The REACH team includes staff, some volunteers and several board members. Executive Director Gayle Hepner is in the front row, second from the right. Valley News/Courtesy photo
After serving victims of violent crime in the San Jacinto Valley for 41 years, REACH, formerly C.A.S.A. (Center Against Sexual Assault of Southwest Riverside County), is in danger of losing a large part of its funding. This loss will result in a cutback for critical services that are offered free of charge. The nonprofit’s Executive Director Gayle Hepner said notification was recently received saying there is a potential 30-40 percent cut in funding to take effect next year. They will find out exactly how much will be cut in June 2024.Hepner said based on the proposed funding cuts, she is projecting a loss of three to five employees, which is a 25 percent reduction in staff. It will also result in a 55 percent reduction in the number of available counseling appointments, which has av
