Independent, Secure and Social
Leer en Español Twenty-year-old Angie was born with Down Syndrome. She attends Camp Woodchuck during the summer. Angie has enjoyed an in-home Direct Support Professional (DSP) who helps her with her daily duties, such as cleaning her room, washing her laundry, doing household chores, and preparing food. Angie’s DSP will take her out into the […]
Camp Woodchuck: A Place to be Yourself
Eight-year-old Tig Benton is a very sensitive and caring kid. He is artistic and great at building things. Tig has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, he attends Camp Woodchuck and receives case management through Rainbows. “Tig is always curious, asks lots of questions, and loves to […]
Volunteers Create Joy for Campers
By the time Camp Woodchuck staff say “goodbye and see you next year” to this summer’s Campers at the end of July, more than 250 volunteers will have shared their time, talent and sweat, making Camp Woodchuck a memorable experience for Rainbows’ school-age youth with special needs. Before Camp even began, volunteers from DeVaughn James […]
Life with Autism is Both Special and Challenging
Tammy Parker, Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Classroom 118 Team Leader is proud to be working at Rainbows. “I have a teenage daughter who has Autism, and I know first-hand how special and challenging life can be,” said Tammy. Tammy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, however that is not her interest […]
Experience Movie Magic
Imagine a place where creativity knows no bounds, where kids embark on adventures inspired by the enchanting world of movies. Welcome to Movie Magic at Camp Woodchuck, where this summer, 83 young Campers with special needs delve into a world of imagination and discovery. The theme of this year’s camp is “Movie Magic,” and true […]
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 […]
From Receiving to Giving Services
An educator for Goddard School District for more than 18 years, Amie Ozbun came to Rainbows with experience working with children with special needs. She and her family also received services when their daughters were first born. “Rainbows has a special place in my heart,” said Amie. “The therapist who came to our home when […]
