Dear REACH Friends & Family,
October 30th marked my first month here in Juneau with REACH, and I want to take a moment to reflect on what a truly meaningful month it has been. From the warm welcome I've received from our incredible staff to the opportunity to connect with other organizations in our community, every day has reinforced just how special this place is.
Since my arrival, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the dedicated individuals who make up our REACH family. We’ve also had the chance to meet with leaders from other organizations that share our mission, working together to explore new ways to best serve the individuals and families who depend on our support. One of the highlights of the month was attending the AADD conference, where I was inspired by so many passionate people who are doing important work in our field. I was also fortunate to connect with several of them, and I look forward to future collaborations.
When I first visited Juneau during my interview process, I knew this was a place where I could make a difference. I was struck by the eagerness of the staff to learn, grow, and continually improve in their work, all in service to those we support. The views of Juneau, even in the midst of a downpour, left a lasting impression on me—reminding me of the beauty that surrounds us and the resilience of this community.
On behalf of everyone here at REACH, I want to express how excited we are to continue building on our foundation in Juneau. We are eager to strengthen our relationships with fellow service providers, community organizations, and local businesses. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Looking ahead to next month, we are especially excited for our annual Holiday Party—a time when we come together to show our gratitude to the individuals we serve, as well as the dedicated staff who support them every day. It’s a celebration of community, and we are so grateful for the generosity of local businesses who have already committed to supporting our raffle, which will benefit both individuals and their families, as well as our hardworking staff. We are deeply appreciative of this community’s ongoing support, and we look forward to honoring these businesses during the event and in our December newsletter.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your continued support of the REACH family. It is because of this incredible community that we are able to do the work we do, and I am excited to continue getting to know all of you better in the months ahead.
With great gratitude,
Naomi Studevan
Executive Director