Family connected to Rainbows through volunteerism

Dora Chihuahua-Davis has been volunteering at Rainbows since 2015. It was her son, Regan who first volunteered at Camp Woodchuck and sparked Dora’s interest in Rainbows. “He spoke about the kids and how staff encouraged and cared for them, no matter their abilities,” said Dora. “Every parent wants their child to have the opportunity to […]

“Kids’ innate joy, goodness, and honesty have truly enriched my life.”

Sheryl Smith, an enthusiastic volunteer, comes weekly to Rainbows and reads to children of different backgrounds and learning abilities. She encourages them to select suitable books, and she then discusses the illustrations and content with them. Sheryl believes that all children should have someone who consistently reads to them, thus, fostering their reading skills. “I […]

Volunteering Makes Life Happy

“I don’t do anything I don’t want to do,” said Jimna Knapp, Rainbows volunteer. “Doing what I enjoy is important. It’s my fulfillment, my happiness and it’s what makes life happy. One of the things I love most to do is volunteer.” Volunteering and caring for others have always been a part of Jimna’s life. […]

LifePoint Church Youth Group

Youth Pastor Nathanial Thurman has been bringing the LifePoint Church Youth Group to help serve Rainbows for 10 years this year. “I lead a small group of 9-11 year olds over the summer,” said Pastor Nathanial. “We take time growing in the knowledge of our faith as well as spending time serving our community.” “Rainbows […]

Rob Ralston

“As long as I can remember, I’ve held a soft spot in my heart for individuals with special needs,” said Rainbows’ Volunteer Rob Ralston. Prior to moving to Wichita with Merril Lynch Wealth, Rob was involved with a special ministry at his church in Kansas City. “My experience with this ministry unequivocally changed my life,” […]

Mary Ellis

Volunteering at Rainbows impacts not only the children with special needs and their families, but it also changes the life of the volunteer. “I enjoy every minute I spend volunteering and am always looking for the next event to sign up for because it brings me pure joy to see the smiles on all of […]

Bub and Tucker

Hello! My name is Gerald Isaacson, but most people call me Bub. I am 69 years old and recently retired after working in the Graphics Industry nationwide. I was born in Ogallala, Nebraska, and moved to Wichita in the mid-50’s where I eventually graduated from South High. I have been happily married to my wife, […]

Stephanie Johnson

Stephanie Johnson has grown up with a passion for Rainbows. The daughter of Shirley and Gordon Johnson, Rainbows’ maintenance supervisor, Stephanie spent many hours listening to her father’s stories and learning to love the Rainbows’ mission. While in college, Stephanie worked at Rainbows and now, pursuing her career in radiology services, she still volunteers her […]

Samantha Ritchie

Samantha Ritchie is continuing the legacy of the Ritchie family’s tradition as a friend to Rainbows. “My family has been involved with Rainbows for a long time and my older sister volunteered at Rainbows when she was in high school,” said Sammie. Her great grandfather supported Rainbows in the early years and many family members, […]