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About Us

History

Reach-Up Incorporated was established as a not-for-profit single purpose agency in 1979 and became the Head Start agency servicing Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties in Central Minnesota. Prior to this, the local Community Action Program administered the Head Start program in the same service area.

Reach-Up Head Start is primarily funded by the Administration for Children and Families (federal) with additional revenue provided by the Minnesota Department of Education (state).

Mission Statement

Reach-Up Head Start and Early Head Start provides comprehensive education and support services that strengthen young children and their families who are experiencing low income.

Core Values

We value:

All relationships and based them on integrity, trust and respect.

Strength-based partnerships with children, families and community agencies.

Uniqueness and diversity within communities

Vision Statement

Reach-Up Head Start and Early Head Start is recognized throughout the community and state as a family focused early childhood developmental model of excellence that has lasting impact.

REACH-UP PROGRAMS

KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION SERVICES

The United Way of Central Minnesota provided funds to start this program in 1995 and continues to fund this program today. Head Start funds also support this program. Staff continues the work with Head Start families as their children move into kindergarten.

BIRTH-THREE EARLY HEAD START

In late 1997, the State of Minnesota funded a small program for families with children, birth-three and pregnant women. The program began in 1998 and served over 20 families with year round services. In 1999, the federal level awarded Early Head Start funds for 32 families. Today, the funded enrollment for Early Head Start is 86, which is funded by Federal and State sources, and other grants and donations.

FULL-DAY SERVICES

In 2001, Reach-Up Inc. converted 34 Head Start slots to work with families who need full-day/full-year care. Today, both Early Head Start and Head Start families are served with full-day programs.

THREE-FIVE HEAD START

Today, we serve 278 children with federal and state sources, and other grants and donations.

Reach-Up Head Start is directed by a board of directors with community members and volunteers and by a policy council composed of current and past Early Head Start and Head Start parents and community members. The executive director manages the day-to-day operations with a management team.

FUNDING SOURCES

Administration for Children & Families: Office of Head Start
Minnesota Department of Education
United Way of Central Minnesota
USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program
Individual financial & in-kind donations
Otto Bremer Foundation and Morgan Family Foundation
Occasional one-time grants
State of Minnesota Early Learning Scholarships

Thanks to all who contribute!