Called to 
Cultivate Belonging

RISE Ministry grew from relationships, faith, and a conviction that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be known, valued, deeply loved, and able to flourish in purpose. For Danielle and Curtis Buchheit, that conviction began at home. As parents to Jillian, a young woman with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they had spent years celebrating her growth, advocating for opportunities, and watching the difference it made when people saw beyond what Jillian needed and recognized all that she had to offer. As she approached adulthood, the questions changed: Where would she find meaningful friendships? Opportunities to keep growing? A place to serve and deepen her faith? And someday, a home where she could experience both greater independence and genuine belonging? Those questions were deeply personal—but the Buchheits knew they weren't theirs alone. ​ Together with others at Centerpoint Church, they began imagining what could happen if a church community intentionally made room for adults with IDD not simply to be served, but to participate, contribute, lead, worship, and belong. That vision first took shape through RISE Together. What began as a gathering quickly became a community. Friendships formed. Gifts emerged. Participants became volunteers, leaders, encouragers, prayer partners, and people others counted on. The experience began revealing possibilities much larger than any one family had imagined. ​ As relationships grew, so did RISE. RISE Pathways created opportunities for life skills, meaningful work, service, and discipleship. RISE Worship provided opportunities to grow and lead in faith. And a long-held dream for RISE Residential began becoming a tangible vision for a Christ-centered neighborhood where adults with IDD can build lives of greater independence, purpose, and connection. ​ In 2026, RISE became an independent nonprofit ministry, carrying forward the beautiful beginnings at Centerpoint while widening the invitation for individuals, families, churches, and community partners throughout Kalamazoo to help build what comes next. ​ The story may have begun with one family's questions. Today, it belongs to an entire community. ​​ Because every person is created by God, on purpose and for a purpose.