Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network (ROAAN)
The idea for Reach Out started at the “40 Years And Counting” (40YAC) 2005 Reunion in Tucson when the many of the 65-70 Era alumni were very dismayed to discover several former staff members and alumni had fallen on hard times.

In 2006, Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network was created as a fundraising organization to provide emergency assistance to the 23,000+ worldwide alumni who have fully completed a national touring cast program of Up With People (UWP), Sing Out (SO)1965-1967, Moral Rearmament (MRA) 1965-1968, or WorldSmart (WS) 2004-2006.

Reach Out’s goal is to provide emergency support through financial aid, networking resources, and social services to those alumni in need who find themselves in special circumstances as homelessness, joblessness, or adverse medical difficulties.

How Reach Out Extends Support:

• Financial Assistance: Through various fundraising efforts, including our ongoing Monthly Donation initiative, we provide immediate financial aid to alumni in dire circumstances. This initiative, happening right now, 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.

Real Stories, Real Impact:
Meet the Alumni Reach Out Has Helped

Hear the stories behind these resilient alumni whose lives were transformed by Reach Out's support:

“When my husband and I were facing financial difficulties because of his health and the loss of my job, a fellow alum reached out to us to suggest that we contact Reach Out, so I did. They came through at just the right time and helped us get through the crisis. We are tremendously grateful a program like this was available to us.”
-anonymous alum

“I cannot express enough to the Reach Out Board the gratitude I have for helping me out during what has been the most difficult time in my life with devastating circumstances. I am grateful for your timely assistance, which allowed me to get back on my feet again! Again, I thank you!”
-anonymous alum

“A huge thank you to the Reach Out Board. It turns out having to ask for help for yourself, is a really hard thing to do. It was just refreshing to have someone new in my life who wouldn’t judge me. For the first time in probably 10 years, honestly, I was able to breathe, sleep OK at night, and not wake up with extreme anxiety. My husband also wants to extend his thanks because he has seen the change in me that I am no longer as stressed and can focus on our family and my healing. Thank you, thank you, thank you again for believing in me and supporting me.”
-anonymous alum

“Your help got me through the worst part of the winter. Now my house is a little warmer and I have food on the table so I can focus on my health and get myself from my terrible situation to a better one in the future. I am not capable of finding enough words to express my gratitude. You not only gave me assistance, you gave me hope. You showed, "We believe in you," and that means a lot to me.”
-anonymous alum

“I can't thank you enough for all the support you have shown me. For the first time, in what feels like forever, I am knocking on doors, instead of them being slammed in my face. "Thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough, but know that Reach Out has opened up avenues I never knew were available. You reminded me that there are people out there who want to help. For this I am grateful!”
-anonymous alum

These testimonials are just glimpses of the impact Reach Out's support offers. Join with fellow alumni, to help spread the word about Reach Out to your cast mates and cast groups. Together, let's ensure no alumni faces adversity alone.

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

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

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All donations are tax deductible and go to alumni in need.
Reach Out Alumni Assistance Network (Reach Out/ROAAN)