Community Reach of Montgomery County

Community Reach of Montgomery County (Reach) was established in 1967 to help build community connections and give a voice to marginalized groups, Reach has worked for decades to promote equity and self-sufficiency in Rockville and throughout Montgomery County. As the needs of underserved groups have changed, Reach has expanded and adapted, growing to work in five direct service areas, which together serve approximately 3,500 individuals each year.

The Rockville Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) provides emergency assistance to individuals and families who are facing a financial crisis. REAP provides direct financial resources to help residents avoid eviction, foreclosure, or utility termination, or to obtain needed medications or medical procedures. REAP provides referrals to Montgomery County residents for local food banks, clothing centers, vision and dental clinics, and computer resources. The program also provides case management and offers information about other services that are available to residents. REAP serves all of Montgomery County, helping create more stable communities by keeping families and individuals in their homes. 

Senior Reach works to address the needs of lower-income seniors and help them age in place. Senior Reach’s services help the elderly maintain their independence and avoid costly assisted living facilities, loneliness, or other risks while keeping them involved in the community. These services include home care services, assistive devices, food delivery, volunteer services, social and learning activities, and minor home repairs. Senior Reach staff provide individualized support for clients to connect them to resources, social activities, and other information based on their needs. Clients can receive medical alert devices, attend group events with local volunteers, and be connected to other needed resources and services.

The Language Outreach Program (LOP) offers a unique, family-centered approach to language skills development for Montgomery County residents who are non-English speakers working to overcome language and cultural barriers. LOP provides formal, structured classes to non-English speaking adults seeking to learn or improve their English. Classes focus on the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. School-age children of adult students receive tutoring to improve their academic performance. LOP also offers classes to prepare students for the U.S. citizenship application process and assistance with completing the application. 

For 30 years, Reach has provided safe homes for individual adults experiencing homelessness. Currently, the Housing Program includes Jefferson House for men and Rockland House for women. A permanent home and support system make it easier to find stable employment and helps residents develop skills to live independently. The Housing Program ensures that all residents have a safe and secure home, including a private bedroom and shared living space. Residents complete an individual service plan and are guided by a case manager on their path toward self sufficiency and personal growth. They take on responsibilities of paying rent based on their income and helping to maintain the house based on their ability.

Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic (MKHC), a subsidiary of Reach, was opened in 2009 and is one of the Montgomery Cares Clinics serving county residents who are low income and do not have health insurance. The clinic mainly provides Primary Care appointments, but also some specialist appointments. Clinical staff work with a county-wide network of health centers, radiology centers and private practices to make referrals, diagnostics and any needed treatment possible for medically underserved people living in Montgomery County. Onsite there is a lab and a community pharmacy allowing patients easier access to basic clinical needs.