Bellevue Lifestyle connected with the team at Jubilee REACH, whose mission is to “Bring healing, build community, and transform the lives of students and families in Bellevue,” to learn more about their work. The organization uses a Four Pillars approach to honor this mission: Partnership with the Bellevue School District, the Jubilee REACH Center, the Jubilee REACH Thrift Store, and community building events like Service Day and the Festival of Trees. The Festival (December 2 this year) is a night of celebration and inspiration to usher in the holiday season. During the Festival of Trees Gala, guests bid on fun auction items - including professionally decorated Christmas Trees - to help support Jubilee REACH services for the community. Read below to learn more about this wonderful nonprofit.
How do students in Bellevue Public Schools become connected with Jubilee REACH?
Jubilee REACH’s partnership with the Bellevue School District allows our staff - called Site Coaches - to work with students within 15 Bellevue Public Schools. There are Site Coaches in one high, seven middle, and seven elementary schools in the Bellevue School District. These coaches mentor students and support their social and emotional needs through relationship-building, classroom support, and academic coaching. The relationships they build create a sense of belonging and trust, allowing students to build friendships with their peers through after-school sports, clubs, and activities.
Has the organization seen a change in the demand for its services in the last few years?
When the COVID-19 lockdown began, Jubilee REACH knew that the most vulnerable families in the Bellevue area would need support. In March of 2020, Jubilee REACH’s Groceries for Families program began providing families with food and essential items. During the height of the pandemic, Jubilee REACH’s Groceries for Families program served 700 families and continues to serve over 300 families today. Groceries for Families has provided for immediate support, but created lasting relationships between the families and Jubilee REACH.
How best can community members support the organization?
There are many ways the community can get involved. The first way is to volunteer with us! We have volunteer opportunities for everyone whether it be at the Jubilee REACH Thrift Store in Bellevue, the work happening in the Bellevue School District Schools, the various programs at our center, and our community-building events. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in all of those places. You can also donate directly to Jubilee REACH as funds will go directly to helping the families in the Bellevue area. For more information visit us at jubileereach.org.
The relationships that Site Coaches build create a sense of belonging and trust, allowing students to build friendships with their peers through after-school sports, clubs, and activities.