Helping Build Stronger, Happier Families

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 Parenting support at REACH is provided by Lana Ahrens, the President of the organization. With over 20 years of experience helping families and parents, she holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Family Studies from California State University, Northridge. Lana specializes in positive communication, problem-solving, and raising responsible and independent children. She has extensive experience working with families at risk for child abuse and with children who have developmental disabilities, such as autism and learning disabilities. 

 REACH offers a variety of services, including one-on-one parent coaching, art workshops, trauma-informed healing programs, advocacy for children with special needs, and initiatives such as the drug-free youth coalition. Our services aim to support families holistically by addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

The approach to parenting support at REACH is holistic, focusing on fostering positive communication, effective problem-solving, and building strong, responsible, and independent children. We also incorporate art and play as tools for self-exploration and connection, providing families with creative and healing opportunities to grow together.

REACH provides advocacy for children with special needs through active participation in the IEP process and by offering tailored support to children and their families. We ensure that families have the resources and guidance they need to help their children thrive. 

Lana has worked extensively with families referred to family protective services, visiting homes and providing vital resources to keep children safe and free from abuse and neglect. Her role as a Family Support Counselor gave her unique insight into helping at-risk families navigate difficult situations and create a nurturing environment for their children. 

Art is used as a transformative tool for self-exploration and connection at REACH. Through our partnership with A Window Between Worlds, we offer trauma-informed healing art workshops, allowing families and individuals to express themselves creatively and work through challenges in a supportive environment. 

While we do not advocate for corporal punishment, as research demonstrates there are more effective methods with fewer negative side effects, we use an evidence based, logical discipline model. This approach focuses on understanding the child’s skills, abilities, needs, and motivations to help caregivers craft the most effective strategies for raising responsible and independent children. That being said, while corporal punishment is not part of our strategy, we are committed to meeting families where they are and providing them with the most effective, evidence based alternatives.