Meet our Founders
Justin Taylor Wright
Chief Executive Officer
Founded Ember Rising under its former name with the help of Faith as a High School project in their Business Class. Taylor also competed with the idea for this non-profit, previously scaled as a shelter for abused and neglected youth, and won 3rd place in the 2017 DECA Regional State Conference
As the Founder and CEO of Ember Rising, he serves as the organization’s chief visionary and executive leader. He oversees all aspects of Ember Rising’s administration, programs, and long-term strategic direction. Ember Rising was born from a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change in the lives of children and communities, with a focus on nurturing resilience, opportunity, and pathways to a successful future.
Faith Ediger
Vice President of Missions & Impact
Created the initial idea of Ember Rising under its former name with Taylor in their High School Business Class. Faith has continued to pursue youth and animal wellness advocacy in her day-to-day life and shares the same values for change as Taylor. This is her primary focus as VP of Missions & Impact.
Faith serves as Vice President of Missions & Impact at Ember Rising, where her dedication and leadership are central to advancing the organization’s work. She is responsible for guiding day-to-day operations, overseeing public-facing initiatives, and shaping strategies for sustainable growth and community impact. Working closely with the CEO, Faith helps translate Ember Rising’s vision into actionable programs and meaningful outcomes. A key focus of her role is cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with corporate partners, donors, and philanthropic supporters to ensure the longevity and reach of Ember Rising’s mission.
Empowering Youth and Communities with Purpose
Our Story
Ember Rising is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and families through life skills education, mentorship, creative expression, and compassion-centered community care. We were founded on the belief that every spark of potential deserves nurturing, opportunity, and a path to long-term success. What started as a high school project between our founders soon grew into a movement of holistic youth empowerment. Ember Rising bridges gaps left by traditional education by preparing young people with real-world skills, emotional resilience, and community-focused leadership.
Our Mission
To equip youth with essential life skills, financial literacy, mentorship, and personal development tools that help them thrive beyond the classroom and build sustainable, successful lives.
What We Do
Ember Rising advances its mission through signature initiatives that meet diverse community needs:
Ember Initiatives
NOVA Managed by Acting Programs Director, Taylor Wright
A youth development program focused on communication, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and confidence building — blending life skills training with holistic wellness.
New Outlooks & Visions Academy
Ursa’s Echo Dancing Collaborative - Managed by Acting Artistic Director, Jack Thompson
A creative arts-based cohort where young people explore identity, share stories, and build empathy through movement, performance, and cultural expression.
Ursa's Echo
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Twila Animal Sanctuary - Managed by Acting Sanctuary & Healing Director, Faith Ediger
An animal crisis response and foster support initiative that connects youth and community members to hands-on service while promoting compassionate care for animals in need.
Twila Sanctuary
Channels
We will engage with the community through various channels, including:
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Active social media campaigns.
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In-person meetings at local event halls.
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Direct outreach through canvassing efforts in the community.
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Problem Identification
There is a significant disconnect between the practical life skills required for adulthood and the knowledge imparted to today's youth. Essential skills like budgeting, credit management, tax preparation, and workplace etiquette are increasingly overlooked in both public education and at home. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leaving many youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, without the necessary support systems to develop these critical competencies.
As a result, many young adults in their twenties are either living at home with parents or struggling with homelessness, unable to sustain themselves due to a lack of life skills. Additionally, within the heart of Lexington, SC 29072, there is an increasing problem of stray animals—particularly cats—creating a nuisance as they lack shelter and resources to survive.
Unique Value Propositions
The Ember Rising Foundation stands out by offering:
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Spiritual, Mental, and Emotional Wellness Training: Quarterly sessions focused on holistic well-being.
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Comprehensive Skills Development: Workshops on financial management, on-the-job training, counseling, job search assistance, GED support, and access to college scholarships.
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Programs
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Youth Professional Development Initiatives:
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Financial literacy and management workshops.
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Job readiness training, including resume writing and interview preparation.
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Basic education curriculum in reading, writing, mathematics, and history.
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Youth Wellness Development Initiates:
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Lotus Academy:
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The Hope Ember Rising Foundation’s Lotus Lessons Initiative offers quarterly events aimed at enhancing youth wellness through mind, body, and spirit exercises. Each event will provide youth participants with activities and resources that promote personal growth, self-awareness, and community connection.
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Animal Welfare Program:
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Development of a foster and acclimation program for local stray animals, collaborating with animal control to provide shelter and care for animals unable to be housed in overpopulated shelters.
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