Franklin Lakes REACH

Who We Are
Franklin Lakes REACH (formerly the Franklin Lakes Municipal Alliance) is a committee appointed from a broad cross section of stakeholders in the community to educate all members in the community about issues relating to alcohol and opioid addiction, use of marijuana, vaping, bullying and mental health.  Members include community volunteers, representatives from the governing body, education, health, law enforcement, civic, religious and business organizations. There is no limit on the number of members who may be appointed. However, there must be broad representation from across the community to ensure representative programming, sustainability and cultural competency. Funding for REACH is provided by the Borough and from contributions.  

Our Mission
Our mission is to identify, plan and implement programs that address:

(a) the dangers arising from alcohol and drug abuse, marijuana, cigarettes/vaping and bullying; and (b) the stigma often associated with mental health issues.  

 

2025 Members (terms expire on 12/31/2025):

Chalres J. X. Kahwaty	Mayor
Mark McCombs	Chief of Police
Frank O'Brien	REACH Chairperson, Juvenile Officer
Leonor Diehl	REACH Coordinator
Ellen Carmody	REACH Addiction Advisor
Gary Sheppard	Councilmember, Public Safety Council Committee
Gail Kelly	Councilmember, Board of Health Council Committee

 What We Do

• REACH meets quarterly at the Ambulance Corps Building to identify and prioritize risk factors arising out of the issues described above and implements educational strategies designed to deal with these issues.  
• Many available programs are referred by the Bergen County Department of Health Services, The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the New Jersey Governor's Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, The Bergen County Prevention Coalition and other similar organizations. Proposed programs are also presented to representatives of our schools and are referred to REACH for funding consideration.
• Franklin Lakes REACH has a close working relationship with similar coalitions in Oakland and Wyckoff and frequently provides funding for events jointly with those coalitions.

During the last three years, programs have included: