WELCOME TO REACH MINISTRIES!
MISSION STATEMENT
REACH Ministries, through the love of Jesus, extends compassionate care to those affected by life threatening illnesses and situations, focusing on the most isolated, children infected with HIV/AIDS and their families.
REACH VIDEO
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VISION STATEMENT
REACH believes that everyone is valuable.
REACH believes we are called to serve those stigmatized or marginalized by virtue of their illness and life situation.
REACH believes in supporting and comforting the families and friends of persons with life threatening illnesses and in life-threatening situations.
REACH believes we are called to offer companionship and comfort to those in the dying process.
REACH believes that youths have a vital role in the service and leadership of this ministry.
RECENT NEWSLETTER
July, 2010
"Lean on me, when you're not strong
I'll be your friend; I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on." – Bill Withers
Every year at REACH Camp, children, adolescents, young adults, parents, volunteers and staff link arms and sing these words for fun and as a promise to continue the legacy that REACH has carried for 13 years. It is our highest aim that our children and families lean into love, hope and courage through our every endeavor.
For those of you who know us well, you know that Camp is an experience our families eagerly anticipate all year. Families are referred to us from various hospitals, families and community agencies. They come to Camp for four experience-packed days that include horseback riding, swimming, a talent show, hoedown, art therapy, support, a remembrance service and an optional worship service. The goal of each activity is to maximize fun, explore emotions through creative processes, and share memories of loved ones who have passed on—all in a confidential and safe environment.
We are supported by an amazing team of advisors and volunteers who assist us in creating an environment that encourages healthy living while providing quality care for our children with special medical considerations and compromised immune systems. We focus on healthy nutrition, fitness, emotional and spiritual well-being, and equip our surviving young adults with basic life skills. Each year, not only do our families report a decreased sense of social isolation and an increased sense of hope, but many state that REACH Camp is the closest thing they know to heaven on earth.
Last year at Camp we had the privilege of witnessing the reunion of four siblings who hadn't seen each other for over five years. You can imagine the joy we all felt. Ten years ago these children had been victims of abuse and neglect; thanks to REACH, they were removed from the most desperate of circumstances and though they were split across several foster families, they have been living under significantly improved conditions. REACH remains their place of safe reunion. How beautiful it is that we would be tasked with such a privilege!
One REACH Parent told us, "The challenges faced by young people living with HIV/AIDS and how families can stand in the gap with them continue to be daunting." He continued on to say, "I believe this ‘gap' to be the call of REACH as it tends to be one of the most difficult, undefined, and unattended to aspects of the AIDS crisis." Please join us, as we stand in this gap and sing the words "Lean on Me."
Sincerely,
Susan K. Slonaker
Camp will not happen this year without you!! Partner with us in raising the additional $25,000 we need for Camp scholarships and JOIN us on August 6th, 2010 at Overlake Christian Church for "Revolutionary Love" Dessert Auction featuring Honorary Chair, Tony Campolo. Contact the office for more information or visit our website.