Finding Confidence & Support At Reach
When Michelle reflects on the past year, one word rises to the top: proud. She is proud of her daughter Andrea, proud of the effort Andrea has put into therapy, and proud of the growth she has witnessed every step of the way.
Andrea began therapy at Reach for Resources about a year ago, bringing with her a quiet determination and a desire to keep building new skills. Like many families, Michelle spent time searching for a place that truly understood and supported her daughter. “Reach’s reputation meant everything,” she said. “I trusted their staff, and I knew they understood developmental disabilities. That made me feel secure bringing Andrea here.”
Andrea’s favorite part of therapy is simple, and her smile says the rest. “We talk about what I need help on,” she shared.
Andrea began with one therapist before transitioning to another, a shift Michelle expected to be difficult. Instead, it became a milestone. “Andrea and Aly have really connected,” Michelle said. “Watching her handle that transition so well made me so proud.”
Through therapy, Andrea began learning new coping strategies, skills that now appear in the moments that matter most. “I use my coping skills more, and I get less anxious,” she shared. Deep breaths, stepping away, and talking through her worries have helped her feel more in control.
Michelle has watched these skills unfold in real life. “I can actually see her pause and focus on taking that deep breath,” she explained. “She will say, ‘That’s what Aly taught me.’ She is more confident and more willing to talk about what she is feeling.”
When asked how she feels after therapy, Andrea didn’t hesitate: “Proud.”
Both Andrea and Michelle speak highly of Reach’s therapy services and recommend them to others. “I totally recommend Reach therapy to my friends,” Andrea said. “I feel safe with my therapist and have learned a lot.” Michelle added, “I have recommended it to other parents. Finding appropriate therapists can be a challenge, but Reach has been a smooth, supportive experience for us.”
For Michelle, Reach has become far more than a service provider. It is a trusted partner. “When I think of Reach, it is an organization that I trust,” she said. “They offer so much more than rec services. They provide therapy, adaptive programs, case management, support for living situations, music therapy. They are well-run, well-staffed, and they do their best for every individual.”
As the conversation ended, Andrea shared one last thought. Her words capture both her experience and the heart of Reach’s mission: “They are there to help people.”
For Michelle, that says everything. And for Andrea, it means she is growing, thriving, and discovering pride in who she is every single day.