We walk alongside community leaders—encouraging, equipping, and investing in their personal growth, leadership, and resilience.

This is where it all begins. Our process starts with building trust and getting to know the person behind the dream. After receiving an application or introduction, we take time—often a year or more—to carefully vet each potential Dreamer. We talk with their mentors, pastors, and community leaders. We ask about their values, their walk with God, their motivations, and their long-term vision. Whenever possible, we visit them in person to experience their community firsthand and listen closely to their heart for it. We don’t rush this stage, because we believe the health of any mission starts with the health of its leader. Only when we’re confident in the dreamer’s character, calling, and commitment do we move forward—ensuring their project is not only meaningful but also well-planned and viable.

We help turn community-centered visions into reality by providing funding, mentorship, and strategic support for sustainable initiatives.

Once we’ve committed to a Dreamer, we stay closely involved—not just as a funding source, but as true partners in the work. We meet with each of our dreamers at least once a month over video, walking through updates, obstacles, and next steps together. We also visit in person to support major project launches, ensuring they have the help, encouragement, and hands-on support they need when it matters most. Our relationships run deep—from hearing about a new baby or a family member in the hospital, to grieving and celebrating alongside them as life unfolds. Because of this closeness, dreamers feel safe sharing community challenges, personal needs, and emerging opportunities. When they come to us with new project requests, they do so with trust, knowing that we will listen carefully and steward every decision with care. We respond using a red, yellow, or green light system: red means we’re not quite ready, yellow signals we’re committed to fundraising, and green means the project is moving forward. This clarity ensures that every initiative we support is rooted in wisdom, built with integrity, and grounded in relationship.

We celebrate completed projects and transformed lives—then move on to find new Dreamers, trusting in the ripple effect.

But the story doesn’t end there. We stay connected with every Dreamer, ensuring each initiative continues to serve its purpose. Over time, we’ve watched children impacted by these projects grow into community leaders, stepping up to carry the vision forward—a generational ownership we pray for. Village Reach University (VRU) supports Dreamers as they build, strengthen, and steward the work God has placed in their hands. Whether running a business, leading a community initiative, or developing a new idea, VRU equips leaders with practical tools, clear systems, and the confidence to move forward faithfully. Our Dreamers know that to reach all of God’s kingdom, we must keep moving—finding new villages, equipping new leaders, and launching new dreams. Until every God-given vision has the chance to take root, we won’t stop. No dream goes unreached.

Katlyn serves as the Co-Founder of Village Reach and is the author of “Fierce: Conquering the Battleground Between Who You Are and Who You’re Destined to Be.” She lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband, their two young kids, Zealand and Tuscany, and their Newfoundland, Roman Beau, in a character-filled house they’ve been renovating. Katlyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Kentucky, complemented by minors in International Business and Art Studio with a specialization in Sculpture. Beyond her work with Village Reach, she loves creating art, reading books, and enjoying the outdoors.

Chase, the Co-Founder of Village Reach, brings 15 years of international missions work experience to the table. With a travel history spanning over 40 countries, he has cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a profound commitment to community care. Chase holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Communications with a focus on Business. He and his wife, Atalie, are parents to their son, Beckham, and in his free time Chase loves capturing the world around him through his camera lens and cherishing moments with family and friends.

John, our Development Coordinator, was born and raised in Harlan, Kentucky. After graduating from Asbury University, he earned an MBA from the University of North Texas, a Master of Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell. John spent more than 20 years as the founding Lead Pastor of Fellowship Memphis, coached the executive directors of a foundation's most heavily funded nonprofits, and wrote 33 The Series, a curriculum more than 3 million men have gone through. In 2022, John and his wife, Beth, moved their six kids home to Harlan to help Eastern Kentucky flourish. He's an author, an avid golfer, reader, and fisherman, and a bona fide sports nut.