Mount Joy Mayor Tim Bradley proclaimed July 2022 as Rainbow's End Youth Services (REYS) Appreciation Month to mark the nonprofit's 40th birthday on July 16. The recognition underscored everything the organization does for local youths.

"We really embraced this idea of REYS Appreciation Month," said Cristina Paden, executive director of REYS. "We spent the month sharing information and pictures of our history on social media and at events, encouraging people to learn more about us and to ask questions." The organization participated in Mount Joy Community Night at the Lancaster Barnstormers, which happened to coincide with REYS' birthday. "That was a great night and a great time to meet people in the community," Paden noted.

REYS holds a backpack giveaway annually in August, offering school supplies and backpacks to students in need throughout the community. This year, the organization held a special drive to encourage other groups to donate to the cause. The Summer Sprint to 600 was created to entice church groups, businesses and families to come together to purchase and donate new backpacks. The goal was originally 600 backpacks, since that's the average number REYS distributes each year, but Paden noted that this year the need was greater. "We had 650 registrations for backpacks," she shared. "We celebrate that we were able to meet that need. It's a tangible need in our community, and we're really grateful for those community members who donated backpacks."

As REYS looks to the future, the organization is focused on several goals, said Hannah Wheeler, program and communications coordinator. "Community outreach is something we're working on," she commented. "We're going to more events and trying to get out where people are rather than relying on people coming to us." She added that the organization encourages groups to invite REYS staff to come to meetings to speak about the nonprofit's mission and spread the word about its programs.

Paden said she anticipates continued growth for REYS. "We are looking at deepening our relationships with the people who are currently present in our journey - whether that's the students, staff, community members who volunteer or our community partners," she said. "And we're hoping to increase our reach and impact in the community."

Supporting REYS can take many forms, Paden remarked. "In-person involvement is huge for us. That would be volunteering to serve a meal or if someone is gifted in a certain skill, donating your time and talent to benefit our students," she said. "Financial support is also a huge blessing for us in order for us to continue to have amazing programs for our students."

REYS serves students in grades one through 12 through after-school programs, academic assistance, music instruction and more. "Our after-school programs launch on Monday, Aug. 29," Paden said. "Come one, come all. Come see what we're all about."

For more information about REYS, visit https://reys.org.