A Place to Belong: RISE Community Center

In the heart of Old Town Winchester, the RISE (Resources. Inclusion. Support. Empowerment.) Community Center stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and resilience. Home to AIDS Response Effort (ARE), the organization has evolved over the past 35 years from a small group of volunteers supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS into a vibrant hub for HIV services, LGBTQ+ support, and community empowerment. In this conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael, executive director Katie Vance shared the journey of the center's transformation, the challenges faced, and the profound impact it continues to have on the lives of local residents. The RISE Community Center's mission is multifaceted: it provides free and confidential HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C testing, case management, and a range of harm reduction services. Katie emphasized the importance of accessible testing, noting a recent uptick in positive cases since the pandemic and the center's ability to connect individuals to life-saving medications and support. "People can live long, healthy lives with the right resources," she explained, dispelling persistent myths and highlighting the advances in HIV treatment. But the RISE Community Center is more than a healthcare provider—it's a safe haven and a gathering place. The center hosts a variety of support and affinity groups, from LGBTQ+ youth and seniors to hobby-based meetups like Stitch and Bitch. Its library, housed in a former bank vault, offers hundreds of books and resources for parents and individuals seeking understanding and affirmation. The center's gender-affirming closet, community garden, and volunteer-run programs further illustrate its commitment to holistic care. Katie and Janet discussed the ongoing need for volunteers and community advocacy, especially in the face of dwindling funding and persistent stigma. The center relies on donations and the dedication of its volunteers to keep its doors open and its programs running. Katie called on the community to not only support financially but also to challenge harmful language and myths, and to show up for LGBTQ+ neighbors. The conversation closed with a sobering reflection: without ARE and the RISE Community Center, many in Winchester would lose access to critical health services, support networks, and a sense of belonging. As Katie put it, "It's a human rights issue, not a political one." The RISE Comunity Center's story is a powerful reminder that when a community comes together to care for its most vulnerable, everyone benefits—and hope truly rises.