Accountability

Introduction

R.E.A.C.H.—Real Educational Answers for Community Hope—was created to serve the people of Luzerne County with integrity and transparency. Accountability is more than a policy requirement; it is the foundation of public trust. Every dollar donated, every volunteer hour given, and every partnership formed carries an expectation that resources will be used wisely and that results will be measured honestly.
This page outlines how R.E.A.C.H. keeps itself answerable to participants, donors, staff, and the wider community.

Guiding Principles

Our approach to accountability rests on six interrelated principles:

Transparency: We share accurate information about finances, programs, and outcomes so stakeholders can evaluate our performance.
Integrity: All staff and board members adhere to ethical standards that prioritize the well-being of participants over personal gain.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Programs are evaluated through measurable outcomes, participant feedback, and independent audits.
Community Involvement: Residents of Luzerne County have a voice in shaping services through public meetings, surveys, and advisory committees.
Continuous Improvement: We analyze results, learn from challenges, and adjust programs to stay effective.
Legal Compliance: We follow all federal, state, and local regulations governing nonprofit organizations.

Financial Transparency

Responsible stewardship of funds is central to our mission. We maintain rigorous controls and publish clear financial reports.

Annual Budgets and Reports
Each year, the Executive Director and Finance Director prepare an operating budget that is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Key elements include projected income from grants, donations, and program revenue; anticipated expenses for staff salaries, facilities, and program materials; and contingency plans for unexpected needs.
A comprehensive Annual Report summarizes program outcomes, donor contributions, and audited financial statements. This report is distributed to stakeholders, posted on our website, and filed with the Internal Revenue Service via Form 990.

Independent Audits
R.E.A.C.H. engages an external accounting firm to conduct a yearly financial audit. The audit examines income statements, balance sheets, and internal controls to confirm accuracy and detect any irregularities. Results are presented to the Board of Directors and made publicly available.

Expense Allocation
We strive to direct the majority of funds to direct services rather than administration. Our goal is to maintain a program-to-administration ratio that consistently exceeds national nonprofit benchmarks.

Ethical Governance

Accountability begins with governance. The Board of Directors sets organizational policies and ensures compliance with our mission.

Conflict of Interest Policy
Board members and senior staff must disclose any personal or professional interests that could influence decision making. When a potential conflict arises, the individual recuses themselves from related votes or negotiations.

Code of Ethics
All employees and volunteers sign a code of ethics covering confidentiality, professional conduct, and respectful treatment of participants. Violations are investigated promptly, with disciplinary actions ranging from retraining to removal from service.

Performance Reviews
The Board evaluates the Executive Director annually against strategic goals, financial management, and community impact. Staff receive regular performance reviews that include participant feedback and measurable program outcomes.

Program Accountability

Numbers alone do not capture the human impact of our work. R.E.A.C.H. uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate programs.

Outcome Metrics
For each program—addiction counseling, mental health support, GED preparation, job training—we track metrics such as enrollment, completion rates, employment placements, relapse prevention milestones, and participant satisfaction scores. These data inform funding decisions and program adjustments.

Participant Feedback
Clients complete confidential surveys at key points during and after services. Feedback is analyzed to identify strengths, reveal gaps, and guide staff training.
Focus groups and listening sessions allow participants to share experiences in their own words, adding context to numerical data.

Evidence-Based Practices
Counseling methods, educational curricula, and outreach strategies are selected based on research and regularly updated to reflect best practices in the fields of education and behavioral health.

Community Accountability

As a community-based organization, R.E.A.C.H. is accountable not only to donors and regulators but also to the residents it serves.

Open Board Meetings
Quarterly board meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are posted online, giving community members the opportunity to observe decision making and raise questions.

Public Reporting
Key statistics—such as program enrollment, graduation rates, and service utilization—are published on our website and in local media outlets. Stakeholders can track progress toward annual goals in real time.

Advisory Committees
Standing committees composed of residents, participants, and partner organizations provide ongoing feedback on program design and emerging needs in Luzerne County.

Staff Accountability

Our staff and volunteers embody the mission in daily interactions with participants.

Training and Certification
All counselors and educators maintain required state licenses or certifications. Continuing education is mandatory, covering trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and ethics.

Supervision and Support
Supervisors meet regularly with staff to review case notes, monitor adherence to evidence-based practices, and provide professional guidance.
An internal grievance system allows staff to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

Donor and Partner Accountability

Supporters deserve assurance that their contributions achieve tangible results.

Gift Acknowledgment
Donors receive detailed receipts and an annual summary of contributions for tax purposes. Major donors receive personalized reports on the impact of their gifts.

Grant Compliance
When funding comes from government agencies or private foundations, R.E.A.C.H. follows all reporting requirements, including expenditure tracking and outcome measurement.

Corporate and Agency Partnerships
Memoranda of understanding with partner organizations specify mutual responsibilities, data-sharing agreements, and confidentiality safeguards.

Technology and Data Security

Transparency requires openness, but it must never compromise privacy.

Participant records are stored in encrypted databases with role-based access controls.
Staff use secure communication channels for sharing sensitive information.
Annual cybersecurity audits test systems for vulnerabilities.

Responding to Challenges

Accountability also means acknowledging setbacks.

Case Example: Program Realignment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance in in-person GED classes dropped sharply. Data analysis revealed transportation and childcare barriers. R.E.A.C.H. responded by launching virtual classes and providing digital devices to participants. Enrollment recovered within six months, demonstrating our commitment to adapt when metrics signal a problem.

Continuous Improvement Cycle
Every quarter, leadership reviews program data, participant feedback, and financial reports to identify areas needing improvement. Action plans are developed with clear deadlines and responsible parties.

Future Commitments

Looking ahead, R.E.A.C.H. will deepen its accountability practices by:

Publishing interactive dashboards with real-time program metrics.
Expanding bilingual reporting to reach a broader audience in Luzerne County.
Creating an annual community forum where residents can question staff and board members directly.
Establishing a participant advisory council to influence strategic planning.

Invitation to Engage

Accountability thrives when the community participates. We encourage residents, donors, and partners to:

Attend open board meetings or request board minutes.
Review our annual reports and audited financial statements.
Volunteer for advisory committees or focus groups.
Provide feedback through surveys, emails, or personal conversations with staff.

Your involvement keeps R.E.A.C.H. responsive to the real needs of Luzerne County.

Conclusion

Accountability is not a single report or annual event—it is an ongoing relationship of trust between R.E.A.C.H. and the community we serve. By maintaining transparent finances, rigorous program evaluation, ethical governance, and open communication, we honor the confidence placed in us by participants, donors, and partners.
Through these practices, R.E.A.C.H. ensures that every resource entrusted to us results in tangible educational opportunities, compassionate support, and measurable improvements in the lives of people throughout Luzerne County.