Grace Horizon, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College - Anderson, proudly celebrated the graduation of the first participants in the I Rise Workforce Development Program. The event recognized the achievements of three survivors of violence and exploitation who completed the four-week, trauma-informed workforce training during a ceremony held at Ivy Tech’s Anderson campus.
The I Rise program, originally developed by author and founder Kristen Bracey, equips survivors with tools to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and prepare for meaningful employment. Participants engage in a curriculum that goes beyond job skills, focusing on whole-person healing, emotional intelligence, and professional readiness.
“This graduation is more than the completion of a program—it is a declaration of perseverance,” said Audrey Weiger, CEO of Grace Horizon. “Our graduates have faced barriers of trauma, poverty, and self-doubt, yet they chose to show up, to learn, and to rise. Their courage is proof that transformation is real.”
Grace Horizon, a survivor-led organization supporting individuals recovering from violence and exploitation, launched I Rise in partnership with Ivy Tech to bridge the gap between recovery and opportunity. Ivy Tech’s support provides not only classroom space but also access to workforce pathways that honor the dignity and strengths of each participant.
“We are deeply grateful to Ivy Tech for their belief in this vision,” Weiger added. “Together, we are building bridges for survivors, ensuring they have access to education, resources, and opportunities to thrive.”
The graduation marks a milestone in Grace Horizon’s mission to walk alongside survivors as they rediscover wholeness and create new futures. The organization plans to continue expanding I Rise as a model of trauma-informed workforce development in central Indiana.
About Grace Horizon
Grace Horizon is a community of survivors supporting each other in recovery from violence and exploitation, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Through survivor-centered programs and partnerships, Grace Horizon empowers individuals to heal, grow, and build brighter futures.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
