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 […]
Translators Available: Communication is Clear
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 […]
Lamont honored with statewide award
Congratulations to this year’s 2023 InterHab Outstanding Youth: Lamont McIntosh. Lamont was honored Friday, October 13 at the InterHab Art and Awards event. His family and Rainbows’ supporters were there to cheer him on. We’re so proud of you! Born at 23 weeks, weighing in at 1 pound 3.5 ounces, Lamont has had an uphill […]
Rainbows: We Are Family
Remember your summer job? Is there a lesson you learned or an experience that helped shape your future? Summer experiences are often full of learning about the world, other people and yourself. Often these experiences are influenced through a personal connection. Kaitlynn Rothwell’s twin brother, Christian has received services through Rainbows all of their 21 […]
At Camp, Gavin Thrives in His Own Skin
Gavin was born a Micro-premie at 24 weeks and 4 days, weighing only 1 pound 6 ounces. He spent his first 4 ½ months in the NICU, on a ventilator for 2 ½ of those months. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Baraitser-Winter syndrome ACTG 1, which affects his heart, kidneys, eyes, ears, […]
Volunteers Add Magic to Camp
Camp Woodchuck is magical, but it doesn’t just magically happen without the time, talents and dedication of many Rainbows’ staff and volunteers. This is the story of the volunteers. After three years of in-home summer services (due to the pandemic), extra preparation was needed in order to welcome Rainbows’ youth back to Camp at Kids’ […]
Personal Experience Inspires DSP
Kara Collier, Direct Support Professional (DSP), was inspired to support youth with special needs because of her own experience with diagnoses of Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia in the 4th grade. “The hardships of school, social life, and home life were debilitating at times,” said Kara. “But the people who were there […]
Camp Experience Leads to Career
Crystal Arrington, Family Support Service Program Assistant Coordinator, has always had a passion for working with kids, and when she lost her dad unexpectedly in March of 2017, she mentioned to Rainbows’ Family Support Service Program Coordinator Tiffany Graf that she needed to find a summer job to keep her busy. Tiffany told her about […]
Shake, Rattle and Roll!
Camp Woodchuck, Rainbows’ summer camp for school-aged children with special needs, is in full swing! After three summers of in-home Camp due to Covid-19, we are excited to be back at Kids’ Cove! Camp is important to Rainbows’ youth and their families. “It means a lot to me that Carlos has a regular kid plan,” […]
