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 […]
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 […]
Support Through Challenges Brings Confidence
Cheyenne Hancock, Direct Support Professional, joined the Rainbows’ team in June of 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. “It was all very new and nerve-racking to me,” said Cheyenne. “Everyone was having a hard time adjusting to the change, especially the kids, but during that first summer I got a lot of compliments […]
