Safety first
Safety planning support and connections to trained, trusted providers — before, during, and after leaving.
Honoring Survival. Celebrating Healing.
From surviving to thriving.
Rise Above 5K Foundation, Inc. walks with domestic violence victims, survivors, and their children through every stage of the journey — from finding safety to healing, rebuilding, and building a thriving future.
Confidential support requests · Quick exit available in Get Help
Leaving is only the beginning.
Healing, stability, and independence deserve support too.
About the foundation
Compassionate support for every step forward.
Rise Above 5K Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors and their families move from surviving to thriving. Our mission is to provide compassionate support, meaningful resources, and pathways toward healing, independence, and long-term stability.
Through strategic partnerships and community-based initiatives, we connect survivors with mental health and wellness resources, survivor support groups, education and career opportunities, emergency assistance, transportation support, scholarships, dental and healthcare resources, and other essential services. We also host community events that raise awareness, honor survival, celebrate healing, and bring people together.
Survivors deserve continued support as they heal, rebuild, regain independence, and create thriving futures.
Our holistic approach
Support that continues long after the crisis.
Whole-person healing
Trauma-informed mental health, wellness, and survivor support so healing is never walked alone.
Real independence
Education, career development, scholarships, and financial stability resources that open doors.
Community that stays
Partners, advocates, and supporters who keep showing up long after the crisis has passed.
Our guiding message
Safety · Healing · Thriving
Every survivor's path is different, but the journey we walk together follows the same three commitments — from immediate safety to a future built on independence and hope.
01
Safety
Safety planning assistance, crisis resource connections, and emergency support for survivors and their children as they reach a place of security.
02
Healing
Trauma-informed counseling connections, survivor support groups, and wellness resources that make room for emotional recovery and dignity.
03
Thriving
Education, career development, scholarships, transportation, and stability resources that turn a new beginning into a lasting, independent future.
Programs & Services
Resources for every part of rebuilding.
Our programs and support services are offered and developed for domestic violence survivors, their children, and their families.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
Connections to trauma-informed counseling, mental health providers, wellness resources, and supportive services that promote emotional healing.
Survivor Support Groups
Safe, compassionate spaces where survivors connect, share experiences, receive encouragement, and build a supportive community.
Education & Career Development
Connections to education, career training, professional development, employment resources, and résumé support that build financial independence.
Emergency Assistance
Needs-based support for survivors facing urgent challenges while transitioning toward safety and stability. Subject to eligibility, funding, and resource availability.
Transportation Support
Transportation resources that help eligible survivors reach employment, education, healthcare, appointments, and essential services.
Scholarships
Educational scholarships and financial support for eligible survivors pursuing college, vocational training, certifications, or career advancement.
Health, Dental & Wellness Resources
Connections to community healthcare and dental partners, wellness initiatives, and services supporting survivors and their children.
Resource Navigation & Referrals
Personalized connections to trusted organizations offering housing, legal resources, childcare, healthcare, education, and employment support.
Community Education, Advocacy & Events
Awareness campaigns, educational programming, fundraising initiatives, and signature events that honor survival and celebrate healing.
Get help
You don't have to wait until you've left.
Whether you are currently experiencing domestic violence or rebuilding after it, you can reach out for safety-planning support and connections to trusted community resources and trained providers.
Rise Above 5K Foundation is not a crisis service or emergency responder and cannot guarantee an immediate reply. If you are in danger right now, call 911 or a crisis line below.
Emergency services — 911If you are in immediate danger.National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-723324/7, free and confidential. Text START to 88788.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 98824/7 mental health and crisis support.
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Our founder's story
Meet Taina Gilliland.
Taina Gilliland is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rise Above 5K Foundation, Inc. As a domestic violence survivor, mother, advocate, and community leader, she founded the organization from a place of lived experience and a deeply personal understanding of what it takes to rebuild a life after abuse.
After leaving her marriage in 2024, Taina transitioned from life as a military spouse to beginning again in Florida with the support of a women's shelter. Her journey from survival to healing inspired a vision that extends beyond immediate crisis intervention — continued support that helps survivors restore confidence, regain independence, access meaningful opportunities, and build stable futures for themselves and their children.
"Every survivor deserves the opportunity not only to survive — but to thrive."
Taina brings professional experience in healthcare, behavioral services, communications, community engagement, and organizational leadership to her work. Through Rise Above 5K Foundation, she is building partnerships and programs that connect survivors with mental health support, education, career development, emergency assistance, transportation, scholarships, wellness resources, and a compassionate community.
Honoring Survival. Celebrating Healing.
Transformation is possible — and no one should have to do it alone.
Initiatives & Events
Where our community shows up together.
Current and upcoming programs, signature initiatives, community events, partnerships, and fundraising campaigns. New flyers, photos, and videos are added as the foundation grows.
Signature annual initiative
Rise Above 5K
Our signature community run and walk honoring survival, celebrating healing, and raising support for survivor programs across Central Florida.
Community outreach
Awareness & Outreach Campaigns
Educational programming, awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts that connect survivors, advocates, service providers, and supporters.
Upcoming events
Event dates and registration links are announced through our Facebook page and newsletter. Contact us to be notified first.
Get involved
Be part of someone's next chapter.
Donate
Your gift funds emergency assistance, scholarships, transportation, wellness resources, and survivor programs.
Give today →Volunteer
Support events, outreach, administrative needs, and community programming alongside our team.
Volunteer with us →Partner
Businesses, healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits, and community leaders can collaborate on referrals and programs.
Discuss a partnership →Sponsor
Sponsor the Rise Above 5K, an initiative, or a community event and put your name behind survivor support.
Become a sponsor →Donate
Your support helps survivors rise above.
Every contribution goes directly toward programs that help domestic violence survivors and their children heal, rebuild, and thrive. To give, sponsor an initiative, or set up a recurring gift, contact us and our team will share secure giving details.
- $25 — transportation to a job interview or appointment
- $50 — wellness and self-care essentials for a survivor
- $100 — emergency assistance for a family in transition
- $500 — scholarship support toward education or training
Secure online giving is being activated. Until then, our team will respond personally with donation options.
Our team
Leadership rooted in lived experience.
Taina Gilliland
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Taina provides visionary leadership and guides the foundation's mission, programs, partnerships, and continued growth.
Lauren Rodriguez
President
Lauren brings 4 years of legal expertise, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to advocacy. She helps guide the foundation's leadership and strategic direction while supporting its mission to empower domestic violence victims, survivors, and their families.
Teasia C. Toston
Vice President
A community leader, mental health advocate, and youth development professional, Teasia holds a B.S. in Health Science from Florida A&M University. A 988 Crisis Counselor, Assistant Director of the House of Timothy, and Ms. Black Florida USA 2026, she strengthens the foundation's outreach and awareness.
Nettie Jackson
Vice President
A licensed clinical social worker and experienced domestic violence advocate serving Seminole and Orange counties, Nettie brings expertise in mental health, individual and group support, and community-based services for survivors.
Jessica
Executive Director
Jessica brings extensive experience supporting children and families through her work with the Department of Children and Families, and promotes domestic violence awareness internationally. She supports the foundation's operations, programs, and outreach.
Latrice
Director of Housing Resources
With years of experience in real estate and housing markets, Latrice connects survivors with housing placement opportunities, financial literacy education, credit-building resources, and services that support long-term stability.
Melissa Ansari
Grant Writer & Funding Development Coordinator
Melissa supports the foundation's growth and financial sustainability by identifying funding opportunities, developing grant proposals, and helping secure resources for programs and initiatives.
Questions, answered
A little more clarity.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out.
Contact
Let's build something hopeful together.
Reach out to volunteer, partner, sponsor an initiative, ask about an event, or simply learn more about our work.
This form is for general inquiries. If you are a survivor seeking support, please use the confidential Get Help form above. Rise Above 5K Foundation is not a crisis service — in an emergency, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.