Reach Unlimited opens 22nd group home

Some adults with disabilities now have a new place to call home, thanks to Reach Unlimited, an organization that provides support services for people with intellectual and mental disabilities. This month the organization celebrated the opening of its 22nd group home located on Verde Park Lane in Cypress.

Currently three of the organization's clients live in the home. Reach Unlimited is leasing the newly constructed house and the structure of the organization's homes usually serve three to four adults with disabilities. It costs Reach Unlimited approximately $59,000 in order to properly prepare a home so that it is furnished and outfitted for clients.

David Williams, 50, is a resident at the new Reach Unlimited group home. Bob and Virginia Williams, David's parents, have had their son involved in Reach Unlimited since 1988.

"David has been with Reach Unlimited since 1988, and there were very few options back then for the mentally disabled. We found Reach Unlimited and it seemed like the best option to us," Bob Williams said. "I think it is important to have organizations such as Reach Unlimited that provide these kinds of services and housing options, so they can be as independent as possible."

The residents make decisions regarding how they will spend their free time, chore assignments and other living decisions as a group. Reach Unlimited also provides residents with transportation to get the young adults to the Learning Activity Center, their jobs in the community, and church or other community activities.

Reach Unlimited began as a residential program 33 years ago, and now in addition to 22 group homes, the organization offers a day habilitation program that serves more than 300 clients every week in the Cypress area.

Reach Unlimited offers programs such as an enterprise program at the Reach Learning Activity Center which provides in-house opportunities for clients to earn a paycheck, intermediate care facilities, home and community based services, a learning activity center and supported employment at various jobs in the community.

"There is a growing need for the services Reach Unlimited provides which is evidenced by our waiting lists of prospective clients. Reach Unlimited provides much needed services for an under-served part of our population and contributes greatly to the enrichment of our clients' lives," said Verna Noack, Reach Unlimited donor and community relations manager. "The organization contributes to clients' lives by helping and encouraging them to develop and grow their skills, discover their capabilities, and enjoy social activities in a network of friends."

Last year in February, Reach Unlimited broke ground for part one of the planned expansion of the Reach Learning Activity Center. The Harris County Community Development Services Department awarded Reach Unlimited with a $750,000 grant to go toward the expansion of the facility.

Part one includes a lighted football field for the Special Olympics team, a teaching green house, an outdoor restroom and an outdoor parking lot. Once the organization raises enough funds, the construction of phase two will begin by adding 49,168 square feet to the Learning Activity Center. The additional space will allow for 10 new classrooms, a large multi-purpose room for recreational activities, a commercial kitchen/dining area and space for administrative offices.

On April 21, Reach Unlimited plans on holding a golf classic that will benefit the capital campaign to bring more classroom space and a gymnasium to the Learning Activity Center.

Reach Unlimited is a certified Home and Community-Based Service (HCS) provider that operates group homes located from the Tomball to Spring Branch areas.