Who We Are

Rising Above Canada

Rising Above Canada is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to strengthening existing Rising Above programs and developing new locations that help individuals break cycles of defeat and step into lives of purpose, stability, and freedom.

We function as a national support and development hub, equipping local teams, expanding capacity, and helping proven program models reach more communities across Canada.

Our Mission

We are committed to helping people break cycles of defeat by providing:

🏠 Housing
💼 Employment Readiness Training
🧭 Life Skills
🌱 Personal Development
✝️ Spiritual Formation

We accomplish this by supporting and multiplying programs that deliver these core pathways to transformation.

Why We Exist

Across Canada, many individuals are stuck in cycles of addiction, instability, and discouragement, often with limited access to structured, long-term support.

We exist to help change that reality.

By strengthening existing Rising Above programs and helping launch new ones, Rising Above Canada expands access to environments where real, lasting change can take place.

Our Role

We work alongside local leadership to:

Strengthen existing Rising Above locations with structure, training, and ongoing support
Develop new program locations in communities that need them
Provide a proven, adaptable program model
Equip leaders and teams for consistent, high-quality delivery

Our Program Models

🏠 Residential Model

A 6-month structured, live-in environment for individuals seeking intensive transformation.

Participants engage in:

Daily structured routines that build stability
Life-skills development and personal growth
Employment readiness training
Ongoing mentorship and accountability
Spiritual formation and community living

This model is designed for individuals who need a fully immersive environment to rebuild their lives.

🧭 Satellite Model (Day Programming)

A flexible, non-residential program for individuals who remain in their current living situation.

Participants receive:

Structured day programming
Life-skills and personal development training
Employment readiness support
Spiritual growth opportunities
Connection to supportive community

This model provides a practical and accessible pathway to transformation for those not requiring residential care.

Our Approach

We believe lasting change happens when the whole person is supported—practically, emotionally, and spiritually.

🤝 Relational – Built on trust, mentorship, and community
🧱 Structured – Clear pathways that create stability and momentum
🌍 Holistic – Addressing the whole person, not just symptoms
🔁 Reproducible – Designed to be implemented in multiple communities
🔥 Transformational – Focused on long-term change, not quick fixes

Who We Serve

Through the programs we support and develop, we serve individuals facing:

Addiction
Life instability
Cycles of defeat that require structured support to overcome

We partner with local teams to ensure people have access to a clear and supported path forward.

Our Values

Dignity & Respect – Every person has inherent worth
Accountability – Growth requires responsibility and commitment
Hope – No situation is beyond change
Community – No one is meant to walk alone
Faith – Lasting transformation is rooted in spiritual renewal

Our Story

Rising Above Canada began out of number of request to replicate the Rising Above model that has been operating in Grande Prairie, AB, since 2007.

In January, 2026, Mel Siggelkow, the founder of Rising Above Grande Prairie retired from his role as Executive Director in Grande Prairie and accepted his new role as President of Rising Above Canada.

This new organization was formed to support our existing programs and facilitate expansion into new communities.

Rising Above Canada now exists to ensure those programs can grow with integrity, consistency, and care.

We are governed by a board of directors with representation from each of our residential locations.

An Invitation

Whether you are a leader exploring partnership, a community seeking support, or someone learning more about what we do, we invite you to connect.

Together, we can expand access to hope, structure, and lasting transformation—one community at a time.