The Chippewa Valley Post provides news of area nonprofit organizations in order to increase public awareness of their missions and activities, and to provide information that otherwise might not be made available.
Our “6 of Substance” series is part of this effort. It will present answers from nonprofit organizations, in their own words, to six questions we asked about who they are and what they do. The responses will be edited only for length, grammar and style concerns.
This series will be updated regularly to introduce Chippewa Valley residents to the many nonprofit organizations and people working to serve the needs of our area. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that you’d like to see featured here, please let us know at cvpostwi@gmail.com.
The Reach Foundation
Who do you serve?
The Reach Foundation serves Reach, Inc. which is Regional Enterprises for Adults & Children. Reach, Inc. serves adults and children with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries here in the Chippewa Valley. The Reach Foundation was formed as a nonprofit to raise funds and awareness for Reach, Inc. All money raised by The Reach Foundation supports programming at Reach, Inc.
How long have you been established in the Chippewa Valley?
Reach, Inc. has been serving the Chippewa Valley since 1963. The Reach Foundation was formed in 2003.
What are the major issues you will be facing over the next 18 months?
The Reach Foundation, along with many other nonprofits in the area, is facing the challenges put forth by large fundraising campaigns like The Confluence Project. While this project is wonderful for our community, it can make fundraising for smaller nonprofits a challenge. It is hard to compete for those donation dollars when there is a major campaign such as the one for The Confluence.
Reach, Inc. always faces funding challenges as various levels of government threaten to eliminate funding for programs like ours. Unfortunately, they do not understand the need that Reach, Inc. fills. We always encourage elected officials to contact us and stop by for a tour so they understand exactly how important our services are in helping our community’s adults and children who are disabled.
Aside from financial support, how can the Chippewa Valley Community support you?
Financial support is critical. Our community can also help support our annual golf tournament on June 2nd and attend our “Reach for the Stars” event in November. We do a recycling program and certain types of clear plastic can be donated. If someone is interested in this, they should call us to find out what type of plastic we can accept. We also accept donations of clothing and other items. It is helpful to call ahead to see what type of items our clients need at that time. Most importantly, we encourage you to take a tour and learn more about what we do.
Who are some of the key people in your organization?
Reach, Inc: Stacy H. Wigfield has been the CEO/President of Reach, Inc. for 30 years. Jim Thomas is the Director of Human Resources, Ken Sumner is the Controller, Becky Bridges is Assistant Accountant/Accounts Payable, Jet Giere is Assistant Accountant/Accounts Receivable, Anne Woolever is Program Director for The Adult Program, Tammy King is Program Director for Supported Employment Services, Penny Shepherd is Program Director for Hand in Hand Childcare Center, and Janet Black is Assistant Director for Adult Day Services, and Adrian Klenz serves as the Executive Director for The Reach Foundation.
What is the most important thing about your organization that people should know, but don’t?
What makes us somewhat unique is our ability to serve individuals who are severely disabled and have greater care needs. Other area programs tend to serve disabled individuals with a higher level of functioning. Reach, Inc. focuses on helping those who are disabled find employment opportunities. We also help provide programming for people who are unable to work. Each year, we serve roughly 500 adults and children with disabilities in the Chippewa Valley. We emphasize community engagement, self determination, and the highest quality of life possible.
— by Adrian Klenz, Executive Director for The Reach Foundation
If you would like more information about The Reach Foundation, go to reach-inc.org.
To download a copy of the “6 of Substance” questionnaire, click here.
To see earlier “6 of Substance” listings, click here for the Archives.