When the weather is good, it is guaranteed that you can find fifteen year old Michael outside. He enjoys sports, especially basketball, games and other outdoor activities. “Michael is competitive and loves to play,” Lark, Family Support Supervisor, said. Due to his Intellectual/Developmental Delays, Michael requires one on one supervision at all times.
“Rainbows meets a need that is hard to meet otherwise,” said Francis, Michael’s mother. “Families need to have a resource to help them do things and provide care for other children.”
Michael is one of seven children, all with various special needs, adopted by his parents, Stephen and Francis. “We wanted to help children,” Francis said. “Every child needs parents that care and we felt we could help with that.”
Indoor activities Michael enjoys are playing video games and drawing. “He’s a very good artist,” Francis said. “He’s meticulous and puts great effort into his art.”
Michael began receiving Rainbows’ services in 2006 including Targeted Case Management, Support Home Care, Camp Woodchuck and Latchkey. At Rainbows, Michael is able to interact with his peers which has improved his social skills as well as make him more calm. “He enjoys doing things with his friends, it’s important to him,” Francis said.
“It is very important to kids like Michael to have the right structure to be successful,” Francis said. That is what Rainbows gives Michael.”
