The Rise Risley project involves the adaptive reuse of the historic Risley Colored Memorial School complex, an effort that is made possible by the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority (CGACAA). The mission of CGACAA is to move families out of poverty and into self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life of families through education, training, comprehensive services and advocacy. 

Originally established in 1870 as the first educational institution for African Americans in Glynn County, the Freedmen's School later became Risley Colored Memorial School with earlier buildings replaced by buildings from 1923, 1936, 1944, and ca. 1950 (all of which are still standing). Located along historic Albany Street in Brunswick, Georgia, the Rise Risley project will establish a community services hub for the surrounding neighborhood. Ethos is providing preservation planning support through historic tax incentive and grant writing assistance as part of a larger fundraising capital campaign. To date, Ethos has secured grants for the project from Norfolk Southern and the National Park Service.