Concerned Citizens Took Action and Built a Coalition for a Safer Community
In 1987, three dedicated members of the community (Janice Carey, Rex Carey and Vera Wofford) formed a community coalition and organized meetings between citizens, law enforcement officers, school administrators and city officials for the purpose of addressing alcohol and other substance abuse problems evident in the community.
Shortly after the formation of the coalition, the community faced a significant loss with the tragic murder of a young undercover police officer by two Midlothian High School students. Following Officer Raffield’s death, the community grew even stronger, and more citizens joined in the coalition efforts to combat the growing issue of youth substance use.
REACH Council was chartered as a non-profit organization in September 1988 and currently operates under the dba of REACH Council Prevention Services. What began as a local movement in Midlothian, Texas grew to include programs throughout Ellis County within only a few years and eventually expanded to neighboring Johnson County. REACH began as a community coalition, with programs funded by the city and conducted by volunteers until 1991, at which time the organization received its first state grant for implementing drug prevention education.
This page is dedicated to agency’s three founders who saw a need and took action, the countless dedicated employees who have carried out the REACH mission over the years, and the honorable memory of Officer George Raffield Jr.
While the Raffield family is not affiliated with REACH, George Raffield’s selfless bravery to combat drugs was the inspiration that led other concerned citizens to take action and continue the fight against substance use/abuse.
In the days, months and years since Officer Raffield sacrificed his life for a cause, there have been multiple articles and publications covering everything from the breaking news reports to the murder trials to family interviews years later. While REACH makes no claim of endorsement, links to some of the publications are provided below.
Officer Down Memorial Page- Patrolman George William Raffield, Jr
Innocence Lost by Carlton Stowers
