Category: Miscellaneous

Over the past 17 years, we have admired, touched, photographed, and shared 662 plates.

Each year in April we have the opportunity to celebrate our dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. This week, this year, we celebrate our volunteers in a new way, under new circumstances. COVID-19 has changed everyone’s lives in countless different ways. A metaphor that resonates with me as we navigate this new situation is that we are all in the same boat, but not in…

Tell us a little about yourself I’m from Cape Cod and I’ve been working in development for the past two years. I’ve worked at various nonprofits in Boston and in Cleveland. I studied political science at Wheaton College and lived in the Emerson Feminist Perspectives House on campus for three years. While there, our house did volunteer work with NARAL, Planned Parenthood and Sojourner House. I…

It is times like these that really strip away any pretense of equity, justice, stability, or safety for those who have been pushed to the margins. Marginalized by racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, abuse or poverty – moving through the world on the very edge of survival. And when crisis hits society, it hits these folks the hardest. Survivors who have struggled to manage the day to…

So, what do these roles actually look like? I’ve learned in my three months at REACH that reception goes well beyond opening the door and answering the phone. As survivors walk into our lobby from the elevator, our reception volunteers are the first people they see and the first people who can shape their experience at REACH. Our reception volunteers use their warm presence, empathy, and…

Last month, hundreds of generous donors provided holiday gifts for 290 families (over 850 adults and kids!) during our Holiday Gift Program. December is always a magical time at REACH because so many people come together to make this program happen. One of our wonderful volunteers, Kevin Dunckel, put into words just how truly special the Holiday Gift Program is and what this team effort looks like.

Others of you emailed us out of the blue this year. You heard about REACH through a friend, on Facebook, by Googling “holiday drive” or because you used to come to a support group here and because of the help you once received, you are now able to offer your support to someone else.  Almost 200 donors participate in this program and, for most of you,…

By Maura, a survivor REACH’s new office has so many features that enable staff, volunteers, and participants to gather and work in new ways. One feature is the “Breathing Space” – a cozy, unique room located in a quiet corner of the office. What happens there? A teen support group, a self-care group for survivors, team meetings, volunteer interviews, nursing, resting, meditation… the list goes on. A long…