Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society/The REACH Center of Paris announces new Executive Director

The Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society and the REACH Center of Paris on Tuesday announced the appointment of Joi Roberts as the New Executive Director.

Roberts brings decades of experience in education. She has held positions as English/Reading/and Language Arts teacher, Education Diagnostician and Special Services Director and she is very involved in the community. She has very strong family values and her husband, daughter and grandsons are her whole world. Her passion for the children and leadership skills are already making a significant impact on the Reach Center.

“I began my career in Special Education at Paris ISD at 505 Lamar. I never dreamed that after I retired from education after 32 years that I would be in the same building, as the Executive Director for the Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society and the REACH Center. This was not a part of my retirement plan!   I consider it an honor to serve the community in this capacity to help our students with disabilities along with their siblings and families.  I have lots of plans,” said Roberts.

Roberts has plans to expand services to all schools in Lamar County, partner with schools for students who are in the 18+ programs and those who have graduated partnering with outside agencies to create a job site to teach vocational skills and adding parent support groups, and opportunities for parents to have educational seminars about subjects such as how to plan for their child’s lives as adults, etc.

“The Board of Directors feels that Joi will be a wonderful asset to Reach. She has a passion for the work, and strong community relations that will take Reach to the next level. We are excited for donors, volunteers, partners and other community members that might not be familiar with her to get to know her as well,” said the board.

About Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society/ REACH

The REACH Center is a lifelong learning center for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities and their families. It is our goal to aid in the supplemental education of children and adults to offer educational opportunities to their parents, teachers and support professionals. The Reach Center serves individuals with disabilities and their school age siblings as an afterschool program designed to provide socialization and enrichment. The program runs from 2:30-5:30 PM on days when school is in session, and from 7:30AM-5:30 PM on days when school is out.

For more information, please contact the Reach Center at 903-783-1922 or email info@rrvdss.org