About Location

Where is REACH located?

REACH is located at 1804 S Washington Ave. Lansing MI 48910 Approximately one block North of Mt. Hope Ave. and approximately 1/2 mile South of 496 (or Downtown Lansing), on the West side of Washington Ave., corner of Smith and Washington. TEL: 517.999.3643 FAX: 517.999.3182. E-MAIL: outreach@reachstudioart.org You can view a map here.

Where can I park?

Park in the small area behind REACH… just off the alley. There is a big Granger dumpster in this area which is not being used. You may also park on the North side of Smith Ave. Please avoid parking in “the front” by the door, as we like to save this for parents dropping off participants.

Can I get to REACH by bus?

REACH is located one block either direction from a #2 bus stop.

How do I know that I am in the right place?

When you get to the Studio you will see paintings hung on the building adjacent to the studio. Across the street is a big red flower chair and a mosaic wall.

How do I know what door to go in?

The door for the studio is located on the North side of the building facing Smith and the small corner parking lot. It’s the door with a “REACH” awning over it.

What if the door is locked when I get there?

Knock very hard and wait or call the number on the door. We are either where we can not hear the knock, or we may have left to walk the children home. Either way, please wait!

Is REACH in a “safe neighborhood”?

REACH is located in a low-income City neighborhood that needs “positive” places like REACH to provide safe and creative activities for the children and families. As with other businesses located on “main drags”, we occasionally get “pan handlers” who stop in to ask for work or cash. We have not had any incidents which require police intervention, but we do have strict policies about how to respond to such visitors which are included in our policy manual.

About Volunteering

How can I learn more about REACH before completing the application process?

Check out our regular programming, mission, vision and core values, media coverage, etc. And we are always glad to answer questions over the phone or e-mail.

Who will I meet when I get to REACH?

When you get to REACH for the interview you will meet the Director Alice Brinkman and the Outreach Coordinator Jeana-Dee Allen Rogers. You may meet other volunteers or participants.

Do I get to choose how and when I volunteer?

We will work diligently to assign you a volunteer position that best meets your qualifications, our needs, and yours and our schedule.

Can I fulfill community service and/or course required volunteer hours at REACH?

Yes, as long as you qualify through our application process and your volunteer requirements fit with our volunteer options.

What should I wear when I volunteer?

Please wear clothing that you won’t be afraid of getting messy or painted on!

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Just a willingness to work!

Why does REACH need volunteers?

Volunteers contribute a critical part to increasing our capacity to serve more individuals and serve with higher quality.

Will I get a break on my volunteer shift?

Shifts are short so we don’t encourage breaks.

What do I do if I don’t like my volunteer task?

It is important to know what works and what does not. If you do not feel that the position requirements fit your expectations or qualifications, please tell us. If possible we will try to find a position that works better for you.

Will REACH still be open during bad weather (especially snowstorms in winter)?

If the Lansing School District closes school because of weather, than our afterschool programming will be canceled, and you should not come in for your volunteer shift. Usually school cancelations are posted on area radio and TV stations first thing in the morning. Feel free to call if you have questions. We will try to call and let you know if a program has been canceled.

Can I make suggestions, comments, or ask questions of the Staff?

We welcome hearing from you! We especially want to know how we can encourage and support you in your volunteer role at REACH. Please be sure to let us know when there are ways we can help you do your jostrongbetter.

How do I know what to expect on my first day of volunteering?

The orientation will provide more information relevant to the volunteer position. We will provide training opportunities throughout the year to help the volunteers be prepared for their responsibilities.

Does REACH provide food and beverages during the shift?

On occasion we provide snacks for the the youth in our programs; if we have extras the volunteers are invited to partake! We encourage you to bring your own food if you know you will need to eat while you are here. Sometimes our volunteer training sessions or meetings may include a meal or snack which we will provide. If you love to bake, we welcome you to share your creations with us!

If I bring in food that is perishable is there a place to store it?

Yes, we have a small refrigerator/freezer located in Alice’s upstairs studio.

If I bring in snacks for the kids, are there certain foods I should avoid?

We like to encourage “healthy” snacks like fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, less sugary items… but we will welcome most any donation of snack and occasional cookies or donuts are not turned away!!! It’s helpful to us if you let us know you are planning to bring a snack… that way we will avoid purchasing something perishable for your day.

When do I get my schedule and how often will I be scheduled?

For most of our positions we encourage volunteers to sign up for weekly shifts, but can be flexible if you need a different frequency. We will discuss your schedule the day of your volunteer orientation and will post the schedule on our “Volunteer Wall”.

Whom should I talk to if I have a schedule issue or conflict?

You should talk to or email the Outreach Coordinator first. If she is unavailable, please let Alice know.

Still have questions? E-mail our Outreach Coordinator to find out more on how you can join our wonderful team of Volunteers.