The following was written by Sydney Boucher, a former REACH intern and one of our 2026 Falmouth Road Race runners.
This year, I’m running the Falmouth Road Race in support of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. While the race itself is an exciting challenge, the reason I’m running is much bigger than crossing the finish line. Last summer, I had the privilege of interning at REACH, and that experience opened my eyes to the life-changing work they do every day. When I was given the opportunity to run on behalf of REACH and fundraise for the organization, I didn’t have to think twice.
It’s difficult to put into words just how much my time at REACH meant to me. What started as a summer internship became an experience that completely changed my perspective, connected me more deeply with my community, and inspired me in ways I never expected.
I still remember my first day at REACH. I was super nervous leading up to it. I knew that I would be working in an environment where people were dealing with incredibly difficult and complex circumstances, and I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. But from the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel welcome. Everyone greeted me with warmth and took the time to help me understand my role and responsibilities.
As I became more comfortable, I quickly realized that this sense of compassion extended far beyond the workplace, it was at the center of how the entire organization approached its work.
What inspired me most about REACH, however, was not simply the kindness of the people who worked there. It was their dedication and determination to supporting survivors and working toward a community free from domestic violence. Every day, I saw how seriously the staff took this mission and how committed they were to making a difference in the lives of the people they served.
Before my internship, I understood domestic violence as an important issue, but I had never fully considered how many different forms of support are needed to help someone experiencing it. My time at REACH showed me just how complex this work really is. Advocates supported survivors as they navigated difficult emotions, safety concerns, and legal processes. Others created opportunities for women and families to connect, learn, and feel supported through workshops, events, and community programs. Behind all of this were countless staff members working in different roles, each contributing to the same mission.
Seeing this firsthand was eye-opening. I learned that addressing domestic violence is not as simple as providing one type of service or support. It requires an entire community of people who are willing to listen, advocate, educate, and show up for survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. REACH does this work every day, and being able to see it firsthand made me understand just how important organizations like REACH are to our communities.
My internship also made me more aware of the fact that domestic violence is not an issue that exists somewhere far away. It affects people and families in communities around us. Being exposed to this type of work within my own community broadened my understanding, and it left me wanting to continue supporting the mission of an organization that I had come to admire so much.
That is why, when I was given the opportunity to run the Falmouth Road Race as a member of REACH’s team, I immediately knew I wanted to participate. The race gives me the chance to challenge myself physically while supporting a cause that I have personally witnessed making a difference.
On August 16, as I run those 7 miles, I’ll be thinking about the people who make REACH’s work possible and the survivors and families they support. I’m proud to run for an organization that taught me so much and gave me a firsthand understanding of what meaningful community support can look like. I hope that through this race and my fundraising efforts, I can give back to an organization that has given me an experience I will carry with me for years to come.
