Mission

The RISE UP (Rape Incest Survivors Empowerment United Project) Foundation is dedicated to sexual violence prevention through youth education programs that foster community empowerment and create a safe environment for all.

A community where every individual is empowered and free from sexual violence, supported by youth education programs focused on sexual violence prevention.

RISE UP (Rape, Incest, Survivor & Empowerment United Project) is a national anti-sexual violence 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to community empowerment through sexual violence prevention. Established in 2022 by Founder Raylene Duckworth, the RISE UP Foundation was created in response to the critical lack of counseling resources available for sexual assault victims in underserved and rural communities. As an incest survivor, Duckworth personally witnessed the absence of support for families of sexual assault survivors when her 16-year-old was groomed and sexually assaulted by a predator. This deeply personal experience fueled her mission to focus on youth education programs aimed at preventing sexual violence. The foundation is proudly based in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Provide youth education programs that focus on healthy consent, the dangers of grooming, and awareness of sexual violence prevention. Support outreach networks on college campuses statewide to foster community empowerment and provide annual scholarship assistance for students pursuing careers in social work, social justice, or counseling.

Heidi N. Lucas is the Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association, where she leads statewide efforts to advance access to quality healthcare in rural communities, with a strong emphasis on community empowerment. An experienced nonprofit and association executive, Heidi brings over 15 years of leadership expertise in association and nonprofit management, public relations, advocacy, coalition building, and community building, including initiatives focused on sexual violence prevention and youth education programs.

Before her current role, Heidi served as Executive Director of the Missouri Nurses Association and held various leadership positions within the Missouri Community Action Network. Her professional background also includes experience in the labor sector in Pennsylvania and human resources and recruiting roles in Chicago, equipping her with a broad, multidisciplinary perspective on workforce development, policy, and organizational leadership.

Heidi holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri and Bachelor’s Degrees from Pennsylvania State University. This academic background complements her practical experience in public policy, advocacy, and organizational management.

Currently residing in Jefferson City, Missouri, Heidi is deeply engaged in her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, where she is a past president, and remains committed to strengthening systems that support children, families, and underserved populations.