About Upward Reach

Mission Statement

Upward Reach Foundation is dedicated to help individuals and families help themselves. The Foundation provides resources without cost, for achieving social and emotional wellness in order to live a more abundant life.

Upward Reach Objectives

Upward Reach self-help resources are used by individuals, families and caregivers as a means to achieve social and emotional wellness and to strengthen them when life’s challenges arise. Upward Reach objectives are:

1. To collect current quality social and emotional self-help resources.

2. To produce as needed, additional social and emotional self-help resources.

3. To organize and maintain these social and emotional self-help resources on the Internet.

4. To recruit qualified speakers on a variety of social and emotional topics.

5. To promote these resources through the Website UpwardReach.org and various Internet social networking sites.

Upward Reach Overview

Those suffering from addiction, mental illness, or social and emotional issues have many challenges to overcome in order to find help. Often, they do not know where to go for help and credible information. Quality resources are at times too expensive for the typical family to afford. At times there is stigma associated with going for help and they are afraid or ashamed to seek help. Upward Reach Foundation helps in overcoming these challenges.

Help Individuals and Families Help Themselves

Upward Reach provides resources to help individuals and families to strengthen themselves. The basis for self-improvement is the individual’s relationship with deity, self-reliance, and access to quality resources.  In 1936 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  (LDS) stated,

“The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p. 3.)

In a similar fashion, the aim of Upward Reach is to help people help themselves –socially and emotionally. As a result, emphasis is placed on resources that facilitate self-instruction.

Helping Those Who Help Others

Upward Reach empowers caregivers. A caregiver is a compassionate parent, spouse, friend, religious leader, mental health professional or any other caring person who desires to help another in need. Upward Reach provides resources to assist caregivers in helping others overcoming problems and in dealing with life challenges. At times Upward Reach uses the term “Coach” to represent the caregiver.

Reaching For Virtue (RFV) is a current Upward Reach multi-media project. The goal of RFV is to help young people overcome the temptation of pornography and other inappropriate sexual thoughts and behaviors which can lead to addiction, by applying gospel principles and strengthening self mastery.  The project uses valYOU meals – e-mails and valYOU texts - cell texts to distribute the information. The slogan is NEVER HUNGER. NEVER THIRST.

Doctrine, Principles, and Professional Medical Care Can Change Behavior

Upward Reach believes the application of spiritual doctrine and principles can improve attitudes and behavior. Boyd K. Packer said:

“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

However, when appropriate individuals and families are encouraged to seek professional medical and psychological care.

Deliverying Resources

Upward Reach uses the most current media and delivery systems to encourage participation including:

cell phones, blogs, podcasts, videos, e-mails, ipods, flip books, and social networking!