REACH Provides Opportunities Every Day
Employment opportunities can be life-changing, especially for people with developmental disabilities. In Klamath Falls, REACH provides meaningful work, skill-building, and a sense of independence for 120 adults facing barriers to employment. With its successful recycling and landscaping businesses, REACH has become a cornerstone of the community, creating opportunities that empower individuals to live fulfilling, integrated lives.
“Stop by on pay-day Fridays, and you’ll see the pride on everyone’s faces,” said Jessie Oates, Executive Director of REACH. “Many of our members are receiving paychecks for the very first time.”
For the individuals who work at REACH, the benefits extend far beyond a paycheck. According to Oates, 90% of REACH participants live in adult foster homes, where opportunities for independence and choice can be limited. “Earning their own income allows them to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise have,” Oates explained. “It’s more than work—it’s about creating autonomy and opportunity.”
As part of its commitment to meeting the needs of its staff, REACH is building a sensory room: a therapeutic space designed to offer calming or stimulating experiences through light, sound, and texture. This will provide a safe, inclusive environment where individuals can manage stress, develop skills, or simply unwind.
Given the lack of indoor gathering spaces in Klamath County, the sensory room is filling a critical gap. Once completed, it will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will feature adaptive elements such as vibration chairs, textured surfaces, soothing sounds, and interactive tools. “This space is particularly important for people with developmental disabilities, autism, or sensory processing disorders,” Oates shared. “It’s about creating a place where everyone can feel supported and included.”
Another exciting development at REACH this year is the expansion of their landscaping program, which offers services like mowing, pruning, and planting for residential and commercial properties. This program not only provides jobs but also connects workers with the broader community through meaningful engagement.
To meet growing demand, REACH will add another vehicle to its fleet in 2025, enabling more workers to participate and serve additional properties in Klamath Falls, Malin, Merrill, Bonanza, and Keno. “It’s about opening up even more opportunities for our staff while meeting a community need,” said Oates.
The initiatives at REACH reflect a shared vision of inclusivity, independence, and community engagement. From creating sensory spaces to growing employment programs, every effort is focused on enriching lives and building connections.
With support from the Roundhouse Foundation, which has provided grants for the sensory room and additional landscaping vehicle, REACH continues to be a beacon of hope and progress in Klamath County.
“We never know what circumstances people are facing when they walk through our doors,” Oates said. “But we’re here to help, and to show them what’s possible.”
