09/25/2026
A Statement from the REACH Board of Directors:
It is with profound sadness that the REACH Board shares the passing of our beloved Executive Director, Dakota Koski.
There are simply no words that adequately express the magnitude of this loss. Dakota was the heart of REACH. The program would not be what it is today without his vision, dedication, leadership, and, most importantly, his genuine care for the young people and families we serve. He believed deeply in the power of relationships, in giving young people a place where they belonged, and in helping them recognize their own potential. He lived those values every day.
Dakota's impact extended far beyond the walls of REACH. He was someone who was known, loved, and respected by so many. Through his work, his friendships, and the countless young people and families he supported, Dakota built relationships that will continue to have an impact for years to come. His absence will be felt deeply throughout our community and beyond.
This loss is devastating, and it is difficult to comprehend a REACH community without Dakota at the center of it. We are grieving not only the loss of our Executive Director, but the loss of a friend, mentor, community leader, and an incredibly important part of the REACH family.
At this time, our focus is on Dakota's family, our REACH youth and families, our staff, and the many members of our community who are grieving this tremendous loss. The Board is working through the decisions surrounding REACH's programming and operations in the days ahead. We will share information about future programming and other organizational updates as those plans are developed. We recognize that people in our community, especially the young people who knew and cared for Dakota, may be struggling to process this loss. You do not have to carry that grief alone. If you are having a difficult time, we encourage you to reach out to someone you trust, whether that is a counselor, teacher, parent, family member, or friend to seek support.
Above all, we want to honor Dakota by remembering what he gave to this community: his time, his energy, his compassion, his humor, his leadership, and his unwavering belief in young people. Our deepest condolences are with Dakota's mom, his family, as well as everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. We know this loss will be felt deeply by all.
Dakota will be profoundly missed, and his impact will remain a part of REACH and the community he loved for years to come.
With love and deepest sympathy,
The REACH Board of Directors
