Following a very successful business career, Paul Gilbertson followed the path outlined in the book "Halftime". He has devoted his time, resources and passion (as has his wife, Chris) to this incredible cause.
The result is that thousands of first responders are able to assist traumatized children by providing a timely, relevant resource - a book - which in essence removes the child from the crisis environment.
More recently, the organization has provided books to prisons for use when family members visit.
Paul affirms the phrase, "The Power of One". His dream and hope is now a reality in hundreds of communities across the country.
As a board member of many non-profit boards, I have experienced many levels of engagement by staff and board members. All at REACH a Child have a passion and willingness to roll up their sleeves and dig in to this great cause. This non-profit has a great primary purpose of reaching out and calming kids in crisis. However, there are multiple positive side effects of this activity. The child learns to find solace in reading a book, it improves their desire to read, attitudes toward police and other emergency responders goes from negative to positive, incarcerated parents spend more quality time with their children, etc., etc.