REACH Quarterly Newsletter - February 2026 by REACHCouncil

REACH QuarterlyNewsletter

What’s Inside

StaffSpotlight -Page2

YouthPreventionEducation -Page3

REACHRecoveryCommunities -Pages4,5,6

REACHAcrossEllisCounty -Page7,8,9

REACHAcrossHillCounty -Page10

REACHAcrossJohnsonCounty -Pages11,12

UpcomingEvents -Page13

REACHPodcast -Page14

Fundraising&Sponsors -Page15

Arts&Crafts -Pages16,17

ContactUs -Page18

REACH Council Holiday Party

Our REACH Council staff and board of directors came together to celebrate the holiday season and our accomplishments for the year. Thanks to everyone who works so hard to make our programs possible! Congrats to the winners of our sweater decorating contest (left to right): Brenna, Kryslyn and Sandy!

Staff Spotlight

Sheri Aiken

I am originally from a small town called Lincolnville, which is near Charleston, SC. Proud mother of three kids ages 25, 23; and 14. I am a retired Air Force member I have a bachelor's in sociology from Ashford University and am currently working on my MSW at University of Texas, Arlington with a certification in military social work. My goal is to become a clinical licensed mental health professional. I am excited to be a part of REACH Council and I am looking forward to getting out and meeting the community.

Katelyn Benning

I am originally from Puyallup, WA. I attended Assumption College in Worcester, MA where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I enjoy reading, spending time with my husband, and chasing my niece and nephews around.

Youth Prevention Education

Most of our fall semester schools wrapped up before the start of the new year with the exception of a few Kids’ Connection groups at Schupmann Elementary.

For the spring semester, we are facilitating Kids’ Connection groups at Schupmann ES in Red Oak (we finished the previous groups and started new ones), Kirkpatrick ES in Maypearl, Salvation Army in Waxahachie, and Irvin, Longbranch, Baxter, Vitovsky, and Coleman elementary schools in Midlothian.

We are also conducting Positive Action curriculum at Red Oak and Shaw middle schools in Red Oak, Loflin and Nichols middle schools in Joshua, and Walnut Grove Middle School in Midlothian.

Additionally, LifeSkills Training curriculum is being taught at Common Ground Ministries in Waxahachie. Guiding Good Choices family curriculum groups are being held at our Midlothian office as well as The Heights in Midlothian.

We are excited to share that enrollment for the Blues Program is expanding We are currently welcoming additional students and have successfully partnered with several more alternative school campuses to increase access to services. This growth allows us to reach students who may benefit most from targeted support focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, and resilience. We are grateful for the continued collaboration with school staff and community partners as we work to ensure more youth have access to meaningful prevention and support services.

REACH Recovery Communities

Reach Recovery Communities continues to grow and expand its impact through the Youth Recovery Center (YRC). With the successful execution of new grant funding, we are strengthening existing services and expanding recovery-focused supports for youth and families across our communities.

Program Expansion & Staffing Updates

Reach Recovery Communities has successfully executed our OPI grant, allowing us to expand programming and services to better support youth and families.

* We are in the process of hiring a Peer Recovery Leader and a Family Liaison, with OPI-funded services primarily focused in Johnson County.

* Additionally, TTOR has hired Vanessa Gurrusquieta as our new Peer Recovery Leader, with a dedicated focus on serving youth and families in Hill County.

* These expansions mark an exciting step forward as we begin laying the groundwork to broaden access to peer support, family engagement, and recovery services across both counties.

REACH Recovery Communities

November

November centered on gratitude, service, and recovery within the RRC.

* We hosted a Friendsgiving celebration at the Midlothian Civic Center, creating a welcoming space for connection, reflection, and fellowship among participants.

* Our Tuesday night support groups focused on recovery and gratitude, encouraging participants to recognize progress and practice appreciation during the season.

* Participants also engaged in community service at the Midlothian Senior Center, spending time playing bingo with residents and building meaningful intergenerational connections.

December

December was filled with joy, family connection, and holiday magic within the RRC.

* We hosted a combined family Pro-Social event with 32 attendees, featuring Santa and Mrs Claus, a snow machine, and a magical “snowy night” experience that created lasting holiday memories for families.

* Support groups throughout December focused on holiday safety planning, equipping participants with strategies to remain balanced, healthy, and safe during the holiday season.

REACH Recovery Communities

January

January marked a season of growth, planning, and new opportunities.

* We launched Seeds to Success, a combined support group focused on employment readiness and college preparation, led by Peer Advocate Mollie, offering participants practical tools and future-focused guidance

* In collaboration with YPI, we introduced Guiding Good Choices, supporting families within YRC as they strengthen communication, build skills, and deepen family connections.

* Our first Participant Pro-Social of the Month was held at Hooky Entertainment in Waxahachie, where participants enjoyed Avatar: Fire and Ash together in a supportive, recovery-focused environment.

Looking Ahead: Next Quarter Goals

As we move into the next quarter, Reach Recovery Communities will focus on both program continuity and expansion through newly awarded grants, including:

* Expanding peer recovery and family support services in Johnson and Hill Counties through OPI-funded positions

* Completing the Guiding Good Choices curriculum with participating families

* Continuing community service initiatives, including the Coalition’s Prom Pop-Up

* Strengthening outreach and engagement efforts to connect more youth and families to YRC services

* Maintaining consistent support groups, services, and Pro-Social events that promote long-term recovery and healthy connections

We are also excited to host a Family Pro-Social Easter event in March, with additional details to be shared soon.

November 1st - Maypearl Chamber ribbon cutting/RAEC dedication of the pickleball courts at the Maypearl Sports Complex.

November 20th - Maypearl Senior Lunch & Learn: Tammie Dooley & Gloria Allen from Hale Law firm provided participants with information on Estate Planning and the importance of having our documents in order. Congratulations to our bingo winners!

is County

December 6th - What a wonderful Christmas event in Maypearl. We topped the evening off with photos with Mr. & Mrs Claus. It is always great to see a community member who dresses for the festivities.

December 11th - Maypearl Senior Lunch & Learn: Crystal Meyers with Mentors Care presented on “Volunteer Opportunities” to our participants. Congratulations to our bingo winners!

REACH Across

December 17th - Reach Across Ellis County participated in the Avalon Community Christmas providing our lollipop activity, Connect 4 and Tetris games for all to play.

January 11th - Maypearl Senior Lunch & Learn: Chris Aguilar with Unite Ellis providing information on “Tech Made Simple: A Friendly Guide for Staying Connected”.

REACH Across Hill County

Over the past three months, REACH Across Hill County has been building momentum in meaningful ways. In November, we partnered with Hillsboro City Library to host a drop-in sugar-skull painting activity to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. Coalition members also rolled up their sleeves and mapped out our community’s environmental risk and protective factors, helping us see clearly where we can strengthen support and reduce substance misuse. In December, we made our first appearance at Magnolias & Mistletoe in Hubbard, sharing REACH Across Communities ornaments and inviting families to add to a growing kindness chain— small actions that reinforce connection and belonging. January was spent working behind the scenes to launch an all-ages Dungeons & Dragons club at the Hillsboro City Library, creating a welcoming third space where creativity, mentorship, and positive peer connection can thrive as powerful protective factors.

REACH Across Johnson County

December 11th - RAJC hosted the quarterly RISE meeting featuring guest speaker Cheyanne Davis who spoke about *Finding your Joy*.

January 15th - RAJC attended the Burleson Chamber non-profit speed dating event.

January 31st - Over 30 youth at Pathway Church packed quit kits as their service project. These kits are used to help people who are trying to quit smoking or vaping.

Upcoming Events

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:

NOV - We dig into the trap of perfectionism, what real progress looks like, and how to give yourself credit without giving yourself a complex

DEC - We shine a light on how substance use often sneaks into our lives, why it happens, and how to catch the pattern before it becomes a spiral.

JAN - This episode discusses how anxiety isn't a character flaw, it's a signal! Because your anxiety doesn't mean you're broken, it means something matters.

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.

Fundraising & Sponsors

Thank you to Adele Mooney for your donation to our Ellis County coalition!

Thank you to Belk (Waxahachie) and to Fish City Grill (Burleson) for your fundraising events which help to support our various programs!

If you would like to donate to help improve our programs, you can find us using one of the following methods:

Venmo: Reach-Midlothian Zelle: Tina.McClaren@reachcouncil.org PayPal Square

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, contact Tina.McClaren@reachcouncil.org.

Arts & Crafts

Easy Magic Snowflakes

Step 1: Draw Snowflakes

Materials:

*Sturdywhitepaper

(watercolorpaper forbestresults)

*Water

*Watercolorpaints

*Largepaintbrush

*Whitecrayonor

oilpastel

*Salt

Credit: craftyartideas com/ easy-snowflake-saltwatercolor/

Use a white crayon or oil pastel to draw simple snowflakes. Make sure to press hard enough to get the wax or oil on the paper. It is hard to see the white on white, but if you hold it at an angle, you can see where you put the drawing material.

Step 2: Paint A Light Water Wash

This art technique works best if you paint a light water wash before adding the paint.

Step 3: Add Watercolor Paint

We like to use cool-colored paints and let them mix magically. Your snowflakes should start to appear.

Step 4: Add Texture

Sprinkle salt on top of the wet paint. With young children, we advise only to use a little sprinkle.

Arts & Crafts

Chicken Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1 can black beans (drained & rinsed)

1 can pinto beans (drained & rinsed)

1 can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 can sweet corn (drained)

1 can (12.5 oz) chicken breast (drained & flaked)

1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce

1 can (14 oz) low-sodium chicken broth

1 packet taco seasoning

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Combine all ingredients into a large soup pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling reduce heat to low and let simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or whatever you like!

Credit: https://togetherasfamily com/7-can-chicken-taco-soup/