Meet Our Board of Directors
About R.I.S.E.
RISE was born from a shared dream—a vision imagined on the floor of a prison in Gatesville, Texas. Two women, united by hope and a desire to make a difference, dreamed of creating a support system to help their sisters in white rebuild their lives. That dream was the foundation of what RISE would one day become. Tragically, our co-founder Judith Hammock, who shared this vision, was diagnosed with cancer in March 2020. Just 63 days later, on May 25, 2020, she passed away. Her loss was devastating, and for a time, it seemed as though RISE might never move beyond that prison floor. A year later, I, Katelyn Smith, was released from prison. The reality of life on the outside was overwhelming, and I understood how much support women like us truly needed. I began helping other women as they were released, doing what I could to ease their transition. Still, I didn’t think the dream Judith and I had shared could ever become a reality. In September 2023, everything changed. A young woman I knew from high school was released from prison under devastating circumstances. With the help of a few women who were close to me, we came together to support her. After seeing the impact we had, a question arose: Why not do this full-time? Why not help more women? That was when I knew it was time to bring our dream to life. I reached out to Judith’s mother, Kimberly, to share my heart and ask for her blessing. She agreed it was time to see her daughter’s vision fulfilled. Today, RISE stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of community. Named for the journey it represents—Rebuild, Independence, Self-Love, and Empowerment—our mission is to help women rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Through practical resources like clothing, hygiene products, and assistance with identification and resumes, we empower women to overcome obstacles and step confidently into their next chapter. RISE is more than a nonprofit; it’s the continuation of a dream and a promise to never let another woman feel like she’s walking this journey alone. It is a living testimony of how God can turn ashes into beauty and use our struggles to bless others. Judith’s legacy lives on in every life we touch, and we are proud to carry her dream forward.
Lavonne LaPreze
I am Lavonne LaPreze—a proud veteran, business owner, and public administration professional. My passion lies in empowering and mentoring women to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
When I met Katelyn, she opened my eyes to a group of women who lack access to even the most basic tools and support needed to care for themselves. This realization plus Katelyn’s and Judith’s stories inspired me to become an active board member, and that’s why R.I.S.E. is so important to me. Through this initiative, I am dedicated to providing women with the resources and opportunities they need to build a brighter future.
Secretary
Jessica Mittelstedt
Hello, my name is Jessica! I am a full-time working mother of four who enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family as much as I can. My life is a constant juggle of responsibilities, but I find immense joy and fulfillment in every role I play. My journey with R.I.S.E began through my sister Katelyn, who came into my life later, but profoundly impacted it. Her experiences opened my eyes to the challenges that many women face when they are released from prison. Through her, I learned about the harsh realities and stigmas these women encounter as they strive to reintegrate into society. Katleyn’s story and those of other women I encountered through R.I.S.E highlighted the systemic issues and personal battles they face. From finding stable employment and housing to rebuilding relationships and overcoming societal prejudices, these women navigate a complex and often unforgiving world. Their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives are truly inspiring.
Treasurer
Kimberly Haberman
Board Member
Megan Vermillion
Hello, my name is Megan and I am a stay-at-home wife and mom. I currently home-school my 3 children, which can be challenging at times but I am grateful for it. I love to read and do puzzles whenever I have spare time and am also working towards having my own small business designing cups. How I came to be a part of R.I.S.E. is through my friend Kati. I have known Katelyn (or Kati as I like to call her) for about 20 years now. I have personally watched her go through so much in these 20 years but one of the hardest things for me to witness was watching Kati, my best friend, go through a life-altering and unfair situation that ultimately ended in her incarceration and losing everything in her life in an instant. Then, inspite of all that I got to witness her fight to rebuild her life after incarceration, gain her independence, self-love and self-worth back. She is truly my hero! This is why R.I.S.E.'s mission and message speaks to me. This organization reminds me of Acts 26:16 which says, “But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose....." I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that God has a purpose for everyone no matter where you are at in life.
Board Member
Heather Packwood
Hey y’all, I’m Heather, and I have a burden for my sisters in white. I met Judith when we were both living in F-Charlie. She was sitting by herself at church one day, and I knew she was someone I needed to meet. We became close friends after that with a bond that even death can’t break. I met Kate that same year walking back from church one day when I (rudely) inserted myself into a conversation she was having. We connected and became like sisters. Through the years, the enemy has tried to break our bond, but it is by God’s grace, forgiveness and love we are working side by side honoring our dear friend’s legacy and glorifying our Father in heaven.
I firmly believe in every word RISE stands for because I have witnessed first hand the difficulties that face previously incarcerated women coming back into the world. It is God’s grace that allows me to do all I am doing with RISE. Rebuilding with independence is HARD and having support is so vital. I’m one of the “lucky ones” who had a supportive and loving family to come home to. Not everyone does. That is where RISE comes in. Every life touched is a seed sown. We are here to remind the formerly incarcerated you are NOT alone, you CAN be successful, and freedom with transformation IS possible. The Bible says “If anyone is in Christ [s]he is a new creation. The old is gone, behold all is made new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Judith, Kate, and I are evidence of this verse and of God’s transformative power, and I am proud to join RISE in declaring the goodness and love of God to all my sisters currently and formerly in white!
Mission Advocate
Katelyn Smith
Founder/President
My name is Katelyn Smith, and I wear many hats—I’m a wife, a mother, a sister, a business owner, and the proud president and cofounder of RISE. I’m also a felon, and that part of my story is what fuels my passion and purpose. I believe everyone has a past, a history, and a story, but those things don’t define us. What truly matters is who we are today, how we walk in faith, and the steps we take to create a better future. My journey has been shaped by God’s grace and redemption, and I am living proof that what is meant to be the worst experience of your life, God can turn into the most beautiful. As it’s says in Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Through RISE, I’ve turned my story into a mission to help other women rebuild their lives with independence, self-love, and empowerment. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to start over, but I also know the beauty of transformation when you trust God’s plan and receive the right tools and support. RISE is my way of sharing His love and showing that no matter where you’ve been, you’re capable of building a life filled with hope, purpose, and success.
Judith Hammock
Founder/Vice President
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