Refugee Education & Adventure CHallenge - REACH

05/25/2026

It’s been a whirlwind of a spring, and to be honest, we’ve been way too busy living in the moment to document it all on here!

While we’ve kept things quiet on the feed, we’ve been moving non-stop behind the scenes since March. Consider this your official teaser: more flashbacks to our hidden March-to-May adventures are coming soon! ✨

But first, a quick look at what we've been up to this weekend with our incredible Peer Mentor Leadership Program. After a morning rainstorm washed out our original mountain biking plans, we pivoted to a scenic cruise along the lakefront. 🚴‍♂️

The flat, paved group ride was the perfect backup plan, and the ultimate training ground for our team. Our Peer Mentors are building the exact endurance and trust they will need for our upcoming Wilderness Learning Expedition to the rugged trails of the White Mountains and Acadia National Park! 🌲

⛰️Speaking of the trip—drop a note in the comments if you have a must-see or must-do for our expedition to Maine! 🗺️👇
We want all your best trail, scenic overlook, and hidden gem recommendations.

05/10/2026

8 Years of Stewardship & 1,600 lbs of Impact! 🌊🧤

Yesterday marked the 34th Annual Chicago River Day, a tradition that has been transforming our city since 1992. Every single site across the entire watershed was filled to capacity this year, including ours!

At REACH, we’ve been proud to co-captain sites for the last 8 years, and returning to this location felt like coming home.

Our team of 40+ volunteers and Peer Mentors absolutely crushed it, hauling away 80+ large bags of garbage. That’s roughly three-quarters of a ton of debris removed from the riverbed in just one morning! 💪

From the first 1992 cleanup to yesterday's record-breaking turnout, we are honored to play our part in making the Chicago River healthier for everyone.

Huge thanks to Friends of the Chicago River for another incredible year!

05/03/2026

We think one of the best parts of REACH is the time shared with each other around a roaring campfire, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and eating s’mores. ❤️❤️🔥🔥

04/22/2026

This Earth Year, REACH youth have been restoring forests, protecting waterways, practicing Leave No Trace, and learning how to read the health of our rivers through macroinvertebrate investigations.

Hands in the soil. Boots in the water. Curiosity leading the way.

They’re growing into the next generation of environmental stewards: one ecosystem, one community, one moment of care at a time.

Young hands ready. A world worth tending.

04/19/2026

Mentorship in action at ! 🦡

Our REACH Peer Mentors had an incredible day exploring campus, led by an amazing REACH alum who gave us the ultimate insider’s perspective. 🎓✨

From the hands-on exhibits at the Physics Museum (a REACH favorite!) to the state-of-the-art new Computer Science building and gym, our students got a true taste of the Badger life.

A major highlight was attending the Biomechanics and Engineering Expo, where we saw UW students presenting groundbreaking projects—talk about leveling up our academic goals!

Seeing the journey from REACH to a top-tier university like UW-Madison inspires us all. We even managed to catch a quick glimpse of the Capitol to round out the perfect Madison day. 🏛️

04/13/2026

Summer Adventure Camp 2026 is open for registration! Give your kids a season of outdoor fun, new friends, and confidence-building activities with REACH. Spots are limited — secure your child’s place today: https://wix.to/oLSnSnM

04/07/2026

A Legacy of Justice, A Future of Hope

Today was a momentous day for Chicago's advocacy community. As Executive Director of REACH, I was honored to co-host a farewell luncheon for two iconic champions of our work: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Senator Dick Durbin.

This celebration was a true labor of love, planned in partnership with 9 other phenomenal women-led organizations that serve our city’s immigrant and refugee families. Standing alongside these leaders, we honored the nearly 30 years of unwavering leadership Jan has provided and the deep commitment of Senator Durbin’s office.

As a token of our collective gratitude, I had the honor of gifting Jan a framed photo of a Prayer Tie Tree at the summit of Black Elk Peak.

This image is sacred to our REACH community; it captures the moment our Peer Mentors reached the highest point in the Black Hills to tie their wishes for a more just and welcoming world into the branches. Just as these youth leaders climbed toward the sky with hope, Jan and Dick have spent their careers fighting for the dignity of those arriving on our shores.

As they prepare for their retirements in 2026 and 2027, my hope, and the hope of my fellow co-hosts, is that their "fight for just causes" has paved the way for new leaders who guide with the same grit, heart, and compassion.

Congresswoman Schakowsky and Senator Durbin, thank you for your legendary service. To my fellow leaders: it is an honor to stand in this gap with you. ✨

04/03/2026

Spring Fundraiser Update: We Need a Boost

Our Spring 2026 Fundraiser is Off to a Slow Start

03/27/2026

We’re grateful for our partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, which allows us to connect more teens and newcomers to the possibilities in nature. Ellie helps make that bridge real, opening doors for those who may not know where to begin!

03/25/2026

From rain‑soaked hikes to moments of courage on the trail, our Peer Mentors have been shaping stories rooted in land, identity, and becoming. Join us for this year’s Story Slam Art Exhibits and witness their journeys.

Come see what happens when young people turn challenge into meaning. Our Story Slam Art Exhibits bring together photography, narrative, and youth leadership in a powerful community gathering.

03/20/2026

“I’m soaking wet, tired... but look at where you are right now.”

The stories that shaped us are finally being told.

Join us for our 10th-anniversary Youth Story Slams coming to West Ridge and Oak Park.

📍 Save the dates:
🗓️ April 4 | West Ridge (Chicago)
🗓️ April 25 | Oak Park