FIND ACCEPTANCE: Programs

At REACH we connect families and individuals to a community who will accept them as they are.

Our Programs

With year round, virtual and in-person events, we have a program that will match your needs. Join our community and find acceptance, understanding, and friends.

“REACH has been transformative and life-giving to each of my kids.”

“One of my favorite parts, and a time I feel I can share, is guy group. It’s a unique place with a group of guys with families and lives similar to mine. I look forward to these conversations.”

“I felt support for my family … knowing that my kids are safe, and the worth my kids and I felt.”

“REACH Camp is my sanctuary. As a single parent, it is hard to be able to put down responsibility and let my nervous system relax and recalibrate. When I’m at Camp, I feel my defenses come down and I can take a deep breath.”

“I am so moved by the love and intentionality of REACH. [In our family] there’s Christmas…and then there’s REACH Camp! It means so much to me and my family. We feel totally loved and accepted here. I don’t know how you do it. We love you all so much.”

“We felt like we were part of a family from day one. My children felt free to be themselves and they left feeling so good about who they are! I have no doubt in the years to come REACH will be a very important part of our lives and will help my children grow into the confident and loving people they were made to be. THANK YOU!!!!!!”

Mentoring:

REACH Mentoring provides a one-on-one experience for REACH youth, teens and young adults to experience companionship, encouragement and honest conversation with a Christian friend and role model. Mentors will share life experiences, listen, offer support, and share the hope one can have through Jesus Christ.

Mentoring

If you are a REACH family member interested in mentoring for yourself or your child, please contact:

Pam Wenz
Mentoring Director
253-383-7616
pwenz@reachministries.org

Support Groups:

We have online support groups, facilitated by trained experts. You may choose to share or just listen. You may even join without sharing your identity with the group.

We currently offer support groups for:
  • HIV+ young adults who have grown up with HIV.
  • Parents of HIV+ children.
  • HIV+ Teen group.
  • HIV+ Adult group.
  • Grupo para adultos HIV+ en Espanol

Support Groups

There are a variety of groups to connect with your peers.

Support Group Interest Form

Spring and Labor Day Getaways:

Each year, REACH hosts two weekend getaways: Spring Getaway and Labor Day Getaway. Both are relaxed, fun, and judgment free opportunities to build safe community with others who understand the heavy burden of HIV stigma. Participants bond while sharing adventures, and eventually sharing their stories. Trust strengthens quickly at these multi-day events. Attending getaways has a major impact on the lives of kids, families, and adults, which is why many attend every year and have for decades.

Programs and activities promote creativity, community building, storytelling, reflection, fun, and freedom of expression. Life lessons are taught through experiences of team-work, time in nature, creative expression, and honest sharing.

Breakouts for each age group spark dialogue around the year’s theme, and free time invites rejuvenation. Participants say that getaways are an integral part of the REACH community.

“Sometimes sadness takes me to the dark. REACH taught me joy comes from within and helped me heal.”

“No matter what I say or do, I know REACH is always by my side.”

“Our positive son feels that HIV is normalized at REACH. This is HUGE. Connection with other parents over both HIV and non-HIV issues is encouraging.”

“[I had] deep one-on-ones with other parents going through the same stuff.”

Getaways

Our annual getaways provide kids and families with a joyous extended getaway from their every day lives.

Get More Information

Creative Expressions:

Join us for our monthly gatherings filled with fun activities. From crafting to learning new skills, each session promises fun, discovery, and spending time with other friends in REACH. Our aim? To foster a safe community where individuals with similar life experiences come together to unleash their creativity and build lasting connections.

Celebrations:

Festive gatherings throughout the year feel like family reunions. Some are in-person, and some are on Zoom so our more distant family members can participate. We come together for a Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas party, and sun and fun at our Summer Picnic. Join us as we share laughter, good food, and joy with friends old and new.

Events

REACH hosts a variety of in-person and virtual events through-out the year.

Upcoming Events

Circle of Hope Luncheon

May 14, 2024 University Place Presbyterian Church 11:45am -…
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