Newport’s coldest months have a way of bringing people together, and few gatherings do it better than the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy’s annual Winter Party. On Sunday, February 1, from 4-7pm, friends and supporters of the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) will gather at O’Brien’s Pub to raise a glass, reconnect with the community, and support an organization that is quietly changing lives across Aquidneck Island and the East Bay.
RISSA is a small, local, independently funded nonprofit, and this event plays an important role in sustaining its programs and long-term vision. Admission is $20 at the door, with all proceeds directly supporting RISSA’s experiential learning programs for young people with special needs.
Behind the bar for the evening will be a rotating trio of familiar Newport faces including the legendary Luke Devine, a member of RISSA’s Board of Directors, Nicklaus ‘Klaus’ Falderbaum, and Tyler Bernadyn. Both are volunteering their time and donating 100% of their tips to RISSA. Longtime host O’Brien’s Pub once again provides the setting for what has become one of the city’s warmest winter traditions.
Founded in 2018, RISSA is built around a guiding principle: learning doesn’t stop when the program day ends. The organization serves young adults as they transition out of formal educational environments and into the broader world, offering a supportive community centered on lifelong learning. RISSA’s experiential model naturally blends social skills, shared values, and practical life skills helping members build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.
One example of this approach is RISSA kitchen, a hands-on program launched with grant support from the John E. Fogarty Foundation. RISSA kitchen gives participants the opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, and build resilience while learning how to plan and prepare healthy meals. Led by a registered dietitian who also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Rhode Island, the program integrates nutrition education, menu development, budgeting and shopping, cooking, serving, and table etiquette, all skills that extend well beyond the kitchen.
Programs like RISSA kitchen are part of RISSA’s broader “Learning for Life” curriculum, developed by a core teaching team of credentialed special education professionals and enriched by guest faculty including musicians, artists, poets, yoga teachers, and other specialists. The curriculum is organized around four interconnected tracks: Social Skills, Life Skills, Arts & Culture, and Health & Fitness.
Working from its home base at the Newport County YMCA, RISSA takes full advantage of its Aquidneck Island setting. Members participate in shoreline hikes, kite-flying, visits to local heritage sites, volunteer projects with other nonprofits, and countless shared experiences that help translate learning into real life.
Support from the community makes this work possible. Contributions help RISSA recruit and retain exceptional educators, develop innovative learning experiences, sustain its residency at the YMCA, and provide scholarships so all members can fully participate.
RISSA brings creativity, determination, and a belief in boundless possibility. Events like the Winter Party ensure that belief can continue to translate into opportunity.
WHAT: RISSA Winter Party with Food, Raffle Baskets, Door Prizes, and Fun for all!
WHERE: O’Brien’s Pub, 501 Thames Street, Newport
WHEN: Sunday, February 1, 4-7pm
ADMISSION: $20 at the doorTo learn more about RISSA, support its mission, or explore opportunities to volunteer or partner, visit rissanewport.org.
