Donnie and Wanda Stills have always been passionate about helping others. From a young age, they were determined to make a difference in the lives of those who needed it most. Wanda was no stranger to the challenges of those with disabilities, having grown up with two parents who had their own struggles.
Donnie and Wanda have dedicated their lives to providing a sense of comfort and community for individuals with disabilities. They founded Reach for Independence which is dedicated to helping those with disabilities lead fuller and more enriched lives by providing aid, resources, and support to countless individuals and their families.
Wanda’s career path is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Her story is a testament to the paths we can take and how our journeys shape us. She started at The Riddle Center in 1979. Wanda gained a wealth of experience, which led to her next position for 10 years with Henderson County. Her roles as Child Support Enforcement Supervisor and Social Worker in Foster Care and Adoptions allowed her to gain invaluable insight into the workings of social services and welfare programs. After leaving Henderson County, Wanda was appointed the Program Coordinator at Vocational Solutions, a position she held for the next 17 years.
While working full-time jobs and raising a family, she and Donnie also cared for her mother and were AFLs to three other individuals. During this time, they saw a need for a safe, engaging, and fun program for their AFLs during the day. The next phase of their journey began in 2011 when they opened the Day Program at Reach for Independence. The goal was to provide an enriching and stimulating atmosphere where people feel supported, engaged socially, and inspired. This program evolved into what it is today and is known as the Enrichment Center.
The founding of the company was driven by a desire to center their life around God and family, while also helping others in need. They held these values close to their hearts and wanted to make sure that every action they took was rooted in Christ’s teachings. This inspired them to strive toward building a successful business that was based on compassion, understanding, and faith. With God at the center of their company, they knew that anything was possible and felt confident in taking risks to make a difference in the lives of others. Their vision for what could be achieved with faith and determination steered them toward success and created a legacy of love that continues to thrive today.
