection & Resources

Bringing families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities together with community support.

Real people · real stories

Voices of Our Community

Hear from volunteers about why they serve, and from families who choose to share what community support has meant to them. We look forward to featuring approved video stories, photos, and memories here.

Why I Volunteer

Personal experiences from the people who lend a hand.

Family Stories

Heartfelt reflections shared voluntarily by community members.

Behind the Scenes

See the care that goes into preparing outreach events.

Share Your Story

Would you like to share a volunteer experience or family memory? Email us to request our private submission instructions. Please do not email photos or videos of children without permission from their parent or legal guardian.

Contact Us to Share a Story ↗
How will my story be used?

We review every story before publishing. We will ask for permission to publish identifiable photos, videos, or quotes. Parent or legal guardian permission is required for minors. You may request that a published story be removed by contacting us.

A secure video-upload and approval form can be connected once a suitable submission service is configured. No public uploads are enabled in this version.

Upcoming outreach

Events & Gatherings

Thanksgiving Food Distribution

2026 details to be announced. Contact us for the latest information.

Mingle & Jingle Toy Giveaway

Saturday, December 19, 2026
Skyline Hills Library
7900 Paradise Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92139
Time to be announced.

Become a Community Partner

Help us support children, teens, and families with toys, gift cards, supplies, and volunteer time.

Ask about partnering →

Let's connect

Get Involved

Have a question, want to volunteer, or interested in supporting an event? We'd love to hear from you.

Email: felicia@wrtoutreach.org
Phone: 619-534-4497
Serving: San Diego, California

Felicia Sloan-Hackett · Founder & Executive DirectorAva Henderson · Executive Director

Fiscal Sponsor: Media Arts Center San Diego (MACSD)

Email Our Team ↗