Rise Independence Community was founded by Natalie Cooper and Sue Samuel, two dedicated advocates who have been deeply involved in the disability community for years. Our journey began in 2017 with Future for Our Kids, a parent-led initiative focused on supporting families navigating the transition to adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Through years of advocacy, education, and networking, we recognized a critical gap in affordable, intentional housing for adults with disabilities—especially in Placer County.

As active members of the Disability Housing Alliance (DHA), we have collaborated with policymakers, developers, and other advocates to push for sustainable housing solutions. However, as families continued to face long waitlists and limited options, we knew that waiting was no longer an option—we had to take action.

That’s why we launched Rise Independence Community—a project aimed at creating a supportive, inclusive, and sustainable living community where individuals with disabilities can thrive in their hometowns, maintain independence, and build lasting relationships. Our goal is to develop a housing model that balances affordability, sustainability, and community engagement, ensuring that families like ours have a long-term solution for their loved ones.

We are committed to making this vision a reality and welcome collaboration from families, professionals, and community leaders who share our mission. Together, we are building more than housing—we are building futures.