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2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Reach For The Stars

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Astronomy, Education, Human Services, Mental Health, Mental Health Treatment, Technology

Mission: Reach For The Stars is a pioneering and inclusive nonprofit that harnesses the transformative power of astronomy and STEAM to promote mental health and wellness among children, youth and the community.

Community Stories

24 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

4

neal85lincoln, Client Served

Rating: 5

06/14/2022

I really really appreciate Carlos with Reach For The Stars Non-profit. I get to check out the beautiful night sky and share what I see. He’s a great buddy, yes, but he offers the same desire to share his knowledge about astronomy with others just as well. What other non profit do y’all know of that offers food and resources to the homeless and people having hard times as well as give the opportunity to reach for the stars with your eyeballs?To me, “reach for the stars” is a metaphor for not allowing personal limitations keep you from reaching out for the happiness that we deserve as humans whether that’s eating a good meal, having clothes on your back, or being able to stargaze and put your eyes and mind up in the stars.With both Kira and Carlos I feel like they’re an unstoppable team. Dedicated and passionate. That’s two words I’d use to describe them. And now they have a team of people…

1

StaceyG48 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/17/2023

My 12 yr daughter signed up for Beyond The Stars camp and loved every second of it. She felt safe and respected by adults and her peers also attending the camp. She also enjoyed the fun STEAM activities learning about astronomy, how they taught her patience, trust, and team building. Kira and Carlos did an excellent job creating a space for the “campers” to feel comfortable sharing and being authentic and recognizing when they needed a break. My daughter left at the end of the week with new friends and an excitement for the next camp!

1

Kaylee4RFTS Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/07/2023

I love RFTS. They helped me when I needed it and also let me volunteer. Kira and Carlos are role models.

2

tylergadi Donor

Rating: 5

06/05/2023

Reach for the stars is a great non-profit that provides outstanding support to those suffering mental health issues. Our team has had the pleasure of working with Reach For The Stars in putting together some charity events. The amount of people who show up with donations and to show support never ceases to amaze me. I am constantly running into clients and people in the industry who have been positively affected by Reach For The Stars. They are making a positive difference in our community and deserve your attention and support.

2

lastro Board Member

Rating: 5

06/05/2023

Ive been with this non-profit since the beginning. I have seen it grow through mission changes based on the demands and needs of its client's as well as be recognized for its hard work. They have received many accolades to include being voted Tucsons Readers Choice Favorite non-profit 2022, Won the BBB Torch award for Ethics 2023 and have been featured in many international and local prints. Very proud to be a part of this organization.

1

azjimd Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

A few years ago I saw a post about a local group doing stargazing and I was intrigued. At the time I was not in a good place and just keeping to myself.
Things changed and got better, I started to reach out and do things. I got back into astronomy (picked it up as a kid from my dad). I noticed a posting for one of the stargazing events and thought it is time.
Since that night, seeing the impact that sharing an interest and giving people a chance (for some their first) to view the wonders of the night sky makes, big smiles and a lot of Oohs and Ahhs. I have volunteered to help out however I can, as I think they are doing an incredible job and offering help, assistance and guidance to those that need it.
Selfishly, I am also getting a bit help and feeling of purpose from this experience and all involved.
I encourage anyone to join one of the stargazing events, they all for all.
If you know of a child who maybe struggling or just dealing with difficulties in life, send them our way.

2

KPickrel Donor

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

Carlos and Kira are amazing people, and their passion for providing support and information to youngsters and their families is truly inspirational! Our community is lucky to have them.

2

srmooney3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

I found this nonprofit right when I needed it, and that was as an adult student at a college! When I first found about about everything this nonprofit stands for, it really resonated with me. As a person who experienced chronic trauma as a child and currently stuggles with their mental health because of it, I knew that I wanted to help Reach for the Stars and as many kids as possible. That's why I volunteer as well as, after I married my now husband, I take his adopted siblings to their events, and I tell as many people as possible about RFTS! During their events, I've seen a light gleam in kids' eyes as they take in and discover the universe for themselves. I've seen it in my own now-siblings! A spark that we haven't seen in awhile illuminated in them, and it was so good to see! I hope this nonprofit can continue to do what they do best: reach all children using their unique menthods of Astronomy, but especially reach those that may be caught in the crosshairs of circumstance and need it most! Thank you for all you do Reach For The Stars! I'll be seeing you at the next event!

1

areitzell Board Member

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

Rfts is doing amazing things using astronomy and STEM to reach the youth in Tucson and give them a safe place. This is so important with so many youth battling mental illness.

Previous Stories
2

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

Reach for the stars is doing amazing things for the mental health of youth in Tucson and surrounding areas. They are providing a safe yet educational space where youth can be themselves and learn about astronomy at the same time. They also operate a food pantry to help families in need.

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

Thank you! Your helped us get to where we are! Seriously! We're happy to have you with us!

2

ilovekayleesue Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

RFTS has helped my daughters and I in so many ways that I can’t even explain. They are forever a part of our lives. We can’t thank them enough.

2

tbyrd14 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

Reach for the stars is a beautiful charity that has made an impact on our community and the hearts of countless people.

2

sj4jc General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/04/2023

Reach for the Stars did a star gazing event at our home for 12 kids & 12 adults. It was fun to see the kids interacting with the program. There was so much excitement and interest from all of our guests.
We were very impressed with the passion that the founders have for reaching out to kids and sharing their love of astronomy. Carlos and Kira are extraordinary leaders and two of the kindest most compassionate people you will ever meet.

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/19/2023

Thank you so much for this incredible comment! This means so much to us and we hope to continue making the community proud and never stop saving lives! See you out there under the stars!

2

the5bs Client Served

Rating: 5

06/03/2023

My daughter loves plants and stars, we went to one of Reach For the Stars stargazing events, my daughter loved looking through the telescopes. Shes to young for the camp right now but when shes old enough, I love she'll love it. What Kira and Carlos do is amazing!

2

fmbc1976 Client Served

Rating: 1

06/12/2022

Reach for the Stars is an awesome program always going above and beyond to help the community no matter what the need is. Kira and Carlos are absolutely incredible for starting the program.

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

Hello! Thanks for the kind review! I believe you may have accidentally placed the 1 star ⭐, instead of 5! Is it possible for you to change it? We appreciate your generosity! Don't ever hesitate reaching out again!

2

Herrlesuz436 Donor

Rating: 5

06/11/2022

Awesome charity, great cause. Will continue to show support!

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

You rock!

2

Kitkatcan6 Board Member

Rating: 5

06/11/2022

RFTS is such a unique gem of nonprofit. Carlos and Kira are such a great, gentle, caring couple. Their stargazing events are so peaceful and educational. Their desires to help the community with mental health issues is so abounding they would give you the shirt off their backs and give you their last can of green beans. I love going to their events. - Wright family

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

You are a huge part of the missions success! You get 5 stars from us too :)

2

AvenJenn Board Member

Rating: 5

06/10/2022

Reach for the Stars has gone above and beyond to address the needs in our community. Their passion for addressing mental health issues in youth by supporting their drive for STEM and volunteerism is a truly unique mission. I highly recommend supporting their cause so they can touch even more lives.

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

That's very kind of you to say! We are proud that you are a part of this team.

2

selenayi General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

Such a great organization that brings light and love to teens. Kira is a wonderful person that cares very much about giving back to her community!

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

Isn't she? Thank you so much!

2

Shauntelmc Client Served

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

Reach For The Stars is a wonderful nonprofit organization they helped my family out in a great time of need no questions asked both Kira and Carlos have a wonderful heart and will do whatever they can to help this community I am a client served turned into a volunteer which then became a board member within the last three years

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

You are such an inspiration to us and we will continue to shine together!

2

Rbergman Board Member

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

Reach for the Stars is a wonderful nonprofit with passionate leadership. Kira and Carlos are selfless leaders. They served our country through their military and now they are serving the community. They want to help support the youth of our community through astronomy and volunteering. I am proud to know both of them and will continue to support the great work they do!

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

There are few people who I look up to as true leaders and impactful members of the city. You are one of them, and we appreciate your review!

2

Amirastef Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

From Day One, Carlos, Kira and their team have been dedicated to feeding and caring for our community with compassion. All of their clients, volunteers and all they come in contact with are treated with dignity and respect.

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

Bless your ❤️!

2

tammymc General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

06/05/2022

This organization is one of the best that I have seen they work wonders for the community they help feed people who really need it . Great job we need more people like you..

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

Thank you!

2

BPowell1980 Donor

Rating: 5

06/04/2022

Reach for the Stars does amazing work. I watched as they gave a young lady a telescope, her and her adopted mom and sister began to cry because the family didn't have much. This young lady had a passion for the Stars and Kira and Carlos allowed her to pursue her passion with that small gesture. They have a heart for their community and the stars, you can see it during every stargazing event they host.

Comments ( 1 )

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AstroDragon 10/13/2022

This really made my day. Thank you so much!

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