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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
