Since Fall of 2014, REACH Board and Staff have worked tirelessly to provide a relevant and engaging program that meets the needs of the whole community:
- Youth need fun things to do during non-school hours that support their education and build their social skills.
- Parents need a safe and enriching place for their kids to be during non-school hours.
- The community needs youth to grow up with the skills necessary to become valuable members of our local workforce.
- And everyone benefits when youth are engaged with their peers and mentors instead of unsupervised, disconnected and bored.
CLICK HERE to get involved at REACH
REACH Board Members
Roberto Pineda
– “I currently reside in Redmond, OR and have been living here for 3 years after relocating from Central Washington. I immediately fell in love with the community and everything Central Oregon has to offer. Having a young child of my own, I wanted to look for ways to positively impact the community for our kids. Once I learned more about REACH, I realized how many people and young adults contributed to the community here in Redmond, and I felt compelled to be more involved. The board members are a fantastic group of people and we will continue to work hard to improve what REACH offers. I have been working for U.S. Cellular for over 11 years and couldn’t have asked for a better place to live, work, and play!”
Jennifer Palmer – Jennifer grew up in Klamath Falls, and as the daughter of two retired public school teachers, values the commitment involved in serving today’s youth.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Nevada and the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business where she studied Communications, Music Performance and Labor Relations respectively.
Jennifer has spent most of her professional career in corporate Human Resources and has served on a number of Boards including Rotary and Heart of Oregon Corps. Jennifer and her family moved to Redmond in 2013 where her son is currently in elementary school and a “Reach Kid.” Their family loves to camp, fish, hike, and enjoy the outdoors as well as supporting the local performing art community. Jennifer is currently the Human Resources Manager for the Deschutes Public Library and also volunteers her time as a Suicide Prevention Trainer through the QPR Institute.
Jennifer is committed to supporting safe educational and care support services for working families and as a working parent understands the peace of mind that comes with a solid before and after school program.
REACH Executive Team
Jenny McKenzie, CEO – Jenny moved to Central Oregon in 2001. She immediately immersed herself in the local community as a small business owner and to pursue her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies (Counseling, Human Development and Adult Education) through Oregon State University Cascades Campus. With a wide range of experience from juvenile justice to manufacturing/importing, she has an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for working with and for her local community. She joined the Deschutes County Public Health Advisory Board in 2009 and continues to be civically engaged as a member of the City of Redmond Parks Commission. A mother of six children age 12-21, Jenny is a staunch supporter of the Redmond School District and her connection has ensured a strong partnership between local schools and REACH. Jenny is committed to and grateful for the opportunity to work for local families and her home town. Click here to contact Jenny.
Brandi McClennen, COO – Brandi was born in Bend and graduated from Bend Senior High School. She studied at and graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Child/Elementary Education and received her Oregon Teaching Certificate. Brandi started her non-profit career in 2004 when she moved back to Central Oregon. She was hired on as a Program Staff with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, but over the last 17 years, she has done everything from working directly with youth, to overseeing programs and staff, to writing grants. Working for an organization that makes a difference every day, whether it is big or small, and is such a vital part of the Redmond Community is why Brandi loves doing the works she does. Currently, she oversees all operations of the organization. Brandi and her husband reside in Redmond with their 12 year old daughter. When not working, Brandi can be found coaching or cheering on her daughter in one of her many sports. She also enjoys archery hunting, camping, DIY projects and being with friends and family.