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,” […]
Growing Up At Camp Woodchuck
When her newborn son Carlos was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Ana cried for 4 months. Her husband, Othon had been in an accident and was unable to work and she was completely overwhelmed. “I cried every day,” she said. “I kept asking, Why Me? Then I said to myself, Carlos is here, and I have […]
Breaking Records as the Sun Rises
The start to a new year at Rainbows United, Inc. brings engagement, experience, and excitement within fundraising. The safety and health of our community is always on our mind at Rainbows. After two years of a Drive-Thru option only at our Annual Blarney Breakfast, we were back in person on St. Patrick’s Day as Dine […]
Sass and Sparkle at Camp
When Lilly was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, her doctor suggested her parents, Beatriz and Armando contact Rainbows. The family began receiving in-home services through Rainbows’ Infant/Toddler Services program. “Rainbows changed my life,” said Beatriz. “I learned a way to parent my child and it changed everything.” “Rainbows gave me hope,” said Beatriz. “They […]
Wanted: Special People Like Erica
This year proceeds from the Blarney Breakfast benefit Rainbows’ Family Support Services programs and Camp Woodchuck . It takes a special individual to care for and inspire youth with special needs. Rainbows is set to hire 25-30 temporary full-time staff members to walk alongside Campers this summer. They will work hard and play hard. They […]
Help Make Summer Camp Awesome
This June, Camp Woodchuck is returning to Kids’ Cove! After three years of providing an amazing In-home Summer Experience, we are ready to bring the excitement of Camp Woodchuck back to Kids’ Cove. What is Camp Woodchuck? Camp Woodchuck is Rainbows’ Summer Camp for youth with special needs who might not otherwise get to have […]
Don’t Stop Dreaming
All parents have dreams for their children. When those dreams are disrupted by a diagnosis like Down Syndrome, it can be easy to stop dreaming—but Rainbows staff and organization is SO GOOD at saying: “Hey, don’t stop dreaming—just open your mind and dream a bit differently!” “Getting the Down Syndrome diagnosis AFTER birth was a […]
Rainbows’ Teenager Overcomes Challenges
When Seth Russell was announced as the recipient of InterHab’s Outstanding Youth Award for 2022, the teenager’s face broke into his familiar grin. When Seth grins, his whole face lights up and he was positively beaming when he walked to the stage to accept his award. Over the last two years 16-year-old Seth has had […]
