National Recreation Foundation Shines a Light on REACH

We’re honored to be featured in the National Recreation Foundation’s Grantee Spotlight, which highlights REACH’s work and the young people at the heart of our mission. Being championed by a funder who truly understands our approach — relationship‑centered, adventure‑based, and rooted in belonging — means the world to us. Their story captures not just what we do, but why it matters. We’re excited to share it with you.

National Recreation Foundation Blog, 18 December 2025

REACH is an outdoor recreation organization based in Chicago that serves refugee youth and their families. REACH was founded in 2015 by Shana Wills, who had decades of experience working with refugee communities but saw a pattern of missed opportunities for youth engagement within mainstream refugee services and programs. Kids in newcomer families often serve as cultural brokers, learning English at school and quickly becoming adept at navigating the systems and norms of the U.S. on behalf of their whole families. This can create stress for both kids and adults, as families rely on pre-teens and teens to access critical services and resources. Add in community violence, a sense of isolation, and the usual mental health concerns that come along with adolescence, and refugee kids are under a lot of pressure. Shana hoped to address some of these issues by creating a safe environment for young people to unwind and explore their new home through outdoor recreation. 

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