Our Name
- Hayah is a Hebrew word that means “to happen” or “to come to pass”
- R.I.S.S.E. is an acronym for “Reaching Internationally for Social and Spiritual Elevation”
Mission
- To uplift Humanity through Serving the Underserved
Vision
- A pathway to Customized Service for the Unhoused
- Increased Quality of Education for Underfunded Schools
Core Values
- Integrity in our Operations
- Dignity in our Interactions
- Excellence in our Execution
About us.
November 2008, Michael and Sharon Smith began working with homeless persons in the south-side of Hampton Roads, Virginia. This work revealed the many needs of persons living in indigence and the barriers to the available services and agencies. This began a life work of serving.
July 2015, on his first mission trip to Ghana, Michael saw the opportunity to focus his efforts into helping a rural village school. This created the need and pathway for a foundation focused on serving domestically and internationally.
February 2022, Hayah R.I.S.S.E. Foundation Inc. was born.
The purpose of Hayah R.I.S.S.E. Foundation is to assess and address the issues faced by persons living in indigence in and around the state of Virginia and in rural villages in foreign lands beginning with Western Africa; advocate for medical, educational, social and spiritual needs; show the power of God’s love through personalized service and care; and raise awareness of these needs and the efforts to address them.
Legal Info
Type: 501(c)(3) | Public Charity: 509(a)(2)
Contact Info
Physical: 1225 Kempsville Road, Unit 64451, Virginia Beach VA 23464
Mailing: PO Box 64451, Virginia Beach VA 23467
Phone: (757) 512-8762