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 […]
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 […]
Laura and Leo tell their story
It was 1988 and after 2 weeks in the NICU, Laura was sent home with her parents, Jane and Randy who were completely unprepared on how to help their daughter. Laura was born with cerebral palsy and visual impairment. When Laura was 5 months old, a friend told them they needed to call Rainbows. The […]
Person-first Language = Dignity and Respect
Person-first Language is a form of speaking and writing that puts the person before their disability or diagnosis. It provides the understanding that they are multifaceted and that their diagnosis or disability is just one aspect of them that contributes to their identity. Person-first language, also referred to as people-first language, is about dignity and […]
We can do things we never thought possible if we just try
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. It’s also a time to appreciate ALL the love in your life. A small gift, a hug or a handmade card are simple ways that we express our appreciation for the people that fill our hearts with joy. As children, we wanted nothing more than to express our […]
A story of transformation
Congratulations to Rainbows’ youth, Stormy Endevoets. Stormy was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Youth Award at this year’s InterHab Art and Awards event. Stormy was awarded winning artwork by Tyler Moore, also served through Rainbows. Stormy is pictured with her award – hanging wind chime artwork by Tyler; Amber Rosenthal, Direct Support Professional; Tiffany Graf, Family […]
Stringent Safety Measures Help Rainbows Continue to Provide All Services
When parents are working, they need to have their children in safe, healthy and stimulating environments. As we have all heard, there is a nationwide shortage of licensed child care providers. Many closed during 2020 and a number of them have not reopened. At Rainbows we have worked hard to keep our Early Care and […]
Tiffany Graf
This week is the last week of Camp Woodchuck 2021. Memories were made, lifetime bonds created, and our Rainbows’ youth spent a summer filled with new experiences, fun and magic! Morgan Weber, Direct Support Professional with her Camper, Judah: We went to the zoo and he loved it! The water and ducks were probably his […]
Helping youth through change and transition
“Rainbows is a part of every aspect of our lives,” said Jeannie, Caleb’s mother. “They’ve been there for us since Caleb was a 3-year-old with an autism diagnosis and it’s such a relief they’re still there for us now.” Jeannie’s aunt, Susan Bliss, is a Direct Support Professional at Rainbows. When Jeannie needed help, Susan […]
