Our fight against food insecurity began in 2020…
Local community members had the idea to host a one-time Pop-Up Food Pantry in Lake Mills, providing holiday meal kits to 17 families in December 2020.
Sunshine Brewing Company offered to host the event, and we quickly determined we could partner with the brewery moving forward to replicate this pantry every single month. This lead to the creation of one of our core programs, the Pop-Up Food Pantry.
Sunrise Reach officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in March of 2021.
Our Mission
Uplift and Empower our Community by reducing barriers to healthy food and essential items.
We work towards our mission by eliminating common obstacles that prevent people from getting support:
- Lack of transportation
- Childcare needs
- Inability to take time off work
- Not knowing how to prepare or use items
- Stigma or shame around asking for help
- Mobility issues or physical disabilities
- Strict documentation requirements
We’re committed to making support feel safe, welcoming, and easy to access.
Our Vision
A community in which every resident has reliable access to healthy food, educational resources, and other forms of support.
Our services are open to everyone and need for our programs is self-determined.
We believe people are the best judge of their own needs.
That’s why:
- No proof of income, ID, address, hardship is required.
- We trust individuals to know when they need support, no questions asked.
We’re here to provide support to anyone who needs it.
Meet Our Board of Directors :
Gracelyn Smith
Board President
Alais Fortier-Meyer
Design Secretary
Lane Smith
Treasurer
Abbie Pabon
Our Newest Board Member
Our Core Values guide us in every decision we make :
Community
Connecting diverse groups to support our neighbors through collaboration and understanding.
Stewardship
Building a sustainable network of volunteers and the broader community to support long-term community care.
Outreach
Reaching beyond barriers to build trust and offer consistent, compassionate support.
Respect
Treating every individual with dignity, empathy, and compassion.
Empowerment
Providing support, encouragement, and resources for growth, confidence, and stability.
Everything we do is made possible by our donors and volunteers.
We are externally grateful to our sponsors:
Sunshine Brewing Company is a community-focused craft brewery. Owned by two of Sunrise Reach’s founding members Lane Smith and Gracelyn Smith as well as brewmaster Caleb Meinke. We’re the bright spot where you can grab exceptional, locally brewed beer and our famous, fresh Mexican food. Our mission is to connect neighbors through good times and great brews!
We are incredibly proud to be a founding sponsor of Sunrise Reach. Supporting local initiatives that strengthen our community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of connection and the importance of giving back, and we are excited to partner with Sunrise Reach to help them make a lasting, positive impact.
Lake Mills Family Dental is a general dentistry practice servicing Lake Mills and the surrounding area. We welcome all patients to our practice.
At Farmers & Merchants State Bank, we pride ourselves on being part of the communities we serve, and we work hard to help those communities be successful. For over 125 years, we’ve been your partner for life, and our employees will continue to be a resource for you. Our mission is to enrich your financial life with full-service products.
Solar power advocates, installers of turn-key solar systems locally owned and operating in Jefferson County Wisconsin. Providing local businesses and nonprofits with the knowledge, technology and up to date industry information to make informed energy efficient and cost effective decisions for their organizations future.
Fort HealthCare is a patient-centered hospital and healthcare system serving individuals, businesses and families in Jefferson, Dane, and Walworth Counites.
Proudly rooted in Lake Mills, WI, Horizon is honored to support Sunrise Reach. As a family-owned company specializing in plastic rotomolding and innovation, we believe strong businesses help build strong communities. Partnering with Sunrise Reach allows us to invest in a healthier future for all.
At Rustic Roots Flower Farm, we grow local, pollinator-friendly flowers with love and care for our community. From weddings and events to prom, homecoming, and everyday blooms, our designs bring a natural, rustic touch to life’s special moments. Grown local, shared local, and always rooted in connection.
