REACH is a youth leadership group based in Bernards Township. The mission
of REACH (Ridge Education Action & Community Health) is to promote healthy
lifestyle choices through an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug free lifestyle
amongst Bernards Township Youth
- Raise awareness of Natural Highs and other alternative activities.
- Educate fellow youth about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
- Create positive change through leadership and self-acceptance.
Formerly known as Ridge Against Alcohol & Drugs (RAAD),
REACH has been working in the Bernards Township community for over 20 years.
REACH has always had the goal of preventing and reducing underage alcohol and
drug use amongst Bernards Township youth, but has recently also become
passionate about vaping prevention, de-stigmatizing mental health,
and a focus on student stress.
REACH meets twice a month at the Bernards Township
Community Center to plan programs and activities that are synergistic with
their goals for the town they live in.
REACH can be found at many events during the year including:
- Back to School Night
- Teen Volunteer Fair
- Empowerment Day at WAMS
- Pumpkins in the Park
- Charter Day
- Twilight Challenge 5K Race
- Party in the Park Movie Night
- National Night Out
REACH students attend the Lindsey Meyer Teen
Institute (LMTI) annually in August to learn leadership skills and form
an action plan to bring back to Bernards Township. Students are nominated
to attend LMTI in the early spring and invited to attend by the end of
the school year.
In order to join REACH, a student must be a 9-12th
grader that either attends school or resides in Bernards Township. Students
are expected to want to enact positive change in the community through
healthy lifestyle choices including being alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free.
For more information, email advisor Kaitlin Cartoccio at
Kcartoccio@bernards.org.
REACH 2020-2021 Leadership
- Co-Presidents: Andrew White & Alex Timoney
- Secretary: Sanjiv Raghupathy
- Youth Advisory Council Members (YACs): Andrew White, Abigail Phillips,
Alex Timoney, Madison Clowes, Jack Rhead
REACH is sponsored by the Bernards Township Youth
Services Commission, Municipal Alliance, and the Somerset County Board
of Chosen Freeholders.