Harrison is proof.
On July 18, 2019, Harrison and I walked out of Rainbows United, Inc. hand in hand for the last time. He was an undeniably different child than he was when he first entered those colorful doors almost two years earlier. Harrison was two-and-a-half years-old when Travis and I started having serious concerns about his development. […]
In and Around Wichita or At Home
Life has gotten a little crazy during these unprecedented times, and families may not be able to attend activities within the community due to taking precautions to prevent COVID-19 exposure. Events and classes are canceled or might be difficult to manage with toddlers safely. Since communities have changed a bit here in 2020, families are […]
Volunteering in a Time of Social Distancing
As Rainbows’ Volunteer Coordinator, I am simply amazed at the generosity and commitment I have witnessed over the last several months from individuals and groups wanting to volunteer for Rainbows in any way possible. When we realized we needed masks to help keep our staff and children safe, people from all over the community […]
Children’s Mental Health
Children learn through a variety of methods. We know it is important to teach children not only at daycare, preschool, and school, but also at home. Often from a very young age we work with children on learning the ABCs and counting. We also teach our children social and emotional skills at home from a […]
Celebrate and Refocus
With a theme of looking forward and refocusing on our mission, the annual State of the Agency was delivered virtually to Rainbows’ employees during All-Staff Inservice. A series of 10 virtual meetings were held throughout Monday and Tuesday, August 3 and 4, with President Deb Voth addressing each group and answering questions. Board members […]
Essential Services Continue During COVID-19
All over the world, summer camps and other programs made a significant pivot due to COVID-19. Some programs canceled and some went virtual. For Rainbows’ children with special needs and their families, summer camp is not only a fun-filled time of activities and growth, it is a necessity that allows parents to work, attend classes […]
Graduating During a Pandemic
Every year, as the Program Coordinator for Rainbows’ Early Care and Education, I’m asked to write a blog about the Pre-K Graduation Ceremony. Every year, I’m privileged to talk about how great my teaching staff are and how much the little ones have grown over the year(s) I’ve had the pleasure of knowing them. And […]
Lynlea Southards
Published Friday, July 24, 2020, Wichita Business Journal Lynlea Southards Family Support Services Coordinator, Rainbows United Inc. Why did you choose a career in health care? I have a cousin named Wendy who has Down Syndrome. She is a non-verbal, deaf and has low vision. Being around Wendy and seeing how she enjoys life and impacts those around […]
Maddi will WALK across the Stage
Spina Bifida. Club feet. Neurogenic bladder and bowels. Chari 2 Syndrome. Daunting? Not for 5-year-old Maddilyn “Maddi” Riemann. Maddi is a determined little girl and is not defined by these conditions. Maddi is the life of the classroom. She brings joy, a sassy personality, a booming voice and even louder laughs. She acts like a […]
Learning and Growing Through Pandemic Challenges
The precautions against COVID-19 have come with many challenges as well as many added joys to both my personal and work lives. Looking back over the last almost four months, I realize how much I have learned and grown as a therapist while working from home. Working from home has presented several unique challenges. The […]
