REACH NEWSLETTER
REACH EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP 2022 Written by Gracie Gray
WHATS ON THE INSIDE Page 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 REACH Explorers Summer Camp Page 7 Staff Spotlight
REACH Council has offered a free half-day, week-long summer camp for the past 24 years. This year, the camp was held at J.R. Irvin Elementary in Midlothian, where our REACH Explorers spent the week learning about space.
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On Monday, explorers were greeted by the Creature Teacher, who brought along some furry friends. The campers were able to learn about (and pet) a chinchilla, python, fennec fox, kinkajou, and a baby kangaroo. It was an awesome experience!
Youth Recovery Communities
On Thursday, our explorers had a visit from the Dallas Museum of Flight who brought an indoor planetarium and discussed the stars and planets in our solar system. Explorers had an opportunity to “travel through” space firsthand and have their burning questions answered.
Arts & Crafts Page 11 Youth Prevention Education Page 12 Page 13, 14 Coalition & Community Page 15 REACH Podcast Page 16, 17, 18 Fundraising & Sponsors Page 19 Contact Us
We are super thankful for the time spent by both of these presenters! (story continued on Page 2) JULY 2022
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REACH EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP 2022
(Continued from Page 1) Throughout the rest of the week, explorers participated in various indoor and outdoor activities, crafts, and educational lessons. They participated in UFO (frisbee) golf, balloon volleyball, alien sock hockey, relay races, kickball, and more! They created sand art, galaxy jars, telescopes, and painted pots which they were later able to plant succulents in. They also discussed things like the uniqueness of family, how to be a good friend and make good friends, and the importance of following your dreams. As we ended our camp on Friday, we were at the Midlothian Civic Center. Explorers were able to participate in and destress with yoga, guided by Tonia from YogaFire Midlothian. After yoga, our explorers were visited by the Midlothian Fire Department. Explorers also completed an “Astronaut Training” outdoor obstacle course followed by popsicles. At the end of the day, explorers were sent home with a free Chick-fil-a lunch, thanks to our partnership with Chick-fil-a Midlothian. A special thank you goes out to Manna House for providing take-home lunches for our explorers and their families all week as part of their summer feeding program. We also want to thank the Midlothian Fire Department for taking the time to visit with our explorers and talk to them about safety, as well as giving them a tour of the firetruck. Lastly, a huge shoutout goes to all of our parents, guardians, and volunteers that work together to make this possible each year. We could not do it without you! JULY 2022
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REACH EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP 2022
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REACH EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP 2022
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REACH EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP 2022
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REACH EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP 2022
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT Shari has served in some aspects of the prevention field since the early 90's. Beginning with crime prevention and volunteering with local law enforcement as a Neighborhood Crime Watch Captain, graduating from the Waxahachie Citizen's Police Academy (twice), serving as a Citizen on Patrol, Waxahachie National Night Out Coordinator, and currently serving on the Executive Board for Crime Stoppers of Ellis County. Shari volunteered with the Waxahachie Project Graduation in 2006 as a board member, and in 2011 as the Program Chair. She has served on the Waxahachie ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) since 2011, and as the SHAC Chair from September 2019 to present. She began volunteering with a local community coalition in 2010, and then was hired as the Community Coalition Coordinator in 2011. Shari received her APS (Associate Prevention Specialist) Certification in 2014. In 2016, Shari accepted the role as Drug Free Communities Coordinator for Ellis County, and served in that capacity until September 2019. At that time Shari joined the REACH Council Team as the Community Liaison for Ellis and Johnson County where she supports building safe and healthy communities. In July of 2020 she began hosting the "REACH Across Johnson County" segment on JoCo Community Radio where they highlight local, state and national community resources. She coordinates the Bi-Annual Prescription Drug Take Back Events in Ellis County, and also presents monthly at the Waxahachie Driving School on the "Dangers of Underage Drinking & Marijuana Use". Shari has been recognized most recently by the DEA and MADD North Texas for her collaboration and work in her communities. Shari has been happily married to David since 1982 with two children, four grandchildren, and two dogs.
SHARI PHILLIPS
Interesting Fact: Shari worked for many years in an office building where smoking inside was a social norm. After getting into the prevention field, Shari worked with community members to advocate for and pass smoke-free air ordinances in both Waxahachie and Red Oak.
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ARTS & CRAFTS
Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats Prep time: 5 mins Freezing time: 2 hours Servings: 24 treats Ingredients 4 tablespoons of peanut butter* *Xylitol ingredient is not safe for dogs! Please check the label on your peanut butter before making these treats. 1 banana 12 ounces of plain or vanilla yogurt
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Supplies Blender or Food Processor Silicone Molds
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Preparation 1. Blend the ingredients together. Place the peanut butter, banana, and yogurt in the blender/food processor and blend until smooth. 2. Scoop mixture into the silicone molds. Use a teaspoon of the mixture for each individual silicone mold or until at desired amount. 3. Place silicone molds in freezer for two hours or until completely frozen. Once frozen, they are ready to serve to your fur babies! Credit Recipe inspired from Urban Bliss Life Blog by Marlynn Jayme Schotland Link: https://urbanblisslife.com/frozen-peanut-butter-banana-dog-treats/ JULY 2022
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ARTS & CRAFTS
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ARTS & CRAFTS
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YOUTH PREVENTION EDUCATION
Following the conclusion of our REACH Explorers Summer Camp, our YP staff conducted summer curriculum programs at Salvation Army and Common Ground Ministries (both located in Waxahachie) where they facilitated LifeSkills Training, Kids Connection, and Too Good For Drugs. With summer coming to a close, our YP staff will be attending various back-to-school fairs in order to help supply children and families in our local communities with information about REACH Council as well as school supplies that might be needed in the coming months. As the fall semester approaches, we are so excited to continue partnering with Ellis County and Johnson County schools to facilitate the LifeSkills Training, Kids Connection, and Too Good For Drugs curriculums.
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YOUTH RECOVERY COMMUNITIES What is YRC? YRC is a free program in Midlothian for youth and young adults ages 13-21 who want to participate in safe and fun sober activities that promote a recovery lifestyle from substances. We help achieve personal goals, promote wellness, provide academic and vocational support, as well as offer community service projects. Serving Ellis and Johnson Counties
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COALITION & COMMUNITY The “REACH Across Johnson County” segment on JoCo Community Radio has had some amazing guest speakers over the last 3 months with topics covering Marijuana, Alcohol Awareness Month, Lifeguard your Child, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Vaping. In April, team members of the community program and REACH Across Johnson County attended two fun run events in Johnson County, toured the newly opened Clearfork Academy for Girls in Cleburne, and collaborated on the Prescription Drug Take Back Events around Ellis & Johnson Counties. An astounding 1,275 lbs. of expired and unused prescription and OTC medications were collected, with a breakdown of 731 lbs. in Ellis County and 544 lbs. in Johnson County.
DRUG TAKE BACK DAY
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COALITION & COMMUNITY In May, team members participated in a Multicultural Night at Lillian Elementary in Alvarado, met with Burleson and Alvarado city officials to discuss drug prevention efforts for their communities, and participated in the Paws for Reflection Mental Health Event in Midlothian. In June, DFC Coordinator, Nikki Bowman attended week 2 of the National CADCA Academy Training. Nikki also had the opportunity to present information about REACH Across Johnson County Coalition to the Burleson Lions Club at a recent meeting. REACH Community Liaison, Shari Phillips was recognized at the 2022 North Texas MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon with a Community Partner Award where she was one of eight people recognized for their amazing work in the field of prevention. The next REACH Across Johnson County Coalition meeting will be August 4th (12:00 pm) at Pathway Church.
CADCA National Leadership Forum
Shari Phillips receiving the Community Partner Award
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REACH PODCAST
REACHing Out With REACH is back and better this year, with all new content and topics you don't want to miss. Stay tuned for our month to month conversations surrounding prevention and recovery for all! Each month you can expect to tune in and learn about substance misuse, programs we offer here at REACH, upcoming events, life skills and tips to promote and sustain a healthy lifestyle, and so much more. Tune in to https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblogqbdkp-a69c74 to stay up to date each month. Each podcast we discuss news and topics about things that matter most to us and reflect our mission to "support safe and healthy choices vital to the well-being of our youth, families and community". Join our staff as they uncover tips on prevention and recovery, and create fun conversations focused on their passions and interests in the prevention and recovery field. Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms and subscribe to our podcast streams to stay up to date with the latest REACHing out with REACH podcast. You can tune in via; Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon/Audible, Pandora, TuneIn/Alexa, PlayerFM, ListenNotes, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Deezer, or YouTube. January 2022 https://ReachCouncil.podbean.com/e/overlap-between-human-trafficking-and-substance-abuse/ February 2022 https://ReachCouncil.podbean.com/e/building-stronger-relationships-through-love-andcommunication/ March 2022 https://ReachCouncil.podbean.com/e/hopekids-spotlight/ April 2022 https://ReachCouncil.podbean.com/e/cooks-children-s-hospital-drowning-safety-with-dr-guzmanjoco-radio-edition/ May 2022 https://ReachCouncil.podbean.com/e/mental-health-awareness-with-hope-clinic/ June 2022 No Podcast July 2022 https://ReachCouncil.podbean.com/e/dwi-awareness/
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FUNDRAISING & SPONSORS The Toss For A Cause Cornhole Fundraiser was nothing short of amazing! A huge thank you to everyone who came out and showed your support.
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FUNDRAISING & SPONSORS Thank you to our sponsorsPremier Sponsor: Bright Home Energy Awards Sponsor: CNB of Texas Lane Sponsor: GreenLight Roofing and Remodeling Community Sponsor: David Taylor Construction Co.
Thank you to our silent auction donorsEllis County BBQ- Midlothian: $50 Gift Card Pistols & Pearls: Designer Concealed Carry Bag Christi S. Photography: $350 Customized Portrait Gift Certificate Dallas Wings WNBA: Family 4 Pack Tickets
A big thanks to Cornhole 4 Community for hosting this wonderful event and helping us from start to finish. We couldn’t have done it without you! JULY 2022
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FUNDRAISING & SPONSORS Our annual Cupid Shuffle 5K Run has been postponed until the fall!
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CONTACT US Physical address: 208 S. 4th St., Midlothian, TX 76065 Mailing address: P.O. Box 598, Midlothian, TX 76065 Email: Info@ReachCouncil.org Phone number: 972-723-1053
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
REACH: @reach.council YRC: @YRC.Reach RAJC: @reachacrossjohnsoncounty
REACH: @reach_council YRC: @yrc_reach RAJC: @reachacrossjohnsoncounty
REACH: @REACHCouncil
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