REACH EMPLOYEE PROGRAM

The REACH Employee Program at RISE Center was established in December 2015 and is comprised of RISE employees with varying abilities. These individuals are part-time University employees and are assigned to work with classroom teams in ways that reach their maximum potential. The REACH program brings the RISE inclusive model full circle. Some of the REACH employees are RISE graduates. REACH is an acronym that stands for Recreation, Employment, Activity, Community and Health. These individuals participate in activities to grow as a team and build relationships not only with each other, but also within the Tuscaloosa community.

Their contributions are significant to the daily operation of RISE Center. In addition to their work responsibilities, REACH members participate in community activities and support experience learning at the university level including:

• Participation in exercise classes planned and supervised by kinesiology students
• Participation in the Tuscaloosa City School System Can Project to benefit local food pantries
• ​Supporting and participating in local runs such as the YEAH 5K and Krispy Kreme Challenge
• Collecting and donating items for Live Beyond Ministries – an organization founded by the Stallings family.
• Acting as ambassadors at the RISE Tournament of Champions golf event

In March 2019, the REACH employees attended the Buddy Walk on Washington Advocacy Conference that brought the Down syndrome community together to advocate for legislative priorities that impact the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. The group has also visited RISE programs in Houston and Dallas, TX, visited with the Stallings family in Paris, Texas. They participate in other social opportunities including concerts, plays and movies. Fellowship with each other is a highlight of this program for employees with varying abilities. For more information regarding the REACH Program, please contact the RISE Center Family Service Coordinator, Joylyn Boggs, at [email protected].​