Let’s Talk About Cars

When William Thomas received speech therapy from his Rainbows’ therapist Rebecca Paden, his big sister Lillian was included. “Rebecca was always so kind to Lillian during William’s visits,” said Margaret, William and Lillian’s mother. “She could not have been easier for my children to connect with.” The family’s pediatrician recommended the family get in touch […]

Events Require Big Picture Vision and Attention to Details

Event Specialist Sherri Penka brings over 20 years of experience in the field of event planning and marketing as well as personal family experience with Rainbows’ services.  Her career began in radio advertising and on air promotions in Junction City, Kansas while attending Kansas State University. Her radio experience included a weekend show she hosted […]

A Toddler’s Job is to Play

We often take for granted the power of play and how critical it is to the overall development of our little ones in birth to three years old and beyond. A toddler’s job is to play, but what does that mean and what does that look like at different stages? As early interventionists, one of […]

Family feels understood and supported

Leer en Español Having a child with special needs is a new normal for the entire family. Juan and Sonia Martinez know this firsthand. They have two children with special needs: Uriel is 14 and Isabella is 6. Both children got connected to Rainbows’ services at an early age and received in-home Infant/Toddler Services. As […]

Lauryn thrives at Camp Woodchuck

This year’s Blarney Breakfast benefits Rainbows’ Family Support Services programs and Camp Woodchuck. Camp is a summer recreational and leisure day program for school-aged youth with special needs. Camp Woodchuck is filled with hands-on activities, special events, structured activities, and an amazing social experience as Rainbows’ youth interact with their peers and the community. Please […]

“It’s like having a pack of best friends.”

Cheyenne Hancock joined Rainbows for Camp Woodchuck in 2020, when Camp was home-based due to Covid. “It was very nerve racking to me because I had never worked in this field before,” said Cheyenne. “However, I quickly got over those nerves and fell in love with my position as a Direct Support Professional. I always […]

Top 4 Reasons to Become a Direct Support Professional

1. Make a difference in a child’s life. Build relationships and be a role model. “My favorite activity is to sit on the porch swing and talk. I love connecting with Caleb and being a human he can count on to give him support as he does life.” -Kim, Direct Support Professional 2. Help youth […]

Early Intervention Social Worker Empowers Families

I appreciate that our program is multifaceted in the sense that we are able to provide support in so many varied ways because it allows me to empower families to make the best decisions for themselves and tailor the available support to their own desires and needs. – Rainbows’ Social Worker Alison Stramel   Nurturing […]

Kerri Dixon, family partner and trusted colleague

For more than 20 years, Kerri Dixon has been a social worker for Rainbows’ Specialized Foster Care Program. She is also a Targeted Case Manager for Rainbows’ foster and other families, helping them access other resources. Kerri is a licensed social worker (LBSW) by the State of Kansas. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social […]

Do you have room for a foster child?

At Rainbows, the heart of our mission is to serve children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and it’s imperative that we have families who help us do that. Rainbows’ Foster Care Program specializes in serving children in foster care who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and we need foster homes for these special children. […]