On June 8, 2020, Rainbows United celebrated its 48th Birthday. We took time out during this challenging time to celebrate the history of Rainbows. As many of you may know, Rainbows was started in 1972 by Linda Weir Enegren a young Wichita State University graduate who had a passion for helping children with disabilities. Linda started Rainbows with 5 children and a set of committed volunteers in the basement of her church, Pleasant Valley UMC. Linda had a strong belief that communities needed to support families so that their children with disabilities did not have to be sent away to live in a state institution for the rest of their lives. She really challenged hard and fast beliefs that there was any other way.
Here we are 48 years later annually serving more than 3400 children, birth to 21 years with special needs, and their families. Services offered have grown from one program to eleven and now cover both Sedgwick and Butler Counties.
While there have been some tested times throughout Rainbows history, Rainbows has succeeded because of the strong belief that these services are needed in our community and the commitment of donors like you who continue to support Rainbows in providing those services.
Thank you to our valued donors, our dedicated Board of Directors, talented staff, and the amazing families and their children whom we have the privilege of serving each day. It is because of these current individuals and those in the past that Rainbows United is able to celebrate 48 years of providing quality services.
Happy Birthday Rainbows!
-Deb Voth, President
