Introduction
R.E.A.C.H.—Real Educational Answers for Community Hope exists to improve the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Luzerne County and surrounding areas. Our name reflects both our purpose and our method: education, compassion, and practical resources as the foundation for healthier lives. This statement describes why we exist, how we serve, and the principles that guide every decision.
Our Mission
The mission of R.E.A.C.H. is to significantly improve community well-being through counseling, education, support, and advocacy. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where people facing addiction, mental health challenges, or economic hardship receive assistance without judgment. Our programs build knowledge, skills, and confidence for sustainable change.
Our mission is action. We meet people where they are, listen carefully, and design programs that respond to real needs. Every workshop, counseling session, and outreach event flows from this purpose.
Why Our Mission Matters
Substance use, mental health crises, educational gaps, and economic stress intersect. Treating one issue in isolation often fails. By offering education alongside counseling and job training, we address root causes, not only symptoms. We treat people as whole human beings whose struggles and strengths are intertwined.
Core Values
1. Community First
Programs shaped by resident feedback, local priorities, and shared ownership.
2. Education as Empowerment
GED, vocational pathways, and everyday learning embedded across services.
3. Compassion Without Judgment
Dignity, person-first language, and trauma-informed practice at every touchpoint.
4. Evidence-Based Practice
Methods backed by research, improved through continuous evaluation.
5. Collaboration & Partnership
Coordinated networks with schools, providers, faith groups, and agencies.
6. Accountability & Transparency
Responsible stewardship, clear reporting, and community oversight.
How We Live Our Values
Community First
- Monthly listening sessions and participant councils.
- Schedules that fit working families and students.
- Transportation support where possible.
Education as Empowerment
- Free GED classes and job-readiness workshops.
- Skill courses co-designed with employers.
- Celebration of milestones from first module to first job.
Compassion Without Judgment
- Warm welcomes and confidentiality.
- Culturally responsive, trauma-informed training for staff.
Evidence-Based Practice
- Use of CBT, MI, and other proven approaches.
- Outcome dashboards and program reviews.
Collaboration & Partnership
- MOUs with treatment centers and hospitals.
- Joint events and shared referral systems.
Accountability & Transparency
- Annual reports, audited financials, open board practices.
- Public Impact and Accountability pages.
Programs that Reflect the Mission
Drug Addiction Services
Counseling, peer support, and referrals to inpatient/outpatient care with education on relapse prevention.
Mental Health Support
Individual and group therapy, crisis referrals, and stigma-reduction workshops.
Education & Workforce
GED prep, literacy tutoring, vocational training, job placement and retention support.
Community Outreach
Clothes drives, neighborhood clean-ups, and resource fairs in partnership with local agencies.
Mediation
Neutral facilitation for families, neighbors, and workplaces to resolve conflict constructively.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We serve people of all backgrounds and identities. Policies ensure equal access. Staff training emphasizes cultural awareness and removal of historic barriers. Facilities and digital resources are ADA-compliant; bilingual support is available.
Measuring Impact
- Quantitative: completions, credentials, employment, sobriety milestones.
- Qualitative: stories, surveys, focus groups, partner input.
- Continuous improvement: data informs program changes and resource allocation.
Visit Impact for dashboards and updates.
Looking Forward
We will expand digital learning, increase mental-health outreach, and strengthen employer partnerships. Innovation stays aligned to our values as community needs evolve.
Call to Action
Our mission needs partners. Volunteer, donate, or collaborate to make education, hope, and opportunity accessible to all.
Conclusion
R.E.A.C.H. provides real educational answers for community hope. Our mission and values define who we are, guide our decisions, and inspire every service we offer. Through education, compassion, and collaboration, we help individuals overcome challenges and build a stronger, healthier Luzerne County.