An Enduring Family Passion

Reach for Independence (RFI) is a private, family owned and operated agency serving persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Our ultimate goal? Supporting greater independence and more enriched lives for the individuals we serve.

With members in six counties across Western North Carolina and based in Fletcher, NC, RFI provides Medicaid-funded services that include habilitative (skill training), residential, day support, employment, respite, community involvement and networking services.

OUR MISSION

Provide opportunities to enhance the quality of life, self-sufficiency, and independence of persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Western North Carolina.

OUR VISION

Support people in developing their abilities and creativity and reaching their full potential by participating in an array of exciting and constructive activities that enhance their lives.

Meet Our Team

Ask our team what it’s like to work for Reach for Independence, and you’ll find that they agree with our founders and leaders: RFI is a welcoming, caring place to work that feels more like an extended family than only a job. And the fact that so many of our team have been here for many years shows that it’s fun and rewarding to work here. 

Donnie and Wanda Stills

Founders

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. 

Katelyn Stills

Executive Director

Katelyn Stills, the wife of Andrew Stills, is proud to pick up where her in-laws left off and carry on their legacy. Andrew and Katelyn shared a special bond since they first met while snowboarding in 2007. He encouraged her to pursue her passion and goals, so she changed her course of studies and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy. It was during this time that their friendship blossomed into something more. Andrew had introduced Katelyn to his family, and she began working at the Day Program. She started off as a one-on-one support staff member and dedicated herself to learning the ropes of the program. Katelyn’s hard work paid off, and she soon moved up to Activities Director, followed by Program Coordinator, and eventually Executive Director.

Katelyn and Andrew are a family that loves to keep active. With their two daughters, AFL members, five dogs, and two cats, there’s never a dull moment. From joining in on outdoor activities like dirt bike riding and four-wheeling to playing with Barbies indoors, these parents make the most of whatever fun opportunities come their way. With such an animated and entertaining household, Katelyn and Andrew truly have the best of both worlds!

As she steps into the Executive Director role at Reach for Independence in 2023, Katelyn will bring a heart of compassion and understanding as she strives to make sure that everyone who seeks help from Reach for Independence has their needs met. With her fresh perspective, Katelyn hopes to create innovative solutions to deliver quality services and make sure that everyone who comes through the organization’s door is empowered to reach for their independence.

With strong family values and her faith at the core of their mission, Katelyn is poised to ensure that Reach for Independence remains a leader in providing quality services to those with disabilities. With her committed team, Katelyn is confident that they will be able to continue the legacy established by Wanda and Donnie Stills and make sure those who seek help from Reach for Independence have access to the necessary resources to lead independent lives.

Scott Stills

PROGRAM DIRECTOR / FAMILY LIVING PROVIDER (AFL)

Scott Stills has always had a heart for those in need. At the age of eight, Scott saw firsthand his mother’s dedication to the fostering community. Scott grew up surrounded by I/DD members as his parents were AFLs — and what an incredible experience it was for him! 

He started his professional career in construction, but felt a calling to help and serve people more deeply. That’s why in 2011, Scott transitioned to become a Direct Support Professional staff member. His dedication and commitment soon allowed him to move up the ranks, from DSP to Group Leader in the Reach Day Program – and in 2015 to become the Director of the Day Program Enrichment Center. 

Scott and his family are also AFLs. Scott’s wife, Caitlin, has been involved in the I/DD field for over a dozen years, and she is one of the directors at Care Partners. With their two boys (ages 15 and two-and-a-half) they have all taken their love for the community to the next level. To them, it’s a family passion. But it’s not all work and no play for the Stills family. Scott manages to fit in time for coaching for his boys’ team, mountain biking, water sports — and even making handmade knives! He might be busy working full-time and managing a growing family, but he makes time to do what he loves — which is inspiring and shows that if you work hard and prioritize, you can make time to do all the things you love best.

Join Our Team!

Let’s talk about how you can become a part of Reach for Independence and our 16 years of success in empowering others to reach their highest potential. Apply online now or contact us for more information! 

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