Pre-K Teacher Shares Love of Music With Children
When MacKenzie Tilma, Lead Teacher, is in the classroom, you are likely to hear the happy notes of…A UKELELE? “I always like when the children get excited when I bring my ukulele to play songs for them,” said MacKenzie. “They are always suggesting songs I need to learn to play. We keep multiple toy ukuleles […]
It’s About Shooting for the Moon
In her first year at Rainbows, Development Specialist Kelsey “Billie” Genschorck played a major part in the record-breaking successes of both Fashion Passion (raising over $1 million) and Blarney Breakfast (raising more than $72,500). “My favorite memory so far? The end of Fashion Passion 2022,” said Billie. “Our team was running on fumes and adrenaline […]
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 […]
A prism reflects light and turns it into a rainbow
The criteria for Rainbows’ employee award, the Prism Award are to demonstrate Rainbows Guiding Principles, be an exemplar in the role they fulfill for Rainbows; demonstrate leadership; make children and families their highest priority; and represent Rainbows in a way that reflects positively on the entire organization. This year Rainbows honored an educator who has […]
Year-end Celebration with Awards and Accolades
To cap off a meaningful and successful 50th year, Rainbows’ Annual Meeting was held on Tuesday, December 6 at Cozine Life Events Center and hosted by Board of Directors’ Chair Jim Walters. Jim shared the many milestones for the past year and several individuals were recognized and honored during the evening. Rainbows celebrated the following […]
With a little help from our friends
Rainbows’ Development Department, a women-led team of four is composed of Vice President of Development Kelsi Hinshaw, Development Coordinator Vanessa Segura, Development Specialist Kelsey “Billie” Genschorck, and Special Events Assistant Scarlet Grassie. I, Vanessa Segura, am a first-year Development Coordinator. There were many firsts in this year’s Fashion Passion success story. The year 2022 is […]
One person (or bear) can make a difference.
Rainbows’ 10:15+ Club honors and recognizes staff members who have been with Rainbows for 10 or more years. In 2022, the 10:15+ Club had a total of 47 members! This year club members enjoyed a day of camaraderie and celebration, sharing hugs, laughter and stories of the past year. The day started at 10:15 a.m. […]
Mother’s career inspires teacher
“At a young age I fell in love with a career serving children who have special needs,” said Mary May, Assistant Teacher. “I watched my mother teach and help students growing up. I would volunteer and help her in any way that I could. I saw how much of a difference she made in their […]
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 […]