Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters, Inc. (REACH) seeks to provide affordable, convenient and easily accessible comprehensive human services to rural area youth, families and individuals in an effort to improve quality of life and enhance opportunities for success in school, family life and community living.

Description:
The goals of REACH are to:
*Provide co-located, comprehensive, and easily accessible human services to area rural residents.
*Provide subsidized counseling services to area residents on a sliding fee scale.
*Provide case management and support to those with multiple issues.
*Identify and provide prevention and early intervention classes/workshops on topics such as parenting, nutrition, financial management, and family wellness.
*Provide emergency food and clothing.
*Promote community involvement by providing opportunities for individuals and groups to give back to their community.
*Promote healthy families by providing programs, information and services in the area of child care, and family activities that support parents, nurture children, and contribute toward the goal of healthy families and healthy communities.
*Collaborate with other helping agencies to enhance service and avoid duplication.
*Promote REACH and educate the public on REACH services and potential impact on the community.
*Utilize survey instruments for measuring outcomes and client satisfaction.

History:
Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters, Inc. (REACH) is located in Hawley, Minnesota, about 25 miles east of Fargo-Moorhead. REACH is a non-profit human service center serving children, families, and individuals residing primarily in rural Clay, Becker and Norman Counties. The organization was established in 1991 as the result of a grass-roots effort focused on addressing the pressing emotional and financial problems facing area families. A steering committee of area youth, businesses, schools and churches identifying needs in the rural communities resulted in the establishment of REACH. Those accessing our programs and services live in an area that covers more than 1,500 square miles with an estimated rural population of approximately 16,000.
Since 1991, the number of persons served by REACH has steadily increased. What began essentially as a local rural counseling center has evolved into a comprehensive human service center that more completely addresses the varied needs of children, families and individuals through an array of programs and services. The organization has grown from two part-time staff and one program in 1991 to the current 9 full/part-time staff and 8 programs and approximately 220 volunteers to meet the continued and growing needs of children, families and individuals in our rural communities. Responding to this growth, REACH purchased a building in 2002 to accommodate the expansion of programs and growing client numbers. REACH has seen a 35% increase in clientele in the past year alone.

Contact people:

Paula Boucher, Volunteer Coordinator, (218) 483-3145, (email) Ruth Smith, (218) 483-3145, (email) Mark Altenberg, Executive Director, (218) 483-3145, (email)

Office fax number: (218) 493-3149

Address:

421 5th Street PO Box 237 Hawley, MN 56549 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ruralenrichment.org

Directions:

If coming from Fargo-Moorhead, take Highway 10 East about 25 miles. Take first left exit as approach Hawley. Turn right and head east on frontage road. Go east to 5th Street,turn left and go one block north.. . . (more)