Hope Dworaczyk Smith | Together We Rise

Hope Smith and Robert F. Smith continue to support the Family Fellowship Program and the Fellows. Each year, during the winter holiday season, the couple welcomes the children to their home. In the past, participating Fellows journeyed to their Denver home, where they visited an escape room, hiked the mountains, tubed through the snow, road trains, snowmobiled, celebrated birthdays, and opened presents. The highlight of these trips for some students was visiting the Smiths' clubhouse, where they made a gumbo dinner with Robert F. Smith and engaged in memorable activities, such as singing karaoke and playing board games. During these trips, the students also benefited from speaking with other students in the program they may not see on a day-to-day basis in a small-group setting. While connecting with other Fellows, they shared stories and swapped experiences about the program.

"My favorite part of hanging out with Together We Rise is definitely the winter trips," said Mikayla, a long-time Together We Rise member, when remarking on her most recent trip. "This is my third time I have been out, and I have just enjoyed it so much every time. I look forward to this every year, and it just has been a really great time. I love hanging out with my family."