About Us
Rainbow Homes History
Many of our basic needs are first met within our family. As we mature, we learn to live on our own. But the person who has a mental or physical disability may never be fully independent. He or she may always require extra care and support for the many activities of life which most of us take for granted. In November 1989, with that thought in mind, a group of parents concerned about good residential housing for their son/daughter with cognitive disabilities began the process of creating Rainbow Homes.
Rainbow Homes currently provides semi-independent apartment housing to fourteen adults with cognitive disabilities. The housing consists of two quad plex apartment buildings. A community room allows the residents to enjoy a family style dinner each evening and an On-site Program Administrator allows the residents to have the needed support services each may need.
In 2005, we reached a milestone when two residents moved into an independent apartment off-site. They maintain their apartment; do their own shopping and cooking while still having the support and access to the activities of Rainbow Homes.
Our program is designed to provide each resident with as much independence as each individual can manage while providing the support they need to attain that independence. Most of the residents have some type of employment, either in the community or in a workshop program. In addition, they are all involved in community activities, i.e., Food Bank, Special Olympics, church activities, sports.
All of the residents qualify for low-income housing assistance and for several other programs designed to assist low income individuals become independent. Part of the program teaches each person how to maximize the little income they have. We work on budgeting, prudent shopping for both food and clothing and how to apply for government programs.
Many who work with persons with cognitive disabilities said we couldn't provide housing and support services as a private entity and survive. We have proven them wrong and are now considered a "model" program with a waiting list.
In August of 2007 purchased our third quad plex offering apartment living to an additional eight people. We are also in the process of expanding our community room and when completed we will be offering day and overnight respite. We have offered this program in the past. We will be expanding our respite program to more clients in the near future.
Rainbow Homes is a non-profit that has been changing the life experience for people with cognitive disabilities for over eight years. A cognitive is a severe and chronic disability caused by a mental or physical impairment or a combination of both. The disability occurs prior to age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. We recognize cognitive disabilities as a natural part of the human experience. A disability should not diminish the right of an individual to live independently, exert control and choice over their lives, or to fully participate in and contribute to their communities. These individuals should enjoy full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of our society.