Tag Archive for: family

October at REACH: A Month of Connection, Creativity & Community

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Fall is here, and October is bringing another full month of connection at REACH Ministries!

At REACH, we know that community can look different for everyone. Sometimes it means gathering with people who understand an experience that can be difficult to explain to others. Sometimes it means sitting around a table creating something together. Sometimes it’s logging onto Zoom from the comfort of home just to see familiar faces. And sometimes it’s gathering around a campfire, sharing a meal, laughing together, and remembering that you belong.

This October, we’re making space for all of it.

Throughout the month, we’ll have support groups, Creative Expressions gatherings, online activities for kids and teens, our Ladies Zoom Chat, and one very special evening at Miracle Ranch for our 2026 Circle of Hope Dinner.

Positive Adults Support Group

Our Positive Adults Support Group will meet twice this month on Zoom:

Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 PM – Hosted by Cecilia
Monday, October 19 at 12:00 PM – Hosted by Pam

This group is a welcoming and confidential space for adults 18 and older living with HIV to connect with others who understand.

There is never pressure to have the right words or to share more than you’re comfortable sharing. Some days you may want to talk, and other days you may simply want to listen and know that you’re surrounded by people who get it.

Whether you’re new to REACH or have been part of our community for years, there is a place for you here.

Creative Expressions at the REACH Office

Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 AM
REACH Office

Creative Expressions is back in person this month!

Creative Expressions gives members of our community an opportunity to slow down, create, talk, laugh, and spend time together. You don’t need to consider yourself an artist, and you don’t need any special creative experience.

The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. The goal is to enjoy the process and the people you’re creating alongside. This is meant for adults, kids are welcome. Let us know if you are bringing little ones so we can have some games to entertain them while we craft or an easier craft for them.

Come ready to make something, connect with others, and enjoy a relaxing morning at REACH.

Circle of Hope 2026: An Immersive Camp Experience

Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30 PM
Miracle Ranch, Port Orchard

This year’s Circle of Hope is going to look a little different—and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

Instead of our traditional Circle of Hope gathering, we’re inviting our friends, partners, volunteers, supporters, and community members to experience a little bit of what makes REACH camp so meaningful.

We’re heading to Miracle Ranch, where REACH’s family camp story began nearly 30 years ago, for an Immersive Camp Experience.

Guests are encouraged to dress like they’re going camping! We’ll gather for dinner, fellowship, and an opportunity to hear more about where REACH is today and where we’re headed next.

Most importantly, you’ll hear directly from members of the REACH community who are willing to share their stories of resilience, connection, and what having a community like REACH has meant in their lives.

And because it wouldn’t be camp without a little fun, we’ll end the evening outside with a campfire, s’mores, warm beverages, and a chicken and goat roundup.

Circle of Hope is also an opportunity for us to say thank you. REACH exists because of an incredible network of families, volunteers, referral partners, healthcare providers, community organizations, donors, and friends who believe people living with HIV deserve a community free from judgment and stigma.

We would love to have you there.

Ready to join us?
RSVP for the Circle of Hope 2026 Dinner

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 PM
Zoom

Our Lifetime Survivors Support Group is specifically for individuals who have been living with HIV since birth or early childhood.

There is something powerful about connecting with people who share experiences that few others fully understand. This group provides space for conversation, shared history, resilience, encouragement, and understanding.

You are welcome to participate as much—or as little—as feels comfortable.

Creative Expressions Club

Tuesday, October 27 from 5:00–6:00 PM
Zoom + Mailed Activity Kit

Our online Creative Expressions Club brings the fun of creating together right into your home! This club is for children HIV+ or children with HIV+ caregivers.

We’ll mail participants an activity kit ahead of time, and then everyone can log onto Zoom to create together. It’s interactive, hands-on, and a fun way for kids and teens to connect with others in the REACH community—even when we can’t all be in the same room.

Opening that box is only the beginning. The best part is logging on and seeing everyone else ready to create alongside you!

Be sure to RSVP early enough for us to prepare and mail your kit.

New? Register your child here: REGISTRATION FORM

Ladies Zoom Chats

Saturday, October 31 at 9:30 AM
Zoom

We’re closing out October with our Ladies Zoom Chat!

This is a relaxed and supportive space for women in the REACH community to connect, catch up, encourage one another, and simply enjoy being together.

Grab your coffee, tea, breakfast—or whatever your Saturday morning looks like—and join us from home.

There’s a Place for You at REACH

Living with HIV can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when stigma makes it difficult to know where it is safe to talk openly.

That’s one of the reasons community is at the heart of REACH.

Whether you’re coming to a support group for the first time, opening a Creative Expressions kit with your child, reconnecting with friends you’ve known through REACH for years, or joining us at Miracle Ranch to learn more about our community, we want you to know there is a place for you here.

October is filled with opportunities to connect. We hope you’ll join us for one—or several!

For more information about any October event or to RSVP, contact:

Cecilia Bryan
Community Engagement & Events Manager
Email: cbryan@reachministries.org
Phone: 253-383-7616

Visit REACH Ministries to learn more about our programs and community.

Connection. Creativity. Community. That’s October at REACH.

October 2026 Events at REACH

August Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community Await

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August Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community Await

As summer begins to wind down, August is the perfect time to reconnect, recharge, and spend time with people who understand your journey. At REACH Ministries, we believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. Whether you’ve been part of our community for years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of everything happening this month.

Each of our programs is designed to create meaningful connections while providing encouragement, friendship, and opportunities to simply enjoy being together. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. At REACH, you’ll find a community that celebrates who you are and walks alongside you every step of the way.

Positive Adults Support Group

Monday, August 3 & 17 • 12:00 PM • Zoom

Living with HIV comes with unique experiences, and sometimes the greatest gift is simply having a place where you don’t have to explain yourself. Our Positive Adults Support Group offers a welcoming, judgment-free space for adults living with HIV to connect with others who truly understand.

Whether you’d like to share what’s on your mind, ask questions, celebrate victories, or simply listen, you’re welcome exactly as you are. Every conversation is built on respect, encouragement, and the understanding that we are stronger together.

Parents of Positive Children Support Group

Tuesday, August 4 • 7:30 PM

Parents and caregivers often carry so much on their shoulders. This support group provides a safe place to connect with other families who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising a child living with HIV.

Together we share experiences, offer encouragement, celebrate milestones, and remind one another that none of us has to walk this journey alone. The friendships built here often extend far beyond our meetings, creating a lasting network of support for the whole family.

Creative Expressions

Tuesday, August 18 • 11:00 AM • REACH Office

No artistic experience? No problem!

Creative Expressions is about much more than making art. It’s about taking time to relax, express yourself, and enjoy creating alongside others in a supportive environment. Whether you’re painting, crafting, or trying something completely new, you’ll discover that creativity has a wonderful way of reducing stress, building confidence, and bringing people together.

Come ready to laugh, create, and leave with something you’ve made—and hopefully a few new friendships too.

Creative Expressions Club

Tuesday, August 25 • 5:00–6:00 PM • Zoom

Our Creative Expressions Club brings creativity right into your home. Participants receive a project kit in the mail before we gather together on Zoom to create as a group.

Perfect for kids and teens, this interactive club combines hands-on projects with conversation, encouragement, and lots of fun. Even though we’re meeting virtually, participants quickly discover that creativity is one of the best ways to build community across the miles.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group

Wednesday, August 26 • 7:30 PM • Zoom

For those who have lived with HIV since childhood or early in life, our Lifetime Survivors Support Group offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar life experiences.

This group is built on understanding, resilience, and hope. Members support one another through life’s successes and challenges while honoring the incredible strength that comes from years of perseverance. The relationships formed here remind us that no one has to carry their story alone.

Don’t Forget—Labor Day Getaway Is Almost Here!

August is also your reminder to register for one of our favorite weekends of the year—the REACH Labor Day Getaway, September 4–7!

This unforgettable weekend is filled with adventure, laughter, creative activities, delicious meals, campfires, swimming, zip lines, giant swings, theme nights, and countless opportunities to build friendships that last long after the weekend ends. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to see familiar faces, there’s a place for you.

Our 2026 theme, Rooted in Belonging, celebrates something we all need: a place where we are accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow. We hope you’ll join us for a weekend filled with joy, connection, and memories your family will treasure.

We look forward to seeing you this August—whether online, at the REACH office, or at Labor Day Getaway. Every conversation, every smile, every creative project, and every shared experience helps strengthen the incredible community we’ve built together.

Because at REACH, you belong.

July 2026 Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

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July 2026 Events at REACH: Connection, Creativity & Community

Summer is a wonderful time to reconnect, create, and spend time with people who truly understand your journey. This July, REACH Ministries invites individuals and families affected by HIV to join us for a variety of welcoming support groups and creative activities—both online and in person.

Whether you’re looking for encouragement, meaningful conversation, or simply a place where you belong, we’d love to see you.

💚 Positive Adults Support Group

📅 Monday, July 13 & 27
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Zoom

A welcoming support group for adults (18+) living with HIV. Join us for conversation, encouragement, and connection in a safe, confidential space. Whether you feel like sharing your experiences or simply listening, you are always welcome.

🎨 Creative Expressions

📅 Tuesday, July 21
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 REACH Office

Take a break from the busyness of life and enjoy a relaxing morning of creativity. No artistic experience is needed—just come ready to create, connect, and enjoy time together with friends.

Creative Expressions is open to adults who enjoy hands-on projects, conversation, and building community in a welcoming environment.

❤️ Moms of Young Kids Group

📅 Tuesday, July 21
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 REACH Office

Immediately following Creative Expressions, moms are invited to stay for our Moms of Young Kids Group.

This supportive gathering offers a chance to connect with other mothers who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising young children while navigating life with HIV. Share stories, ask questions, and build lasting friendships in a caring and confidential environment.

💜 Lifetime Survivors Support Group

📅 Wednesday, July 22
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Zoom

Created specifically for adults who have lived with HIV since childhood or early in life, this group provides a unique space to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Together we celebrate resilience, offer encouragement, and build lasting friendships through honest conversation and mutual support.

💻 Creative Expressions Club

📅 Tuesday, July 28
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Zoom

Our Creative Expressions Club brings creativity right to your home! Participants receive a project kit in advance and join us on Zoom as we create together.

This interactive program is a fun way to stay connected, explore new projects, and enjoy an evening of creativity with the REACH community.

You’re Always Welcome

At REACH Ministries, we believe everyone deserves a place where they are accepted, supported, and celebrated. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been part of our community for years, we look forward to connecting with you this July.

For People Living with HIV – It’s about a Steady Building of Trust

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Three lively conversations were humming simultaneously, as REACH adults explored the theme of Rooted in Belonging in the breakout session. They were chatting about the difference between belonging and fitting in, with plenty of examples to share about places they were accepted unconditionally, versus groups where they had to hold back or limit themselves to fit in.

As usual, it took some effort to rally the groups back together in one big circle. As chairs were being slid and scooted back into place… a surprised voice burst out, “Wait, REACH is Christian?” I (Pam) answered in the usual way, “Yes, REACH staff and board members are Christians; our volunteers and participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds and beliefs. Our posture as a non-profit is to not be preachy or pushy. We measure whether all participants are feeling 100% welcomed multiple times every year, and thankfully we have always gotten 100% positives!”

As I prepared to move on to our next breakout topic, “Elaine” my immediate neighbor in the circle announced, “REACH is the one Christian group I’ve been a part of since the mid-1980s that has been completely non-judgmental. So many of us were put out of our churches just because of our status!” Her voice quivered midway through the last sentence so I instinctively put my arm around her for a side hug. She responded so enthusiastically we ended up bumping heads!

It’s a privilege to extend unconditional acceptance and love to people who have been judged and hurt by some churches and some Christians. It may take a while for these participants to believe what we say and trust us, but time is on our side as we have been building safe community for 31 years.

REACH welcomed 13 First-time Participants to Spring Getaway

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From Hesitation to Belonging: A Spring Getaway Story from REACH Ministries (Tacoma, WA)

“Meryl” and her tween child signed up for the Spring Getaway because a family friend invited them. Meryl and this friend have a long history with each other, and she trusted her friend wouldn’t steer her wrong… but she was concerned that REACH sounded like a religious non-profit and she hoped she wouldn’t be judged or feel out of place for not being religious. She signed up anyway, hoping for the best.

A few days later, Pam called Meryl requesting an intake phone call to start building a relationship in advance of the Getaway. During the usual overview spiel, Pam explained some of the nuances of REACH.
That we focus on fun and laughter to build bonds…
That we don’t talk about HIV from the front or in conversations outside of adult support groups because children might not know their status or their parents’ status…
That we are a Christian non-profit committed to not being preachy or pushy, and our volunteers and participants come from all backgrounds and give us consistently high scores for feeling 100% welcome…
Meryl interrupted, saying, “That makes me feel so much better! I was worried about that religious part!”

From the very first evening at the Getaway, Meryl participated full throttle. Running to get the middle spot in human tic tac toe, jokingly offering the worst possible advice in a game called “Reverse Advice,” prancing along doing the “caterpillar conga” with balloons cushioning her and her teammates’ abdomens. Her face radiated joy.

During our Closing Ceremony, Meryl stood up and shared with the whole group that she had never been in a group of people where she got consistently smiled at in such a sincere way. She couldn’t believe those smiles lasted all weekend. There were no cliques, only the feeling of being completely welcomed and embraced and… smiled at! Her voice quivered for a few of her sentences, but she pressed on, determined to express her appreciation.

It never gets old, seeing people experience the unconditional acceptance of the REACH community for the first time. They sense immediately they are in a judgment-free zone, a place of joy, filled with genuine smiles and listening ears.

*One week after the Getaway, Meryl let us know they were having “withdrawals.” She said they felt it as soon as they drove away from the venue on the last day of the Getaway, and it hasn’t subsided yet. We reminded her that she can join us for Zoom support groups twice a month, and the summer picnic and Labor Day Getaway will be here before we know it!

New Friends with HIV that Immediately Feel like Old Friends

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By Pam Wenz, REACH Director of Family Services
In April, REACH did an intake phone call with “Lisa,” and she attended support groups on Zoom off and on in 2025, but with limited talking or sharing of her video. When 2026 arrived, Lisa had still never met any REACH staff or participants in the flesh. I suggested we should use Presidents Day to get together — I said I could pick her up and together we could drive to meet up with two other REACH women in her area. She was eager for this to happen.

Once the four of us were settled in the apartment kitchen, setting out snacks, coffee, and tea… I saw the power of how much people trust REACH. For the first hour I could barely get a word in edgewise with these three as they shared stories, backgrounds, experiences, foods, faiths… In passing, the topic of Acceptance* came up.

Once we were cozily settled on couches, I found a gap in the conversation and asked the women if they’d be willing to take turns sharing with one another how they were able to come to a place of acceptance with their HIV. Lisa shared first. Her answer wandered to many painful places in her life story, but never quite touched on Acceptance. When she was done, I said, “It sounds like you are still on your journey toward acceptance.” She nodded that this was true. Her new friends shared next, showing vulnerability as they described their journey toward acceptance.

At the end of our gathering, Lisa asked for the other women’s phone numbers, which they readily provided.

For the first time, she experienced the level of safety she needed to talk about her status.

For the first time, she has personal friendships with people who understand life with HIV.

*Acceptance is a common topic that people living with HIV reflect on. For many of them, the days following initial diagnosis of HIV is not characterized by acceptance of this new reality. Perhaps they feel denial, fear, panic, blame, or many other things. But acceptance usually comes more quietly. And quite a bit later.

December Events & World AIDS Day Highlights

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December is always a meaningful month here at REACH Ministries, and this year is no exception. We are closing out 2025 with a full calendar of support groups, creative activities, and community-building events — both in-person and online. Before sharing this month’s schedule, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on an important milestone we celebrated yesterday.

🌍 World AIDS Day 2025 – Bringing Community Leaders Together

On December 2nd, we hosted a World AIDS Day luncheon focused on bringing HIV education to church leaders and community faith workers. Motivated by the troubling rise in HIV-positive births in our region, we have been deeply exploring how to reach wider networks with preventative information, maternal health education, and compassionate understanding.

We were honored to welcome individuals from multiple churches and faith backgrounds. Our program blended HIV basics with faith-centered approaches to supporting community members — and the response was incredibly encouraging. Many attendees expressed a renewed commitment to educating their congregations and helping ensure pregnant women in their communities are tested.

While this particular event was designed for church leaders, it is important to clarify that REACH does not offer religious services in our programming. Our families come from a wide range of religious and non-religious backgrounds. All of our participant programming is non-faith-based unless someone specifically requests spiritual support, in which case we gladly refer them to a trusted person within our broad community network.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who attended and helped make the luncheon meaningful.

🎄 December 2025 Events & Support Groups

We have several opportunities for connection, support, and creativity this month. Please feel free to share this schedule with anyone who might benefit.

Positive Adults Support Group ZOOM

📅 Monday, December 1
🕛 12:00 PM

World AIDS Day Luncheon

📅 Tuesday, December 2
🕦 11:30 AM
(Thank you to all who joined!)

Creative Expressions – In Person (at the REACH Office)

📅 Tuesday, December 9
🕚 11:00 AM
Join us for a fun and relaxing morning of ornament-making.

Lifetime Survivors Support Group ZOOM

📅 Tuesday, December 9
🕢 7:30 PM

Positive Adults Support Group ZOOM

📅 Monday, December 15
🕛 12:00 PM

Winter Party on Zoom

📅 Saturday, December 20
🕚 11:00 AM
A fun, cozy event for all ages! Activities, games, and connection from home.

Youth Creative Expressions – Zoom Group

📅 Tuesday, December 30
🕓 4:00 PM
A great way for youth to wrap up the year with creativity and community.

💛 Staying Connected

As always, REACH remains committed to providing safe, supportive, and judgment-free spaces for individuals, youth, adults, and families affected by HIV. We are incredibly grateful for our community partners, donors, volunteers, and the families who continue to trust us.

If you have questions about any of our programs, or if you know someone who might benefit from our support, we would love to connect.

Thank you for being part of the REACH family — and we wish you a warm, joyful December.

November at REACH: Connection, Creativity, and Community

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As the holidays approach, we’re looking forward to a month filled with warmth, gratitude, and opportunities to connect! Whether you join us in person or online, November offers something for everyone in our REACH family — from shared meals to creative projects and heartfelt conversations.

Here’s what’s happening this month:

🍂 Saturday, November 15 | 5–7 PM
Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner – REACH Office Building
Join us for our annual Thanksgiving Potluck! Bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy an evening of community, gratitude, and laughter. Everyone is welcome — families, volunteers, and friends old and new. RSVP Here: https://form.jotform.com/252786488028168

💬 Monday, November 17 | 12:00 PM (Zoom)
Positive Adults Support Group
A supportive space for HIV-positive adults to connect, share experiences, and build community from wherever they are.

🎨 Wednesday, November 19 | 11:00 AM – REACH Office
Creative Expressions: Wooden Signs Workshop
Join us in the office for this month’s Creative Expressions session! We’ll be making personalized wooden signs — a fun, hands-on activity to express creativity and unwind.

🌿 Wednesday, November 19 | 7:30 PM (Zoom)
Lifetime Survivors Support Group
For those who were born or have lived with HIV since early childhood. This group offers understanding, encouragement, and meaningful discussion.

👶 Tuesday, November 25 | 11:00 AM – REACH Office
Moms with Young Kids Support Group
A relaxed, supportive gathering for moms raising young children while navigating the challenges of HIV or caregiving. Kids welcome!

🌈 Wednesday, November 26 | 4–5 PM (Zoom)
Teen Creative Expressions Group (Ages 12–19)
Our very first Creative Expressions for Teens! We’ll meet on Zoom to make a fun craft together — supplies will be shipped directly to participants. Open to youth ages 12–19, whether they are HIV-positive or not.

If you have a teen or know someone who would enjoy joining, please contact us soon so we can send their art kit in time!

November is all about connection — and we’re so grateful for every person who makes REACH the supportive, welcoming community it is.

Labor Day Getaway: Resilience shines despite HIV stigma

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At Labor Day Getaway, the warmth of REACH embraced eight new attendees and three new volunteers. As always, we could see our community in a fresh light through their eyes. Somehow, in a balance difficult to achieve, long-time friends excitedly caught up with each other and new participants were joyfully welcomed.

Here are a few snapshots:

  • A teen coming off a difficult year, found the strength to sing a solo in front of everyone. Her bravery came from the moral support of one friend and one volunteer doing “interpretive dance” on either side of the stage to take the spotlight off her. All three performers were wildly entertaining. Two in the silliest ways, and one in a sincere heartfelt way.
  • A mom still reeling from recent traumas plus the daily stresses of life gravitated toward a young adult she could encourage and befriend. They even shared the same heart language.
  • A tween arrived glowering and departed smiling and giving hugs.
  • Five young children became the best of friends. Staff and REACH parents giggled when the kids would say, That’s my brother.” “Hey, sister!” and “Those are my kids over there.” Yes, the 3-year-old dubbed the slightly older children her “kids.”
  • At her third consecutive REACH Getaway, a young mom felt safe enough to share a brief, timid glimpse into the dark times in her past and how she sees so much more life and hope now. She had told us previously that she wanted to share more but was not ready. What a privilege to earn her trust.

A first-time participant told us, “It is good to find a family.”
A single adult said, “Sharing our experience was a relief to me. I was so comfortable to say anything without being judged.”
A teen said, “I am new here. It was perfect. I’ve learned to be resilient.”

August 2025 Events at REACH+ Final Call for Labor Day Getaway!

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August is in full swing, and we’re excited to share what’s happening at REACH this month—plus a final reminder about our biggest event of the year: Labor Day Weekend Getaway!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a new family, or a partner organization, we invite you to share these opportunities with anyone who could use connection, support, and a little summer joy.

🌟 August Events

Here’s what we have coming up:

  • Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 AM – Ladies’ Zoom Chat
    A cozy online hangout for the women in our community to relax, laugh, and connect.

  • Wednesday, August 13 at 7:30 PM – Lifetime Survivors Group
    A safe space for those who have been living with HIV since childhood or early life.

  • Monday, August 18 at 12:00 PM – Positive Adults Group
    A supportive group for adults living with HIV to share and grow together.

  • Tuesday, August 19 at 11:30 AM – Creative Expressions (at the REACH Office)
    This month we’re painting rocks—come get creative, enjoy some snacks, and express yourself through art!

🏕️ Final Push: Labor Day Weekend Getaway | August 29–September 1

Time is running out! Our Labor Day Getaway is almost here, and we’re finalizing registration numbers this week.

If you or someone you know has been planning to register—don’t wait!
This 4-day camp-style retreat is packed with fun activities, good food, beautiful accommodations, and most importantly—community.
We welcome individuals and families affected by HIV, and we intentionally create a safe, joyful space for all ages.

💲 Cost: $40/person | Max $200/family
📝 Register Now: Labor Day Registration – REACH Ministries

Thanks to our community of partners, supporters, and volunteers, we’re ready to make this year’s getaway the most meaningful yet. We can’t wait to gather, grow, and wrap up summer—the REACH way.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime.
📧 cbryan@reachministries.org | 📱 Text: 253-383-7616

schedule of august events