REACH Summer camp 2025
The week of June 9th-13th, we held our annual weeklong, half-day Summer Youth Enrichment Program for local elementary-aged students. The theme this year was Carnival/Circus which was super fun! Monday through Thursday were held at J.A. Vitovsky
Elementary in Midlothian. Activities included arts and crafts such as painting animal handprints and making picture frames, games such as a scavenger hunt, bingo, charades, animal toss and a clown dress-up relay race, and lessons about things like friendship, peer pressure, emotions and setting goals
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What's Inside
Feature Article Cont’d
Pages 2, 3, 4
Staff Spotlight Pages 5, 6
Youth Prevention Education
Page 7
Youth Recovery Communities
Page 8
REACH Across Ellis County
Pages 9, 10, 11
REACH Across Hill County
Pages 12, 13, 14
REACH Across Johnson County
Pages 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Tobacco Prevention Coalition
Page 21
REACH Podcast
Page 22
Upcoming Events
Pages 23, 24, 25
Fundraising & Sponsors
Pages 26, 27
Arts & Crafts
Pages 28, 29
Contact Us
Page 30
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Our week ended on Friday at the Midlothian Civic Center The Midlothian Fire Department stopped by and talked with the campers about safety, and they showed off their ladder truck and various tools they use to do their jobs. Popcorn and cotton candy were a hit at snack time. We enjoyed fun, carnival-themed activities like face painting, a bounce house, a water target game, and other games like Connect 4 and Tetris. We wrapped up our day with a family luncheon, generously donated by Earthtones Greenery and Union 28 Families got to share a delicious meal which included brisket mac & cheese, chicken alfredo, salad, and garlic bread all while hearing what their campers did throughout the week and watching a slideshow which captured so many fun moments. As always, summer camp was a wonderful, whirlwind of a week and we can’t wait until next year!
Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight
This Staff Spotlight is extra sweet because we have TWO staff members (Brenna and Gracie) who are expecting babies this fall! We are so excited to watch our REACH Council family continue to grow!
Brenna
Baugh
I’ve been with REACH for 3 years now as a Youth Recovery Leader in the YRC program! I love working with the youth, whether that is facilitating support groups and events, or visiting school campuses
I am excitedly expecting a baby girl this December and I’m so happy that my REACH coworkers and youth are in my life to celebrate with me!
Staff Spotlight Staff Spotlight
Gracie Gray
From connecting with community partners to helping secure the Texas Health Community Impact Grant, Gracie has grown a lot since her intern days— most notably in her confidence and leadership Outside of work, life is about to get even busier (and sweeter): Gracie and her boyfriend of two years are expecting a baby girl in November 2025 She says she’s “equal parts excited and nervous” about parenthood but is grateful to have her REACH family cheering her on through this new adventure.
Gracie joined REACH Council as an intern in January 2021 while completing her Master of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington and she never left! She officially became a staff member in July of that year and has since worked across multiple grants, including YPS, YPU, and CCP COVID Today, she proudly serves as the Johnson County Coalition Coordinator for the Drug-Free Communities grant
YOUTH PREVENTION EDUCATION YOUTH PREVENTION EDUCATION
Our youth prevention team wrapped up their spring semester in May and headed right into a busy summer! The first week of June kicked off with some of our team heading to Austin for APPM, which is our Annual Prevention Providers Meeting That week was immediately followed by our summer camp which was detailed in our feature article. In July we kept busy with presentations for students at Salvation Army in Waxahachie, and towards the end of the month we attended the first of many Back-to-School events as the summer neared its end.
The Fresh Start Summer Program took place over the summer and gave students a chance to hit the reset button and get ready for a positive start to the new school year. It was designed to help participants either return to their home campus sooner or reduce their time in the DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program). Students took part in meaningful activities focused on making better choices, building new skills, and setting themselves up for success both in and out of the classroom
The program included an educational conference on substance use, where students learned about the risks, prevention strategies, and resources available to support them They also joined small support groups to strengthen coping skills, build resilience, and connect with others who understand their challenges Pro-social events rounded out the experience, giving students fun and positive ways to spend time with peers and staff By combining education, support, and community-building activities, Fresh Start helped students head into the new school year with more confidence, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of direction
youth recovery communities youth recovery communities
Our Pro-Social Events are regular, organized events designed to bring participants together to engage in fun activities with the goal of creating pro-social relationships while exploring team building skills, coping mechanisms, and creativity without the use of substances.
This summer, YRC hosted weekly prosocial events in addition to regular support groups and YRC “chill days”! Events were hosted at Andretti Go-Karting, Arlington Skatium, Meow Wolf Grapevine, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and more! Our participants had a blast racing, skating, playing games, and all that was available at each of the venues. In addition to our events, we hosted bi-weekly Thursday night support groups, as well as hosting an additional bi-weekly YRC “chill day” where our participants have a fun and safe environment to socialize with other participants
As the school year approaches, we will provide opportunities for our participants to attend weekly support groups, as well as monthly pro-social events and quarterly community service events
reach across ellis county reach across ellis county
May
Many thanks to the Waxahachie Police Department for another fabulous Cops & Kids event. Participants who visited our booth received information on Safe Storage & Disposal of Medications, and the Naloxone Opioid Overdose Emergency Kit to add their first aid kits. Youth participated in the Aim to be Drug Free bean bag wall, Tetris and Connect 4 Congratulations to our MedSafe and Parent Handbook raffle winners
On May 29th Reach Across Ellis County held the first Maypearl Senior Lunch & Learn Participants had the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked courtesy of the Hope Health Ellis County, along with checking their height and weight Thank you Danae Hicks - Ellis County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for the important presentation on recognizing the signs of a stroke, and the measures to take in the event of a stroke Congratulations to our Bingo winners, and the winner of the locking MedSafe Shout out to the Maypearl ISD Student volunteers that assisted us with the event.
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June
From left to right: Jen, Shari, Sabrina, and Erica were among the REACH Council staff members who attended the Texas Annual Prevention Providers Meeting (APPM) held in Austin from June 2nd-5th
On June 26th we held the 2nd Maypearl Senior Lunch & Learn with our very own Santana Ware presenting to the group on the importance of self care, and relaxation/deep breathing. Attendees had the opportunity to make Zen Gardens to take home
June 20th Reach Across Ellis County partnered with Impact Communities and Keep Ennis Beautiful to provide a “Tobacco Butt Pickup” awareness activity around the Ennis Welcome Center with “Camp Impactful” participants The campers picked up 134 cigarette butts within 30 minutes Just a reminder to please dispose of cigarettes properly
reach across ellis county reach across ellis county
July
Thank you to the Friends of Maypearl for inviting REACH to participate in Maypearl’s Independence Celebration. We had a wonderful time, and the fireworks were amazing.
The Midlothian Healthcare Center is gratefully acknowledged for sponsoring the Maypearl Senior Lunch & Learn on July 17th. We had a great turnout! Congratulations to this month's Bingo winners! REACH Council staff and coalition partners participated in the 24th Annual CADCA Mid-Year Training at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN
reach across hill county reach across hill county
May
Reach Across Hill County powered up Hillsboro City Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff by challenging families to pick a sticker with a message that made them feel empowered With messages like “Progress over perfection” and “Mental health is just as important as physical health,” we reminded everyone that sometimes a smile is just a sticker away
We had a blast at Churrofest this year! Our coalition partnered with the Hillsboro City Library to host a hands-on maraca-making station using eggs, rice, and spoons and kids (and parents!) loved getting creative with their own instruments It was a fun way to celebrate culture, spark creativity, and connect with families in the community.
We had such a great time celebrating Memorial Day in Hubbard with our friends at Family Dollar! Families came out to enjoy face painting, giant Jenga, hot dogs, popcorn, a live DJ, and plenty more. It was a fun day of food, music, and laughter as we gathered to honor the holiday together and remind families that prevention is a community effort.
reach across hill county reach across hill county
June
Our coalition partnered with CASA of Hill County to provide a training on identifying and preventing substance misuse Participants learned practical strategies for recognizing early signs, supporting youth and families, and strengthening community resilience This collaboration is an important step in building a safer, healthier Hill County
Our coalition took part in Hill County Day at the State Capitol to learn more about legislative priorities that affect our communities This was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from state leaders, connect with other local representatives, and bring back insights to strengthen prevention efforts here at home. Engaging in these conversations helps ensure that Hill County voices are included in decisions shaping our future.
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July
Our coalition joined Paint Camp, hosted by You Can Paint It, where kids and families enjoyed a stress-relieving, creative experience. Volunteers and staff from the Summer Feeding Program with the City of Hubbard and Macedonia Church helped guide participants as we talked about how, even though we all share similarities, we each express ourselves in unique ways. It was a fun, colorful way to connect, relax, and celebrate individual creativity in our community.
Our coalition hosted the Roots of Safety training to help community members learn strategies for creating safer environments for youth. Participants explored ways to prevent risky behaviors, recognize early warning signs, and strengthen protective factors in families and neighborhoods. This training is an important step in building a resilient, connected, and safer Hill County community
reach across johnson county reach across johnson county May
In May, our RISE social event embraced the theme “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” Guest speaker Sarah Nicole Tynan shared an inspiring message on growth and resiliency, encouraging participants to “grow through what you go through.” Afterward, everyone enjoyed painting flower pots, planting flowers, and sharing dinner together a meaningful evening of connection, creativity, and encouragement.
REACH is excited to announce a new partnership with Pathway Church through their quarterly Respite Night program. These events give foster parents a well-deserved evening off while kids enjoy dinner, games, and fun activities Our team had the opportunity to join in by providing engaging programming, leading games, and building meaningful relationships with the kids and teens We look forward to the next Respite Night and to supporting the upcoming conference opportunity for parents
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May
During Pathway Church’s Serve Day, we partnered together to pack 416 care kits for Johnson County firefighters and 40 care kits for Burleson ISD counselors. Each kit included items to promote positive coping skills along with fun pick-me-ups like protein bars and energy drink pouches. Our hope is that these bags serve as a reminder of the community’s deep appreciation for their hard work and the importance of self-care.
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June
REACH and Alvarado Projects and Events Committee partnered to bring a free, familyfriendly sock hop themed dance to the community.
July
From left to right: Gracie, Shari, Sabrina and Erica were among the REACH staff who traveled to Nashville, TN for CADCA mid-year where they were able to receive additional training.
reach across johnson county reach across johnson county
This summer, 39 students participated in our Youth Coalition programs. Activities combined service, education, and fun beginning with a park cleanup and fishing at Bailey Lake, and continuing with engaging sessions at Alley Cats on mental health, alcohol, and addiction.
Our students made a major impact at Russell Farms Art Center by repainting benches, cleaning flower beds, and completing the equivalent of nine weeks of staff work in a single day. We also hosted a social event with seniors at Elk Creek Assisted Living painting flower pots and planting flowers for each resident. They visited the Burleson Police Department and City Hall, where they trained with police on social media safety and spoke with Judge Monk about challenges facing youth in our community
We closed the summer with a celebration at Pirates Cove, reflecting on a summer filled with learning, service, and leadership growth. We are grateful for the support of our community partners and look forward to carrying this momentum into the school year
tobacco prevention
tobacco prevention
TPC Youth Take on Tobacco Prevention
Back in June, Changemakers, our local youth coalition and a cornerstone of the Summer Socials series, brought teens together for lively games, creative challenges, and candid conversations about tobacco and vaping prevention. Participants jumped into vaping education and even played our custom “Vape Escape” game to test their knowledge about ecigarette risks through puzzles and teamwork One standout activity was a “butt pickup,” where everyone cleared cigarette litter from the park in Burleson and used the experience to spark deeper dialogue about how young people can foster healthier, tobacco-free communities
In July, TPC took 10 youth participants to the 2025 Say What! Leadership Conference, a statewide gathering powered by Students, Adults, and Youth Working Hard Against Tobacco
Over three days, teens took the reins, hosting workshops, guiding interactive sessions they designed and led themselves, and gaining additional knowledge from keynote speakers Our Reach for Nicotine-Free Youth (RFNFY) jumped into everything from advocacy training to hands-on educational tools, including making tar and phlegm jars to illustrate tobacco’s harsh effects on the body. Yes, it was gross. Yes, it was awesome. Most importantly, they enjoyed and learned new facts to share with others. We can’t wait to see what they do with the experience in our community.
reach podcast reach podcast
Are you subscribed to our "REACHing Out With REACH" podcast? You can find us on most podcast platforms!
REACH Council brings you informative content from the field of substance abuse prevention and recovery. Tune in for current drug trend information, interviews with subject matter experts, stories and testimonials.
Here is a recap of our past few episodes:
May - Please listen in as our prevention specialist, Holly, has a special podcast dedicated to Mrs. Maxfield's class!
June - “Mental Health Isn't a Luxury - It's a Necessity!” For too long, mental health has been treated like it's optional! Listen as Santana and Wendy talk about taking care of our mental health.
July - “The Truth About Coping: Healthy vs Harmful.” Let's be real, coping isn't just what we do in hard times, it's often what we default to.
Click here to listen: https://reachcouncil.podbean.com/
Do you have a topic you would like REACH to talk about on one of our podcasts? Please send your topic ideas to Wendy.Lewis@ReachCouncil.org.
Thank you for your generous donations! Your contributions make our programs possible.
Walt and Stacey Hamaker
Cotton Candy Lemonade
Credit: https://wwwfoodnetworkco m/recipes/trishayearwood/cotton-candylemonade-slushie-7512751
Ingredients Directions
One 12-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate
One 2-ounce tub of pink cotton candy (about 4 cups)
2 cups water
2 heaping cups ice
Puree the lemonade concentrate, 1 ounce of the cotton candy and 2 cups cold water in the carafe of a blender. Add 2 heaping cups of ice and blend again until smooth and thick. Pour into chilled serving glasses Stick a piece of cotton candy onto the rim of each glass
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
REACH: @reach.council
YRC: @YRC.Reach
RAEC: @reachacrosselliscounty
RAHC: @reachacrosshill
RAJC: @reachacrossjohnsoncounty
TPC: @rfnfy.reach
REACH: @reach_council
YRC: @yrc.reach
RAEC: @reach_ellis
RAJC: @reachacrossjohnsoncounty
TPC: @rfnfy.reach