Wichita Non-Profit Highlight :: Rainbows United

 

 

Sometimes parenting doesn’t quite go as planned. When babies are born prematurely, with a genetic condition, or develop at a little slower pace, Rainbows United can be a beacon of hope to help families navigate the world of Early Intervention and case management. Rainbows United is an organization that has been a part of the local community for almost five decades. Last year, Rainbows United served more than 3,200 children with special needs, birth-21 in both Sedgwick and Butler counties. 

Michelle Eastman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Rainbows United says, “I am inspired daily by Rainbows’ employees as they seek to reveal the masterpiece that each child is meant to be, embracing their differences and unique characteristics, all the while helping families embrace their child with special needs. It’s a privilege to be a small part of such a worthy mission.”

As a physical therapist in Sedgwick County Infant Toddler Services at Rainbows United, I can say it is a joy to walk alongside families on their journeys to uncover the potential inside their children. When a child achieves a long awaited milestone, the celebration is a grand one!

Who does Rainbows Serve?

The mission of Rainbows United is to enhance the lives of children with special needs and their families by bringing together community resources and providing customized services.

In Early Intervention, a child that meets qualifications can be seen from birth to their third birthday. Rainbows United believes in a family centered approach. Children are seen in their natural environment, either home or childcare setting. Services are provided in both Sedgwick and Butler counties. 

Rainbows United also provides Specialized Child Care at it Kid’s Point location in northeast Wichita. There, children ages 2 weeks to pre-kindergarten are cared for. Children with special challenges are side by side with their typically developing peers. Services are provided in both Sedgwick and Butler counties.

Case Management services are offered for children aged birth-21. These services assist families to find the available resources and access them. The case managers may be able to establish respite or on-going care, durable medical equipment and supplies.

Specialized Foster Care is provided to help establish a nurturing environment with specialized needs. These services can be temporary or long-term. Rainbows is currently recruiting Foster Care Homes. If you or someone you know has a heart for children with special needs and would like to know more about being a Foster Care Home, reach out to Kerri at (316) 558-3439.

Connecting Point is a program within Rainbows United to provide information and conduct monthly developmental screenings for children birth-five.

Autism Services are provided through the Kansas Autism Waiver Program, private insurance, or Kansas Managed Care Organizations. These services are individualized based on the child and family needs.

Community Based Education/Training Services is provided in partnership with USD 259 to provide individualized services to qualifying 3-5 year-olds in their childcare settings.

Mental Health Services including screening, assessment, and referral for early childhood aged children in their homes or community.

Family Support Services provides both In-Home and Center Based Services for children 5-21. Latchkey services and the summer camp, Camp Woodchuck are available at the Kid’s Cove campus.

What can you do to support Rainbows?

Refer families who are interested or may qualify for our services to (316) 267-5437. For Sedgwick County Infant Toddler services, call (316) 945-7117, ext. 134. For Butler County Infant Toddler Services, call 800-650-9260

You can purchase a variety of items for many of our programs on our wishlist.

Attend the Charitable events. Rainbows has an annual Luau with the Hampels at Tangynyka in August. It is a fun family event that raises tens of thousands of dollars every year. Fashion Passion is a premier Fashion show and the agency’s largest fundraiser. It is held every November. It raises funds for a different program within Rainbows each year. The Blarney Breakfast is an annual tradition to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. The Rainbows Run specifically benefits the Butler County program.

Friends of the Heart is a group of supporters who volunteer their time and talents to further the mission of Rainbows.

Donations are tax deductible.

Amy Foster
Amy is a lifelong Wichita-area resident, with the exception of her college and grad school years. Amy has worked as a pediatric physical therapist for a local non-profit organization during her 22 year career. She married Brett, a youth pastor turned special education teacher and coach, and can be seen supporting Andover Middle School with her two boys, aged 13 & 11, only 18 months apart! They keep her occupied in athletic activities . When she isn't busy momming, she likes to walk her dog in her neighborhood, and do embroidery by hand.