Who We Are
Reach, Inc is a private, non-profit corporation providing human services to people with disabilities in Eau Claire County since 1963. Starting with less than ten clients, three staff and a budget of a few thousand dollars, Reach has grown to serve more than 900 families and clients each year, with an annual budget of over $4 million and a staff of more than 150.
More About Us
Day Services were initially provided for individuals unserved in the public school system and not meeting the standards set by the local sheltered workshop. Evidence demonstrated the importance of productive (work) activities for all levels of functioning, therefore, real work experience was implemented as additional programming at Reach.
The Adult Day Program primarily operates from our facility at 2205 Heimstead Road on the west side of Eau Claire. To fulfill individualized identified client goals, programs are designed to participate in community activity, while engaging in day services expanding their independence and skills within the facility. Early in 1997, a growing need for similar services created the addition of the Menomonie Adult Day Program in the Harmony Centre. Our Menomonie Annex is located at Oaklawn Harmony Centre.
In 2007 Reach opened Helen’s House named after the first Executive Director, Helen Andresen. Helen’s House offers day services for retirement age adults with disabilities. Reach recognized a growing need for programming with higher staff to client ratios to better serve this population. In 2010, Reach opened Selma House to serve these clients in a smaller more intimate homelike setting.
In the early 1970’s, Reach developed the W.H. Hobbs Parent/Child Program to serve families with children ages birth to three experiencing developmental delays. Reach Inc, in partnership with Eau Claire County, offered services to families that were rivaled by few other counties in the state. This program was funded in part by the United Way of Greater Eau Claire. In 1994 the Parent Child Program moved from the Third Street site to the Hand in Hand Early Childhood program Banbury location.
Reach’s Supported Employment Services (SES) began operation in January of 1987 with the hiring of its first staff. Referrals were accepted as early as February, and the first placement occurred in March. SES assists an average of 50 individuals to successfully achieve competitive employment each year. SES continues to provide employment opportunities and support to people with special needs as well as to community businesses in search of quality employees. In April 2008, the Supported Self Employment Program was added to provide individuals with disabilities the option to start their own business as viable self-employment opportunity to serve the community.
In January of 1994, Hand in Hand: A Place for All Children (HIH) opened their doors to provide quality early childhood education and care to the community. Licensed for 144 children, HIH is a fully inclusive child care center for children with and without disabilities. Approximately 20% of the children enrolled include children with special needs. Hand in Hand contracts with the Eau Claire School District’s to provide a 4-K program with DPI certified teachers.
Our Mission
REACH, Inc. is a community-based, private non-profit organization whose mission is to provide innovative opportunities for people in order to promote self-determination and full participation in the community, regardless of their ability.
Community Integration
Our active community integration programs allow adults and children to interact socially and develop healthy community relationships.
Job Placement
We provide adults with disabilities the opportunity to reach their highest potential in community-based employment throughout the greater Chippewa Valley.
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