Tri-Valley REACH is proud to announce the success of its REACH for Your Dreams – Havana Nights event, held on September 10, 2025, at McGrail Vineyards. Through community support, this annual event once again raised critical funds to advance REACH’s mission of creating affordable and safe housing and recreation activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The generosity of the community could be felt throughout the entire night as attendees were reminded of the impact of their support. Resident Matt shared how living in a REACH home has changed his life, while Tri-Valley REACH Board Secretary and parent, Carolyn Zalewski, spoke movingly about her family’s journey and the peace of mind having these types of resources available in the Tri-Valley community provides to families. Their stories highlighted how independence begins with housing and spaces that are extremely affordable, safe, and inclusive for all.
“The demand for affordable, sustainable housing for adults with I/DD has never been greater, but at Tri-Valley REACH our mission extends well beyond housing. We are committed to creating opportunities for independence, recreation, and community connection, ensuring that individuals with I/DD can thrive,” said Carolyn Zalewski.
REACH Resident, Matt, shared “My family is happy that I get to live in a REACH house. I get to live independently and make my own decisions.”
REACH continues to be the only nonprofit in the Tri-Valley providing affordable and inclusive independent housing to adults with I/DD. The nonprofit also supports enrichment opportunities through a variety of programs designed to foster independence, facilitate social connection, and encourage recreation. These include scholarships for the Recreation for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (RADD) program, providing equipment and hosting recognition events for Special Olympics T-RADD team athletes, and encouraging creative exploration and entrepreneurship through the Chamba Collective, among others.
“As a parent of an adult child with I/DD, I’ve seen firsthand how REACH-sponsored programs foster friendships, build confidence, and create joy. Whether it’s through sports, the arts, or social events, REACH is making a positive difference in lives every single day. For that, our family and so many others are grateful.”
At the heart of this annual event are the residents across REACH’s thirteen Tri-Valley homes, along with the hundreds of T-RADD athletes and RADD scholarship participants who benefit from REACH’s mission-driven support each year.
As part of the evening, REACH proudly announced the launch of its Havana Encore Campaign, a special 50% gift-matching opportunity in partnership with the Community Health and Education Foundation (CHEF). This matching campaign, running through October 31, 2025, allows every donation to go even further in directly supporting REACH residents and participants.
“Our goal with the Havana Encore Campaign is to expand our reach within the community,” said Sharon Almeida, Tri-Valley REACH Board Vice Chair. “Through a 50% match, every gift made will go even further, giving donors the opportunity to maximize their impact. This campaign is a chance for those who wish to deepen their support of our mission, as well as for those who may not have been able to attend the event.”
Tri-Valley REACH extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended, donors, and sponsors who made their annual event an unforgettable evening. With the support of the Tri-Valley community, REACH is excited to carry this momentum forward into 2026 and beyond.
To donate to the Havana Encore CHEF gift matching opportunity, please visit https://trivalleyreach.org/ https://chefgivingcommunity.org/HavanaEncore/
