Every day is Independence Day at Reach
Independence Day in America is the celebration of our freedom as a nation. At Reach, Inc., the Race for Independence champions freedom a little closer to home. This annual event raises funds the nonprofit’s mission to empower its clients, adults with developmental disabilities, through residential and supported living, job support, and transportation. At Reach, independence is unique to each of our more than 100 clients.
Recently, one young woman moved from a group setting with 24-hour staffing to an apartment with a roommate that only has staffing during the day. To make this transition, this determined woman had to work diligently to know how to be safe alone in her home and the community, recognize an emergency, access emergency services, and learn the complicated differences between friendship and exploitation.
Most Reach clients are ardent Bobcat fans. It is a very rare day at the Work Center, where clients meet to do contract work and earn a pay check, and not see Bobcat gear. Under normal circumstances they are in attendance at several sporting events at MSU each year cheering their favorite team. It’s a full-on blue and gold pep rally as the clients line up to board the bus or van, driven by Reach staff, to go to campus. In 2019, Reach provided approximately 47,334 rides, to medical appointments, grocery shopping, work, and many MSU games.
Consistently, at least 89 percent of clients who wish to have jobs or volunteer outside their home do so. Reach partners with businesses to train, employ, and coach its clients to be helpful, loyal employees. One longtime resident has worked her same job for 14 years and always with a smile. The organization’s partnership with dozens of local businesses brings the fulfillment of a good day’s work to its clients’ lives.
Reach supports its clients’ aspirations to be independent and live their best lives on their terms. This takes a community of support to achieve this and the outcomes are rewarding beyond measure. The delight of seeing people strive for and maintain their independence is worth celebrating each and every day.
Join Reach, clients, and family and friends July 4th, 2021 for the 1K, 5K, or 10K. The course weaves through trails in the beautiful Cherry River fishing access and the Glen Lake Rotary Park. These paths offer sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley landscape. People who prefer to walk are welcome to join the fun. Registration and additional details can be found at www.RunSignUp.com (search “Reach”). •
