The REACH (Religious Education for All Children) endowment has already reached its initial level of funding and is now setting its sights on its next goal.
REACH began in June 2002 with an initial goal of establishing an endowment with the purpose being to start raising funds that could help provide services and resources to individuals with special needs.
Thanks to the support of Bishop Robert Carlson and the generosity of many individuals throughout the Diocese of South Dakota, the REACH endowment just three weeks ago hit its initial funding level of $100,000.
Angie Quissell, the diocesan director of inclusion, said the fundraising got a big lift right away. Armed with a video the group produced, “this group met and went like thunder,” said Quissell. “That was our first real attempt at getting our word about REACH to the public.”
“We knew that raising funds was our initial need,” said board president Liz Rogers.
The group’s video went out as did a REACH brochure. The brochure went out to all registered Catholics in the diocese and the response was strong. The initial brochure mailing brought back 60,000 of the initial 100,000 dollars REACH has received.
“I think a lot of the people (who have donated) know someone or have a relative or a friend who has special needs,” said Quissell.
Part of the group’s work must still focus on educating people of the diocese about REACH.
REACH will continue to seek endowment funds but now a portion of the endowment will be available to help carry out the ministry of our church to individuals with special needs throughout our diocese.
“Now that we’ve had that initial try and success, now we need to have a more sophisticated system of approaching people for larger donations,” said Rogers.
That is what the board is dealing with now and has set new goals for REACH to attain.
“Within the next five years, we’d like to raise $1.3 million,” said Rogers. “In that time, we would be seeking major donations from individuals who are interested and would have the ability to make large donations.”
REACH board members think the endowment’s success story to date can continue. “This is the way to address the needs of special needs children within the Catholic system,” said Rogers. “It’s the one concentrated effort to raise, find and provide services. We think that has a great appeal.”
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs, please send any contributions to: REACH, 523 North Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.