RISSA

03/31/2026

💙 BE EXTRAORDINARY with Rhode Island Social Skill Academy (RISSA) this 401Gives 💙

It’s 401Gives and we’re celebrating everything that makes RISSA such a special part of Newport County. RISSA is a place where young adults with special needs learn, grow, and shine through real life experiences that build confidence and independence.

Every week, members cook meals together, practice fitness and wellness, explore art and creativity, volunteer in the community, and form friendships that truly matter. RISSA is about belonging, joy, and the extraordinary moments that happen when people are supported to be their best selves.

Your donation today helps keep these opportunities thriving. It supports hands‑on learning, community engagement, and the kind of everyday victories that make RISSA extraordinary.

👉 Give now: https://www.401gives.org/donate?campaign_id=251668

Let’s celebrate RISSA and keep the extraordinary growing in our community. 💙

Thank you for making a difference in our community!

01/19/2026

Mark your calendar!

On Sunday, February 1, from 4-7pm, friends and fans of the Rhode
Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) will be O'Brien's Pub in Newport, RI for the annual Winter Party!

The legendary Tyler Bernadyn & Luke Devine will be behind the bar, serving up delicious beverages and witticisms. In addition to volunteering their time, these two fabulous humans will be donating all tips to RISSA!

Beaucoup thanks to Luke and Tyler, and to our friends at O'Brien's Pub for hosting us once again this year. And many thanks to all our friends – old and new – who make this the warmest winter gathering in town!

Admission is $20 at the door. All proceeds support RISSA’s experiential learning programs for young people with special needs.

If you are in warmer weather and would like to donate see QR Code below! Thank you for your support.

www.rissanewport.org

01/05/2026

It's baaaaack!!!🤩 Four weeks from tonight, friends of RISSA will pack O'Brien's Pub for our annual Winter Party! ❄️ Mark your calendar to come in from the cold on February 1 and join us for one of Newport's warmest midwinter gatherings. 🥰 You're sure to see old friends and make new ones! 🥰All proceeds benefit the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy's life-changing experiential learning programs for young people with special needs. ❤️ Can't wait to see you!!! 😍

12/31/2025

Wishing all our friends an absolutely wonderful new year!!! 🤩We are so grateful for all that 2025 brought us ... and we can't wait to make new memories in 2026!!! 😎Many thanks to all the amazing friends whose support creates our beautiful RISSA world every day. 🥰 If you'd like to make an end-of-year gift to support our fabulous young people, before the clock strikes midnight, please visit www.rissanewport.org to give online.❤️Happy New Year!!!😍

12/27/2025

Our friends at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center serve abundant love and joy with every meal. ❤️ It was our honor to help sprinkle a little extra sparkle on this very special gathering. 🎄

12/25/2025

Wishing all our friends a wonderful Christmas full of sparkle and joy! 🥰

12/17/2025

FaLaLaLaLa! 💫 A huge, heartfelt RISSA thank you to Brick Alley Pub for hosting our holiday festivities! 😍 All sorts of glitterati were in the house - Santa! the Grinch! and, of course, our fabulous RISSA members, who are the life of every party 🤩 Laughter, delicious food, and high spirits all around. 🎅Grinch was, of course, displeased when caught by the paparazzi ... but we all know he's really just overcompensating for his secretly ginormous heart 💚We are so grateful for the beautiful community of generous friends who make our days sparkle, at the holidays and all year round 🥰If you'd like to be part of our RISSA family, please visit www.rissanewport.org to make a charitable contribution or explore partnership opportunities ❤️ MerryMerry!!! 🎄❤️🎄