Celebrating 50 Years of Reach Ability: Our Launch Event

On Friday, May 2nd, 2025, we proudly were celebrating 50 years of Reach Ability. This marked a powerful milestone in our journey of providing inclusive, person-cantered services for people with disabilities in County Wexford. This special day was filled with pride, gratitude, and community spirit. It brought together service users, their families, government representatives, staff, and local supporters to honour our legacy and look ahead to a bright future.

 

A Ceremony Rich in Meaning

We opened the celebrations with a flag-raising ceremony. This is a symbolic tribute to our mission and achievements over the past five decades. The 50th Anniversary Flag was raised by Edward Sullivan, who also designed our stunning anniversary logo. The Reach Ability flag was raised by Jamie Pollard, Chair of our Advocacy Committee. The Irish Flag was raised by Chairperson David Wrafter.

To commemorate the moment, an Amelanchier tree was planted by Liam Treacy and Martin Breen. This was generously provided by Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant. This is a lasting symbol of growth and inclusion.

 

Voices of Reflection and Vision

Our CEO Trevor Jacob welcomed guests and spoke about the achievements and partnerships. Also all the people who have helped Reach Ability grow into what it is today. He encouraged continued support for our four thriving social enterprises. Kilcannon Garden Centre, Astro Active Centre, Bellefield Design, and Dill & Pickle Café, Each play a key role in providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities.

 

Chairperson David Wrafter delivered a heartfelt Golden Jubilee address. Honouring the commitment of our founding members and the resilience of our staff and service users. His words captured the essence of Reach Ability:

“Fifty years is a significant milestone in the life of any organization. It symbolizes a commitment to the ideals of the founder members… to provide a range of services to people with disabilities in County Wexford.”

David also acknowledged the ongoing support of the HSE, POBAL, and WWETB. He thanked our Board of Directors, whose diverse expertise is vital to our strategic direction. He emphasized our focus on empowering individuals to live life to their fullest potential, with services ranging from residential and day services to education and respite care.

 

Aoife Fitzgerald, Day Opportunities Services Manager with South East Community Healthcare, also addressed attendees, commending the way Reach Ability’s services continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of the community.

 

Designer Edward Sullivan shared his personal story, including his experience with the InTuition Employability Skills Programme at Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant, and the inspiration behind our 50th anniversary logo.

 

A Living Tribute, A Year of Celebration

The Amelanchier tree planted during the event now stands as a living tribute to 50 years of support, inclusion, and growth, and a reminder that our roots are strong and our future is bright.

We also proudly raised two commemorative flags at Kilcannon Garden Centre, further sharing this milestone with our wider community.

 

Pick Up Our 50th Anniversary Booklet

Our 50th Anniversary Booklet is available now at each of our social enterprises. Inside, you’ll find: A full event calendar for 2025. A look back at our history and milestones. The full text of Chairperson David Wrafter’s powerful speech.

Come and pick up a copy and join us throughout the year as we continue to celebrate five decades of making a difference.

 

This Is Just the Beginning

From community hub open days to a fun-filled Sports & Family Day, there’s so much more to come as part of our Golden Jubilee year. Follow us on social media, check our website, and stay tuned for more announcements.

 

Here’s to 50 years of Reach Ability, and to the next 50. Let’s keep building an inclusive, empowered future together.

 

Make sure to follow all our social media accounts so you can keep up to date with everything we do!