Reach Unlimited Opens New Group Home, Expanding Support for Individuals with Disabilities
Reach Unlimited, a non-profit organization with a longstanding commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, has made an exciting addition to its community by establishing a new group home in the Riata Ranch neighborhood off Barker Cypress.
This new group home, featuring four bedrooms designed for three residents and one overnight staff member, represents a leap forward in Reach Unlimited's mission to provide a nurturing environment for its members. This acquisition is part of the organization's strategy to offer stable, long-term living arrangements for those in their care.
Founded in 1983 by a group of parents who sought a meaningful future for their children with disabilities, Reach Unlimited has undergone remarkable evolution over the years. What started as a dream to create a group home for a small number of individuals has blossomed into a vibrant community that has positively impacted the lives of over 600 individuals and their families.
“Our goal has always been to create opportunities where there were few,” Kris Lusebrink, the director of operations, shared. “Today, we operate 23 group homes, and our Learning Activity Center has become a hub of growth, offering a richly enriched environment for pursuing personal goals.”
With a diverse range of programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities, programming at Reach Unlimited focuses on the pillars of living, learning, and earning. In addition to their 23 group homes, Reach Unlimited's Learning Activity Center provides education and vocational training to members.
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Reach Unlimited also sells a variety of items crafted by its members, including plants, microgreens, fused glass creations, and custom imprinted napkins at their Cypress campus. These entrepreneurial efforts help instill a sense of purpose and self-worth in the participants, allowing them to thrive creatively while earning a paycheck.
Funding for these group homes comes from a combination of sources, including government assistance, grants, and donations channeled through Reach. However, the organization faces ongoing financial challenges as the reimbursement rate for staff from the state falls short of actual costs. Despite facing funding challenges, including the need to raise approximately $7,000 annually per member, Reach Unlimited remains unwavering in its commitment to empowering lives.
Lusebrink explained the reasoning behind the decision to purchase rather than rent. “We are converting rentals into purchases at a rate of about one per year,” Lusebrink noted. “Mortgage payments are more economical than rental payments since we don’t pay sales tax, and we typically handle most maintenance ourselves, often due to emergencies.”
“We do receive funding, but the state’s reimbursement rate for staff is only $10.60 per hour,” Lusebrink said. “This rate falls significantly short of our true costs, which include hourly wages, employment taxes, benefits, and health insurance. Nevertheless, the joy of providing a ‘forever home’ for our members is truly worth celebrating.”
As Reach Unlimited continues to make strides in empowering individuals with disabilities, the community is invited to join in this inspiring journey. Learn more about the array of programs offered, discover opportunities to volunteer, and find out how you can support their vital mission at reachunlimited.org. Together, we can help create a more inclusive world where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
