Help alumni. Join our Reach Out Facebook group!

UpBeat December 2024
By Zan Diener (91E)

The 6 R's of Reach Out:
Helping Alumni Overcome Life's Challenges

Joblessness, homelessness, extreme medical conditions, evictions, utility shutoffs and natural disasters are some of the most pressing issues our alumni face. At Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network (Reach Out/ROAAN), we are dedicated to providing meaningful solutions to these challenges. Guided by our "6 R's" framework, we aim to restore stability, hope, and dignity to our alumni in need.

1. Reach
Our first step is to proactively reach out to alumni in need. We work tirelessly to ensure all alumni are aware that Reach Out exists to help them and to identify alumni who are struggling. Our goal is to extend a helping hand to alumni who may feel overlooked or unsupported, ensuring no one feels alone in their time of need. Through personalized outreach, we connect alumni with assistance and provide a bridge to critical resources. 

2. Relief
In moments of crisis, knowing where to turn is critical. At Reach Out, we address urgent needs by offering emergency one-time assistance to alumni facing unexpected hardships. Whether it's emergency funds to help cover rent or utility bills, or assistance after a natural disaster, relief is about offering tangible aid when it's needed most. By addressing critical needs quickly, we help alumni avoid further hardship and begin their recovery journey.

3. Resource
Access to the right resources can make all the difference. At Reach Out, we connect alumni to a network of support, including government programs, nonprofit organizations, third-party services, professionals who offer targeted assistance, and our Care Network alumni support system. By referring alumni to the right support systems, we ensure they receive time-relevant, impactful assistance when they need it most.

4. Recover
The journey to recovery often requires addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Recovery goes beyond surviving an unexpected crisis—it’s about rebuilding stability and hope afterwards. We work alongside alumni as they recover from life-altering setbacks. Whether through financial aid, emotional support, or tailored solutions, we guide alumni toward new opportunities. Our mission is to inspire bold steps toward recovery and create a sustainable foundation for their future.

5. Reassure
Sudden emergencies can shatter routines and stability, often leaving our alumni feeling helpless. These crises can take an emotional toll as much as a physical or financial one. At Reach Out, we provide reassurance during times of uncertainty. Through compassionate listening and unwavering support, we help alumni feel understood and supported every step of the way. We provide a listening ear, a guiding hand, and the assurance that no alum is ever alone. We create a safe space where alumni can share their struggles, find encouragement, and be inspired to take the next steps toward achieving their goals.

6. Respect
Respect is at the core of every interaction within our network. We understand that each person has their own unique journey, challenges, and aspirations. By fostering an environment of confidentiality and respect, we ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and understanding. This trust-based approach empowers alumni to seek help without fear of judgment, knowing they are valued and supported and that their private information will stay confidential.

Empowering Alumni, Changing Lives 

The 6 R’s—Reach, Relief, Resource, Recover, Reassure, and Respect—define Reach Out’s mission to address alumni challenges like homelessness, joblessness, extreme medical conditions, evictions, utility shutoffs and natural disasters. Through targeted support and compassionate care, we aim to create lasting change and sustainability for our alumni in need.

Join us in making a difference.

Thank you for supporting Reach Out and our mission to help alumni in need since 2006!

• Financial Assistance: Through various fundraising efforts, including our ongoing Empty Stocking Fund initiative, we provide immediate financial aid to alumni in dire circumstances. This fundraising initiative, happening till December 31, invites contributions from our alumni community, ensuring no member faces these challenges alone.
• One-on-One Support: Our Care Network allows alumni to extend direct, personalized support to those in need. It's an opportunity for our community to rally together and offer assistance on an individual basis, making a tangible impact in the lives of our fellow alumni. Our growing Care Network allows us to extend a helping hand, to our alumni in need, when and where it is needed the most.
• Non-Financial Aid: We help connect alumni in need with relevant 3rd party services. These resource lists helps maximize the available assistance for the applicant.
• Confidential Application Process: Reach Out ensures strict confidentiality in its application process, encouraging any alumni experiencing hardships to apply for support without fear or hesitation.

Make a difference today and be a part of changing lives

Reach Out is funded 100% by UWP alumni for UWP alumni!

Our annual Empty Stocking Fundraiser helps provide immediate financial assistance to our alumni in crisis. Your contributions have an immediate impact to help alumni in emergent situations get back on their feet.
Help ensure Reach Out remains a vital resource for our alumni community by making a tax-deductible contribution today.

As we approach this holiday season, we invite you to be a part of our mission by filling our empty stocking with hope and support. Each donation—whether $5, $20, or any amount—directly helps those in our community who need it most.

Even the little bits help! Small donations, when pooled together, create an immense impact. They provide immediate aid, offering stability, resources, and hope to alumni facing unexpected challenges. Your generosity becomes a lifeline, enabling our fellow alumni to overcome these difficult moments and rebuild their lives.

As UWP alumni, our collective strength lies in our unity and compassion. Together, we can rally behind our fellow alumni, offering hope and support during their times of need. Your involvement in the Reach Out Empty Stocking Fund can directly shape the lives of those within our community.

In this season of giving, make a difference in the lives of our fellow alumni by ensuring that no member of our UWP family is left behind and no one has to face adversity alone.

Thank you in advance for supporting
our alumni and Reach Out!

Help alumni. Join our Reach Out Facebook group!