'So They Can Truly Thrive': Lockport-Area Nonprofit Helps Families Facing Hardships

LOCKPORT, IL — Two local couples, Paige and Ryan Phelps and Alison and Andrew Kolodziej, have joined up to help families in need with help from their newly-formed nonprofit, The Rise Above Foundation.

The Rise Above Foundation came to fruition after discussion between Andrew and Ryan on how they could help support local families.

"We often spoke about the challenges families face and the lack of support for those trying to rebuild and rise above hardship. From those talks came the dream of a foundation where family, compassion and action came first," Andrew, a Lockport resident, told Patch.

Alison and Paige joined the vision, and the four created a mission that is "rooted in doing what’s best for others—supporting families holistically so they can truly thrive," Andrew said.

All four co-founders grew up in the area, hailing from the south side of Chicago, Oak Forest, Orland Park and Joliet. Andrew and Alison are both police officers; and Ryan and Paige are owners of Southside Knockout facilities in Chicago and Orland Park.

"Our roots are here, and so is our heart," Andrew said.

In just a few months, the nonprofit has found several local families who are facing hardships of some kind, whether that be emotional, financial or situational, and try and support them.

Andrew said many of the families are referred through community networks, but some reach out directly. While there is no exact geographic area for their work, the nonprofit is especially focused on helping families within a 15-mile radius, including areas like the south side of Chicago, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Joliet and Tinley Park.

"We take the time to get to know each family, understand their unique story, and determine how we can best support them in a way that creates real, lasting change," Andrew said.

So far, the nonprofit has brought gifts and Easter baskets to families who have lost loved ones; and dropped off toys, clothing, gift cards and donations to another family with a child who just finished treatment for cancer.

"Right now, everything we do is personally funded by us because we believe in the mission that deeply," Andrew said. "That said, we’re preparing to open the door to donors and sponsors who want to make a real impact."

The nonprofit plans to launch several events and fundraisers soon.

"We’re excited to invite the community to be part of this movement to uplift families and create brighter futures together," Andrew said.