In April 2008, The RISE Program received funding from The Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand the program into the Toronto District Catholic School Board. The Honourable Margarett Best, the Minister of Health Promotion, announced the two year funding at a media release event. East Metro Youth Services is honoured to receive the funding and is looking forward to engaging more young people to "rise" above violence in their own lives, schools and communities.

In October 2007,  The RISE Program was thrilled to learn that the proceeds from the 2nd Annual Scarborough Walk of Fame Gala Dinner Fundraiser were donated, in part, to our program.  Youth Volunteers from the RISE Program were also invited to attend the Gala Dinner celebrating the achievements of Scarborough's most noted residents.  Thank you to all the organizers of this wonderful event!
 
In May 2007, The RISE Program staff and youth attended the annual W.A.V.E. (Walk Against Violence Everywhere) event and were the recipient of the Louise Russo Youth Award.  The Louise Russo award recognizes youth in the community who exemplify the 3 Rs: Respect, Responsibility, and the Role of Leadership. We were very honored to have been chosen for this important award and will continue to work to exemplify the 3 R's and engage youth in preventing violence in their schools and communities