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 […]
Honoring CJ Seitz
“From the moment he was born, CJ was a kind soul,” said Frank Seitz, CJ’s father. CJ was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, but no evidence of brain damage at the time of his birth. “We thought we had a perfectly normal child,” said Frank. When he was 4 months old, […]
Letting Brayden Fail, With Love
Twenty-six-year-old Brayden is the biggest KU basketball fan you’ll ever meet. He is very sport-oriented, enjoys golfing with his dad and uncle and has played tournaments with them. This summer, Brayden and his mom, DeAnne attended Rainbows’ 50th Birthday celebration at the Wind Surge baseball game. Brayden has been part of the Rainbows’ family since […]
Fashion, Talent and Arts Shows, and Field Trips, Too
Camp Woodchuck’s 50th Birthday-themed summer camp wrapped up a successful summer serving 36 youth, ages 6-21 years old, in an In-Home camp experience. This summer, Rainbows’ Direct Support Professionals provided children each week with a variety of hands-on structured activities and took them out into the community for field trips and special activities. The youth […]
