REAP Celebrates Opening of New Behavioral Health Center

A new space for healing, wellness, and resilience

REAP Celebrates Opening of New Behavioral Health Clinical Building, Expanding Culturally Responsive Care for Youth and Families

REAP celebrated the grand opening of its new Behavioral Health Clinical Building today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing together community leaders, healthcare partners, supporters, families, and advocates to celebrate a significant milestone in expanding culturally responsive, trauma-informed behavioral health services for youth and families.

The celebration marked the opening of a new facility dedicated to supporting REAP students as they navigate challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress management, emotional regulation, and other behavioral health concerns. The event highlighted the power of partnership and a shared commitment to creating spaces where young people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

REAP was honored to welcome special guests and partners, including Ebony S. Clarke of the Oregon Health Authority, Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie of CareOregon, and Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith, who joined REAP families, staff, and community members in celebrating this important investment in youth wellness.

The Behavioral Health Clinical Building was made possible through partnerships with the Oregon Health Authority, CareOregon, Prosper Portland, Ballmer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and the Hillman Family Foundation. Together, these partners have helped expand access to behavioral health services that are culturally responsive, equity-centered, and designed to meet the needs of the communities REAP serves.

"The opening of REAP's Behavioral Health Clinical Building represents a significant investment in the future of our young people and families. This space reflects our belief that every child deserves access to culturally responsive, compassionate, and high-quality behavioral health services. We are deeply grateful to all our partners and supporters whose collaboration has made this vision a reality. Together, we are creating pathways for healing, hope, and opportunity for the next generation." — Mark Jackson, Executive Director, REAP

The new facility expands REAP’s school-based and community-centered model of care by creating additional space for clinical support, healing, and connection. Services are delivered in partnership with schools, families, and community organizations to ensure youth receive consistent, coordinated, and developmentally appropriate support within the environments where they learn and grow.

"This new clinical facility is more than a building—it is a place where youth and families will experience safety, dignity, and belonging. Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness, ensuring that the unique experiences and strengths of the communities we serve are honored. This expansion allows us to deepen our impact and provide the support young people need to build resilience, achieve wellness, and thrive.”— DeShawn Williams, LCSW, Clinical Director, REAP

REAP's Behavioral Health Program provides compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded care that supports youth and families experiencing trauma and adverse experiences, anxiety and depression, stress management challenges, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral health concerns, and social-emotional wellness needs.

The program is designed to provide equitable and culturally responsive mental and behavioral health care to underserved youth and families, strengthen emotional wellness, healing, and healthy development, support youth through services that promote resilience and growth, and deliver trauma-informed, equity-centered care that addresses barriers to access.

While the opening of the Behavioral Health Clinical Building is a significant milestone, REAP’s behavioral health services are not a public walk-in clinic. Care is provided through established school partnerships, family referrals, and community-based referral pathways to ensure youth receive consistent, coordinated support throughout the academic year.

The opening of this facility represents what is possible when community organizations, healthcare partners, public agencies, and supporters come together with a shared commitment to the well-being and success of young people.