The R.E.A.C.H. (Recreation, Education, Arts, Culture, and Health) Youth Program was created with a primary goal in mind: to empower Yonkers’ youth by nurturing their skills, creating a sense of belonging, and a commitment to the next generation.
Through a blend of activities like sports and arts, the program offers a necessary and wholesome approach to youth development. With a focus on fostering resilience, skill building, and cultivating a sense of community, R.E.A.C.H. provides a supportive and enriching environment where every young person can thrive.
A player, coach, and founder
Dathan Layne saw an opportunity to develop programs for children in Yonkers like free basketball leagues based on his experience growing up in the city.
He played in local recreational leagues at Gorton High School and all throughout Yonkers. He remarkably began his coaching career at the impressive age of just 15-years-old. Due to the busy schedules of his peers’ parents, fellow children did not want to give up playing basketball on their neighborhood Locust Hill team. So, the league allowed young Dathan to take up the mantle himself and become their coach.
After graduating from Gorton High School, Dathan became a volunteer coach for its junior varsity team. Then, as a young father, he began to understand the importance of family, education, and the impact of community involvement. Through his experience, he honed-in on the “it takes a village” mindset.
Wishing to provide a safe space for local children to succeed and encourage them to better perform within sports and in their community, he founded the R.E.A.C.H. Dreams Network, Inc. in October of 2014.
Free after-school programs and extracurricular activities provide children with structure and nurturing their skills in different areas.
While Mr. Layne is the organization’s Executive Director, he wears multiple hats that keep this program running. He is a volunteer, coach, and mentor to the participants. Other dedicated volunteers and parents step in and assist with tremendous work that the organization is grateful for.
How to Join
Located at 330 Riverdale Avenue, youth members of the community are welcome to stop by and fill out an application. R.E.A.C.H. works with boys and girls ages 10 and up. But, they’s also worked with children as young as age 5. As they prefer to keep families together, siblings are always encouraged to join.
For after-school programs, they operate out of Yonkers Public School gyms between the hours of 6:30pm-9pm.
The Future of R.E.A.C.H.
With the organization already working with children in Yonkers, the Bronx, and New Rochelle, it plans even more expansion. But, like any other non-profit, the necessary funding is needed from the City of Yonkers and State of New York. As a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) organization, all funds go into the operation of the programs and services they offer.
By investing in the well-being and growth of its young residents, R.E.A.C.H. continues its commitment to building a brighter future for generations to come.
