RISSA The Rhode Island Social Skills Academy is all about learning for life!

We're a dynamic experiential learning community where young people with special needs make friends, explore talents, enrich our community, and practice vital social and life skills.

Thank you for the opportunity to give back—our group loved being part of it 💙
04/24/2026

Thank you for the opportunity to give back—our group loved being part of it 💙

⛳️ Join Us for a Day on the Green!Support RISSA,  while enjoying a great day of golf. Every swing makes a difference!See...
04/24/2026

⛳️ Join Us for a Day on the Green!

Support RISSA, while enjoying a great day of golf. Every swing makes a difference!

See flyer for details & how to register 💙

So proud of our program participants for completing their course at Salve Regina University and shining at their showcas...
04/24/2026

So proud of our program participants for completing their course at Salve Regina University and shining at their showcase! Salve Regina University

Happy Earth Day 🌎Our  RISSA crew showed up and made a difference! 🌊💙 So proud of our amazing group for helping clean the...
04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌎
Our RISSA crew showed up and made a difference! 🌊💙 So proud of our amazing group for helping clean the beach and care for our community. Small actions, big impact!

Earth Day week well spent 🌎💚 Our amazing members volunteered at a community yard sale, giving back, building skills, and...
04/20/2026

Earth Day week well spent 🌎💚 Our amazing members volunteered at a community yard sale, giving back, building skills, and making connections.” Common Fence Point

TGIF from our incredible members 💙Yoga helps us build focus, confidence, and calm—skills that go far beyond the mat.
04/17/2026

TGIF from our incredible members 💙
Yoga helps us build focus, confidence, and calm—skills that go far beyond the mat.

💙 BE EXTRAORDINARY with Rhode Island Social Skill Academy (RISSA) this 401Gives 💙It’s 401Gives and we’re celebrating eve...
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!

Mark your calendar! On Sunday, February 1, from 4-7pm, friends and fans of the RhodeIsland Social Skills Academy (RISSA)...
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!!! 😍

Wishing all our friends an absolutely wonderful new year!!! 🤩We are so grateful for all that 2025 brought us ... and we ...
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!!!😍

Our friends at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center serve abundant love and joy with every meal. ❤️ It was ou...
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. 🎄

Address

P. O. Box 4916
Newport, RI
02842

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8:30am - 1:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 1:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 1:30pm

Telephone

(401) 935-2419

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Our Mission

Mission Statement - The Rhode Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) is a charitable program providing social and educational programs for adults with disabilities who are transitioning to adult life. Our focus is to support individuals with programs that develop the social confidence and skills for successful community living, employment readiness and promoting independence that supports a meaningful adult life.