HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3636
City of Palo Alto (ID # 3636)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Special Orders of the Day Meeting Date: 5/6/2013
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Public/Private Partnership Presentation - REACH
Title: Public/Private Partnership Presentation by REACH
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
REACH Summary
“It’s like having your own private earthquake.”
REACH Program student
Earthquake is an apt metaphor for a stroke: typically striking without warning, the
consequences are usually devastating, if not fatal. Loss of physical, mental and communication
abilities are common. And when the insurance runs out and the therapies stop, the survivor is
still damaged. The REACH Program exists to provide a bridge back to the survivors’
communities, and to their lives. REACH is an acronym: Rehabilitation; Education; Acceptance;
Community; Hope.
REACH has served the Bay Area community of stroke survivors since 1989, with more than
2,200 graduates. From 1989 until 2010, REACH was part of Foothill College; it transitioned to
Foothill’s Community Education offering until Spring 2012. Due to the continuing financial
challenges in the Cal State system, we have spun off the REACH Program as a stand-alone 501-
(c)-(3) nonprofit.
REACH operates as an educational rather than a medical operation. Our staff of licensed
professional speech, occupational and physical therapists work with the students in group
classes. The students attend 1, 2 or 3 classes each day, two days a week. As the students slowly
begin to regain their strength, the instructors provide the guidance and their fellow survivors
provide encouragement.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
The focus on communication skills, adaptive learning skills and mobility and fitness allows each
student to reach his or her own emotional, social and physical potential, and attain their
highest levels of independence. REACH enables these individuals to accept their limitations, and
develop a positive attitude toward themselves, their families and their community. It is a place
of small miracles.
This video provides a look into the REACH Program - http://vimeo.com/13786426
Based on the past two years of operations, REACH is a break-even proposition. The fees paid by
the students cover the payroll and other incidental costs. The P Building on city-owned land at
Cubberley Community Center is provided on a no-cost basis through the end of 2014, courtesy
of Foothill College. After that, REACH must either secure a lease from the city, or find a new
home.
Attachments:
Attachment A - REACH Brochure (PPTX)