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RAINBOW HOUSE INC. "Rebuilding Families...Restoring Lives." Home

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RAINBOW HOUSE INC.

Annual Event...Lots of fun! The Festival of Trees & Lights

Mark your calendars for The Festival of Trees & Lights starting December 2 - 18th, where the children and adults enjoy a great time of family & fun. Learn more & download our brochure!

What We Do How we serve!

Rainbow House Inc. provides temporary shelter for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Check us out on Facebook! We accomodate 22 children and adolescents, including two infants. We work tirelessly because we CARE. Our big picture revolves around "rebuilding families and restoring lives." READ more..

Donations Every Gift Counts!

Here is our wish list. Thank you for giving.

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About

History
Rainbow Connection
USDA
Our Team
Volunteer
Job Openings
Board of Trustees

History

HISTORY

Rainbow House family resource center was founded in 1988 by a group of concerned community members to provide temporary shelter for children referred to the Department of Family and Children Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. As the need for such an agency grew, the shelter added a teen wing, administrative offices, a family visitation room, and a conference room. The program is licensed by the Office of Regulatory Services to accommodate 22 children and adolescents, including two infants. Currently, the shelter averages 15 children daily with an average length of stay of approximately 30-90 days.

Over the years, referrals have come from a wide range of counties in the Southern Crescent (Clayton, Fayette, Spalding), in counties all over metro Atlanta including Gwinnett, Douglas, Newton, Rockdale, and in outlying counties as well (Lamar, Butts, Upson).

Rainbow Connection CAAC was created in 2001 as a second program component of Rainbow House, Inc. which had existed since 1988 as an emergency shelter for children who had been removed from their homes due to abandonment, neglect, or abuse. Upon its inception, an inter-agency agreement was signed between Rainbow Connection and Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services, the Clayton County Police Department, the Clayton County District Attorney, Rainbow Medical Associates, Clayton County Juvenile Court, and the Clayton County Mental Health Department. This agreement recognized the need for an advocacy center in the county and ensured commitment to the mission of fulfilling this need. Since 2001, Rainbow Connection has served over 800 children and their non-offending caregivers.

Several years ago, a generous grant from Runaway and Homeless Youth helped us develop our SafePlace Program. Youth who hare having difficulties at home may go to any Quik Trip or fire station in the area and request placement at Rainbow House through Safe Place. This year, we have surpassed previous years in providing supportive services to these children and their families.

Rainbow House, Inc. maintains affiliation with Child Advocacy Centers of Georgia, the Child Welfare League of America, the Southeastern Network, Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children, the National Childrens Alliance, and Georgia Emergency Stabilization and Assessment Centers.

Rainbow Connection

Mission: The mission of Rainbow Connection Child Advocacy and Assessment Center (CAAC) is to reduce the trauma experienced by child victims of abuse and their non-offending family members by providing a central, child-friendly environment in which they can receive all needed services and by facilitating a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation and prosecution of allegations of child abuse. Information: Rainbow Connection Child Advocacy and Assessment Center (CAAC) primarily serves Clayton County children and adolescents who are suspected to have been sexually or physically abused. As much as possible, non-offending caregivers are utilized to obtain a thorough history of the child and the alleged abuse. Caregivers are offered education on the dynamics and effects of sexual and physical abuse. In addition, supportive groups are offered to the victims, non-offending family members, and siblings. All services at Rainbow Connection CAAC are provided only upon referral by Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), law enforcement, the District Attorney's office and/or other appropriate agencies. The combined wisdom and professional knowledge of DFCS, law enforcement, prosecution, medical, and mental health will result in a more complete intervention and investigation.More Detail INFORMATION:Requests for Services: Requests for Services are accepted from appropriate agencies only. Please have case information available and call Family Advocate with requests at (770) 603-5268. Requests for therapeutic services will be accepted only after the forensic interview has been completed. Requests are accepted for the following services: Forensic Interviews Therapeutic Services Case Review MeetingsServices Provided at Rainbow Connection CAAC: Video taped Forensic Interviews Play Therapy Individual Therapy Group Therapy Family Therapy Court Preparation Coordination of Team Case Review Meetings Parent Education/Support Groups Resource Materials and Community ReferralsPlease click here to read a detailed description of the services offered at the Rainbow Connection Child Advocacy Center.In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

USDA

USDA Disclaimer

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Our Team

OUR TEAM

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Volunteer VolunteeringThank you for your interest in volunteering with Rainbow House, Inc! As a non-profit corporation, we rely on the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers to accomplish our mission of helping child victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment by way of shelter, support, education and advocacy through community partnerships. To become a registered Rainbow House, Inc. volunteer, you must complete the following: * complete a prospective volunteer questionnaire* attend the foundation's volunteer Orientation Session. (1st Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.)* complete application screening process which includes a background checkIf you would like to volunteer, contact our main office at (770) 478-6905 or email us at admin_rainbowhouseinc.org.Volunteer OpportunitiesRainbow House, Inc. encourages maximum involvement of volunteers with its programs, activities and operations. Volunteers not only supplement the efforts of salaried staff, they bring creativity and vitality necessary for the growth of the organization. Since we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, volunteers are utilized around the clock, allowing for flexible scheduling. Volunteers may maintain a consistent schedule or opt for a flexible one, depending on availability. Following is a brief description of the many ways you can become involved with our organization. Please consider your skills, goals and motivation for volunteering when deciding which of these positions might best meet your needs. And remember: EVERYONE MAKES A DIFFERENCE - donors and volunteers alike no mater the amount or the position. Corporate Volunteer ProgramCorporations are encourages to get involved with Rainbow House, Inc. in support of our mission. Employees can form teams to help raise funds, gather in-kind donations and become shelter and advocacy volunteers.Fundraising - Special Projects VolunteersHere,YOU may participate on various Fundraising Committees as well as on the day of the events. Committee volunteers help secure sponsors and serve on various sub-committees (i.e. publicity committee, program committee, ad committee, etc.). Each event provides an opportunity for our volunteers to have a great time while making a much needed contribution of time and effort on behalf of Rainbow House, Inc.CommunicationsWe are always looking for volunteers with a talent for writing, public speaking and graphic design to participate with the Newsletter and Fundraising Events Committee. Our Newsletter Committee assists with writing articles for the newsletter as well as the preparation for printing. Volunteers who enjoy public speaking and networking may be asked to assist with presentations to interested parties groups and businesses. Shelter VolunteerThe role of a Shelter Volunteer is to make our "children of need" feel safe and loved through creativity and imagination. Our Volunteers visit the shelter and assist our Child Development Workers with various athletic, arts & crafts, educational and therapeutic activities; as well as attend off grounds activities and fieldtrips. This position requires excellent people skills, sensitivity and dependability. Shelter Volunteers also work hard to get as many goods and services related to the activities and special outings donated. Advocacy Center VolunteerThe role of an Advocacy Center Volunteer is to help make our special "children of need" feel comfortable and safe while going through the healing process of being a child victim of sexual and physical abuse. This position requires sensitivity, compassion and the ability to establish rapport with children. We are seeking special people who will be able to provide play time companionship to children while they are waiting for their forensic and therapeutic services. Reading, coloring, playing board games will be your job! Office SupportIn this capacity, volunteers assist with general clerical duties during regular business hours. The support may include word processing, data entry, special projects, answering phones or preparation of bulk mailings. Working in the office helps volunteers to become more familiar with staff and the inner workings of the organization. We do suggest that our office support volunteers choose a consistent time that they will volunteer.

Job Openings

JOB OPENINGS

Interested in career opportunities with us?

The Rainbow House , an equal opportunity employer, proactively pursues a diverse workplace. Although we currently have no positions available, we are a rapidly growing agency and keep applications on file for one year.

If you would like to be notified of future job openings and are interested in joining our team, please send a cover letter and resume to: info_rainbowhouseinc.org.

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees
1. Jacquelyn Hubbard, Chair2. Dr. Robert Alpert, Vice Chair3. Pamela Everett, Secretary4. Karen Sullivan, Treasurer5. Judge Daphne Walker6. Kathy Wages7. Virginia Gray

Special Events

FOTL2011 brochure 10 31 11-edited version.pdf

Festival of Trees & Lights
9th ANNUAL CLAYTON COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTSCLAYTON COUNTY INTERNATIONAL PARK2300 HWY 138 EAST, JONESBORO, GA 30236December 2 - 18, 2011Light Tour Only:Tuesday - Thursday6:30pm - 9:00pmCar - $5.00Van - $7.00 Bus - $15.00Light Tour and Activities:Friday - Sunday6:30pm - 9:00pmCar - $7.00Van - $10.00Bus - $20.00 Opening Ceremony December 2, 2011 5:30-6:00pm FREE AdmissionFREE Parking (BEFORE 6PM) FREE Hayride or Hot ChocolateFREE Hayride until 6 p.m. on opening night.Activities Include:Photos with SantaArts & Crafts Face PaintingConcessions Live Entertainment HayridesCake Walks Gingerbread Men Decoration!! Cash for Santa BucksCash will be exchanged for Santa Bucks for food and all activities.$1.00 = (1) ONE Santa Buck Calling All TalentChoirs, Soloists, Youth Groups, Step Teams and other Entertainers join us on stage at the 8th Annual Festival of Trees and Lights!Whether your group is newly formed or is composed of seasoned performers, help spread the holiday cheer in front of hundreds of visitors!We have several dates and times still available. Hurry to secure a date for yourself, your orchestra, your gymnastics team, step team, mime dancers, etc.Call (770) 478-6905 ext. 0 to schedule a weekend date in December. VolunteersWant to become a volunteer at this event or upcoming events for Rainbow House, Inc.? Please call (770) 478-6905 ext. 0 for details or e-mail us at volunteers_rainbowhouseinc.org For Additional Information: (770) 478-6905

Donations

DONATIONS

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Ways to GiveIn-kind DonationsYou can help us by donating any of the following ongoing needs. We encourage and appreciate your assistance through in-kind donations. For more information on how your donation can be used as a tax deduction or other items currently on our wish list, call (770) 478-6905. Thank you for thinking of us! Our Wish List Includes:HouseholdPaper towelsLight bulbs (60 watt)Hand sanitizer (all sizes-- especially travel packs)Toilet tissueLiquid hand soap (antibacterial)Lysol disinfectant sprayLatex gloves (small, med, large--powder free)Frabreeze (any scent)Bug spray (ant, roach, and spiders)Trash bags (30 and 60 gallon)30 Day metered air system refill (6.6oz)Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt)Facial tissueDiaper geniePlastic cups (any size)BroomsFood/ Kitchen Supplies:Serving utensilsBrooms and mopsFloor buffer8 oz cups Commercial pots and pansCleaning supplies, Office Supplies:Standard white copying paper (8.5 x 11)White outScotch tapeStaplersScissorsIndex cardsColored paper (any color, 8.5 x 11)Rewritable CDsJump drives (i.e. memory thumb sticks)Stamps (any denomination)For the Children:Flip flopsBoys and girls socks (any size)Wash cloths Bath towelsT-shirts/undershirts (all sizes)Girl's/women bras (any size)Tennis shoes (teen)Hair brushesClear bookbags/backpacksEntertainment:DVD movies (G, PG, PG-13)Yoga matsStress BallsVideo Games for X-box game cubePersonal CD playersGift Certificates of any kind are always appreciated.Change for Change CampaignYou can help us continue to provide these much needed services in our community by donating your loose and spare change.If you, your church, organization, or place of employment would like to participate in the Change for a Change campaign, please call (770) 478-6905 or make an online donation.Donate OnlineMake a secure online donation using your credit card of debit card using PayPal. You have the choice of making a donation in your name or in the honor or memory of a loved one. Please Contact Us for the Following:Monetary DonationsThe Rainbow House is a USA registered 501(c)(3) organization, thus all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Your contribution enables us to continue the work of providing food, clothing, shelter, and support services to the babies and children in our care. We truly appreciate your gift!Monthly GivingWould you like to make a series of regular gifts to the Rainbow House, Inc.? We can set up automatic donations directly from your bank account. We are fortunate to have many supporters who have already signed up for regular monthly giving and hope that you will become a part of this very special group that ensures Rainbow House is always there for any child who seeks safety and support.Memorial DonationsAny gift to Rainbow House, Inc. can be made "in memory of" or "in honor of" a person or couple that is special to you. You can give a gift to remember dear friends or loved ones or to honor them on special occasions.

Services

General Services

General Services
The following services are provided at no cost to Clayton County residents and child victims of sexual or severe physical abuse:Forensic Interviews (ages 3-17)The following services are provided at no cost to Clayton County residents and child victims of sexual or severe physical abuse: Video/audio taped documentation of forensic interviews with child victims and/or witnesses is available upon referral from appropriate agencies, including DFCS, law enforcement and the district attorney's office. Referring agency members must be present to observe interviews. Their presence will provide multidisciplinary team members with the opportunity to have their questions asked, thereby reducing the risk of exposing the child victim to additional questioning and/or repeated interviews.Therapeutic Services (ages 3-17)Therapeutic services offered to confirmed victims of sexual and severe physical abuse and their non-offending family members include play therapy, individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy. Art therapy techniques are also employed as well as a support/educational group for non-offending family members. Court preparation for children testifying in criminal court is also available in conjunction with the Victim Witness Assistance Program of the District Attorney's Office. Multidisciplinary Team StaffingsRainbow Connection coordinates MDT staffings for children receiving advocacy center services. The purpose of these meetings is to facilitate communication between agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of allegations of child abuse as well as those agencies responsible for protecting child victims. MDT staffings will provide agency members with a forum to discuss complex cases with other professionals and, as a result, will enhance both the decision-making and intervention process.

Volunteer Questionnaire

Volunteer Questionairre

Volunteer Application Form.pdf

Safe Place Program

Safe Place Program
What is Safe Place?Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own, as well as providing temporary housing and emergency services for youth in these situations. This easily replicated community initiative involves the whole community to provide safe havens and resources for youth in crisis.Safe Place creates a network of "Safe Place locations" - youth friendly businesses, schools, fire stations, libraries, YMCAs and other appropriate public buildings that display the distinctive yellow and black Safe Place sign. In many communities the local transit system takes part, designating buses as mobile Safe Place sites. Once the youth goes to one of the Safe Place sites partnered with Rainbow House in Fayette, Fulton, Henry, DeKalb and Clayton County, the staff there is instructed to telephone the shelter in order for the child to come here. Once at the agency, counselors meet with the youth and provide support, resources and help. They make sure the youth and their families receive the help and professional referrals they need. The youth serving agency helps the youth and the family through a difficult time or crisis situation through counseling and support services.Why Kids Need Safe PlaceKids experience many difficult situations to include problems at home, problems at school, trouble with peers, being locked out of the house, riding with an unsafe driver, or being in a dangerous situation on a date.Kids also leave home for many reasons such as to escape abuse or neglect, drug or alcohol problems of family members, family members who make them leave or maybe they feel they just don't belong. Many times leaving home is not a choice they want to make. Yet national agencies estimate that over one million young people run away from home each year.No matter what the reason, kids do have a safer alternative. They can go to any designated Safe Place site to get immediate help. These young people deserve access to a Safe Place and a chance to think through their problems with the support of caring adults. The Rainbow House's Safe Place Program provides immediate help and supportive resources for all young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses, as well as the new incentive from National Safe Place which is Text 4 Help where teens text the word SAFE and their current location to 69866 for immediate help and within seconds will receive a text message with the closest Safe Place location, youth shelter or hotline number.Rainbow House, Inc. implements and helps to accomplish the program's mission through acting as the host site for Clayton County, specifically as the liaison for all local QuikTrip service stations, local and city Fire Departments and the Clayton County Public School System.*For more information on our Safe Place program, please contact coordinator Kristi Ali at (770) 603-5268, and if in need of a Safe Place please contact the Rainbow House, Inc. at (770) 478-6905.(*Safe Place description and program information was copied from the National Safe Place Website: www.nationalsafeplace.org)

Safe Place Locations

Safe Place Locations
Safe Place is the first step to help for any youth in crisis or at risk. This community collaboration program, operated by youth shelters or youth serving agencies make it possible for any youth to access help at locations including fast food restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, libraries and city buses which display the Safe Place sign. Youth can easily find help at Safe Place sites in their own neighborhood whenever they need it. Safe Place connects youth to immediate help and safety and offers supportive services to both youth and their families. If you or someone you know is in need of a SafePlace, please contact the following businesses for immediate assistance via the DOWNLOADABLE PDF below:

Safe Place Locations County by County in Georgia.pdf

Other Usual Links:

National Safeplace Organization

Safe Place FAQs

Rainbow CAC Service
Rainbow CAC ServicesThe following services are provided at no cost to Clayton County residents and child victims of sexual or severe physical abuse:Forensic Interviews(ages 3 - 17)The following services are provided at no cost to Clayton County residents and child victims of sexual or severe physical abuse: Video/audio taped documentation of forensic interviews with child victims and/or witnesses is available upon referral from appropriate agencies, including DFCS, law enforcement and the district attorney's office. Referring agency members must be present to observe interviews. Their presence will provide multidisciplinary team members with the opportunity to have their questions asked, thereby reducing the risk of exposing the child victim to additional questioning and/or repeated interviews.Forensic Evaluations(ages 3-17)Forensic evaluations are offered in cases where the alleged child victim does not disclose sexual or physical abuse during the forensic interview but for whom there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse. The victim is not permitted contact with the suspected offender during the evaluation, which may consist of a maximum of eight sessions with two sessions per week.Top Medical Services(ages birth to 17)Sexual assault examinations are conducted on site by a trained forensic nurse examiner who works under the supervision of Rainbow Connection's medical director. Photo documentation of physical abuse is also available.Therapeutic Services(ages 3-17)Therapeutic services offered to confirmed victims of sexual and severe physical abuse and their non-offending family members include play therapy, individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy. Art therapy techniques are also employed as well as a support/educational group for non-offending family members. Court preparation for children testifying in criminal court is also available in conjunction with the Victim Witness Assistance Program of the District Attorney's Office.Multidisciplinary Team StaffingsRainbow Connection coordinates MDT staffings for children receiving advocacy center services. The purpose of these meetings is to facilitate communication between agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of allegations of child abuse as well as those agencies responsible for protecting child victims. MDT staffings will provide agency members with a forum to discuss complex cases with other professionals and, as a result, will enhance both the decision-making and intervention process.

Latest News

Programs

PROGRAMS
Through our well-established programs and new project ideas, Rainbow House seeks to assist each child in gaining increased self-reliance and self-esteem as well as healthy and effective coping skills. Since our inception, Rainbow House has worked collaboratively with local and state agencies and organizations to increase the efficiency of direct services and to achieve a greater impact of success while avoiding duplication of services. As determined by our staff, our focus includes prevention, education and early intervention services relative to each child's health and wellness. Food, clothing, medical and dental care and tutorial services are offered to each child in the program. The following are some of the well-established programs of Rainbow House:Therapeutic ServicesA means of helping child victims of abuse overcome the trauma of their abuse through assessment, counseling, play and art therapy.Rainbow House Project Safe PlaceProvides immediate help and supportive resources for all young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses. Rainbow House, Inc. implements and helps to accomplish the program's mission through acting as the host site for Clayton County, specifically as the liaison for all local QuikTrip service stations, local and city Fire Departments and the Clayton County Public School System.Rainbow Connection Child Advocacy and Assessment CenterProvides victims of abuse with medical/sexual assault examinations, mental health assessments, counseling, art and play therapy, social, legal, and judicial forensic support services in a central location.Project Smart StartThe intent of this program is to help break the cycle of homelessness and lack of educational equality by improving the educational opportunities of shelter-based children. The program focuses on the shelter-based student's educational level and the unique needs of being homeless. Two of our primary goals are maintaining appropriate grade level performance and preventing continued educational delay. In doing so, with educational assessments and providing daily tutoring sessions, we can help to reduce educational disruptions, social isolation and other problems that result in repeated moves.Independent Living & Life ServicesProvides life skill development for teens ages 14-18 to help prepare them for life challenges and to help make then self-sufficient and confident in their choices. We provide training in areas of employment, banking, househould budgeting, housing, furthering education, college, etc.

Services

General Services

Volunteer Questionnaire

Safe Place Program

Safe Place Locations

Rainbow CAC Service

Programs

Contact

Rainbow House Inc.

P.O. Box 871014

Morrow, GA 30260

OFFICE: (770) 478-6905

FAX: (770) 473-3849

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