Educate and Empower to Lead

The Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help (REACH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2002 by Duplin County residents Devon Hall and Dothula Baron-Hall in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd to provide services to empower low-income families and people of color. The organization has also sought to address potential health effects of living close to industrial agricultural facilities, problems stemming from mental and emotional oppression, economic inadequacies, employment and education needs, lack of single-family housing, racial and cultural imbalances, and limited youth programs and services.

REACH has a vision for community members to be personally and economically empowered, and aims to collaborate with area residents, churches, businesses, and other human service agencies meet that goal. Not only will community members have their basic human needs met, they will also have equal opportunities and access to quality education, employment, housing, recreation, and programs for youth. Through building a strong coalition of citizens from all walks of life, REACH collaborates to empower each other and the entire community.