Honoring the Life and Legacy of Joe Reich

Today, we come together to remember and celebrate the life of our beloved co-founder, Joe Reich. Joe wasn’t just a founder; he was the very heart of Beginning with Children, and his vision has shaped everything we do.

Together with his wife, Carol, Joe co-founded Beginning with Children in 1990, fueled by the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a high-quality education. Their passion for education reform laid the foundation for the charter school movement, and we owe Joe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind. None of the work we do today would be possible without the vision and dedication he and Carol embodied.

Through their leadership, thousands of Brooklyn students have not only dared to dream of brighter futures but have been empowered to achieve them. Joe’s commitment to strengthening public education will continue to shape generations of students, families, and communities for years to come.

As we mourn our loss and reflect on Joe’s remarkable life and the profound impact he has had, we also celebrate the transformative legacy he leaves behind. His spirit lives on in the countless students whose lives he touched and in the vibrant community he helped create here at Beginning with Children.

In the coming months, we will hold a celebration of Joe’s life, and we will share more details as they become available. For now, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support during this time of remembrance.

Joe’s vision will forever be a guiding light for all of us at Beginning with Children, and we remain deeply committed to fulfilling the mission that was so close to his heart. The greatest tribute we can pay to Joe’s memory is to continue the vital work he began—supporting our schools with the same dedication and passion he exemplified every day.

We invite you to honor Joe’s memory by making a donation today, ensuring that the important work he and Carol began continues to thrive.