History

In 1980, families experiencing a wide range of cognitive disabilities created REACH for Resources (previously West Hennepin Community Services) as a neighborhood support center. As our society was moving away from the widespread institutionalization of people with disabilities, these families sought support services would increase the self-sufficiency and community inclusion of their loved ones.

REACH became a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in 1986. Today, we provide a wide array of direct services to promote independence and a meaningful quality of life for people with cognitive disabilities. These individuals are affected by conditions such as mental retardation, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy, severe, multiple learning disabilities, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, and emotional behavioral disorders.

Our mission is to provide support and training to individuals and families with cognitive disabilities to maximize their independence, teach them how to use existing resources, and eventually integrate into the larger community.