What's Happening at Rainbows?
Summer 2020
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Silver Linings
Community Crisis Program:
Update & Re-Launch
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Just about everyone in the world right now is experiencing some form of grief from the collective trauma we are all going through together. Children and teens are particularly at risk for the negative health outcomes that can occur from significant adversity and the stress caused by multiple losses and/or on-going trauma. It is with this concern in mind that Rainbows is re-releasing our
Silver Linings
community crisis support group program, officially beginning this fall.
Silver Linings
is a support group program for children and teens, ages 3-18, that specifically addresses the grief, loss and trauma associated with community crises such as the current pandemic.
We initially developed this program in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, and it was successfully used again after Sandy Hook and Hurricane Katrina in the U.S., following wildfires in Canada and Australia, and after the 2011 tsunami in Japan. This summer, we updated the curriculum so it can be used more broadly with any type of community crisis, and to ensure it meets current best practices and standards.
Like our Rainbows support groups,
Silver Linings
provides problem-solving and coping skills, healthy ways to manage stress and anger, and assists participants to more effectively communicate their feelings. Through social-emotional learning activities and discussion, participants are supported as they work through their fears and worries, share their stories, and receive coping tools rooted in mindfulness practices, including relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. Groups meet seven times, ideally for two 45-60 minute meetings per week, with a wrap-up celebration at a final 8th meeting.
Disaster-response experts suggest early and mid-term intervention and prevention efforts be guided by
empirically supported consensus principles
that promote a sense of safety, calming, a sense of self- and community efficacy, connectedness and hope. These are the basic tenets of the
Silver Linings
program which promotes the belief that "it is always possible to find the silver lining even on the darkest of storm clouds."
Rainbows HQ is currently piloting initial groups this summer with each of the four program levels:
Pre-K to 1st grade
,
2nd to 5th grade
,
middle school
, and
high school
ages, including one that is operating entirely as a virtual group.
Silver Linings
facilitators do NOT have to be certified Rainbows facilitators; anyone over 18 with a clean federal background check can be trained to lead these groups. However, current Rainbows facilitators will receive a 50% discount off the cost of the program which includes a one-hour online training, electronic facilitator manuals and printable/digital activity books for all four levels, plus on-going support and additional resources for facilitators, families and sites.
Current Rainbows facilitators can receive the
Silver Linings
program for just $25; the cost for others is $50. If a site would like to train someone in both programs (Rainbows and Silver Linings), they can do so for a special COVID rate of $121 from now thru 12/31. Group discounts also apply for training multiple facilitators.
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It's always possible to find a silver lining even on the darkest of storm clouds.
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Socially distant, emotionally connected.
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When most of the U.S. went on lockdown in March, Rainbows stepped up to provide immediate support. Many sites around the country moved to meeting virtually, and staff at HQ provided
stress-relief activities
twice a week from March-May via Zoom.
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In June, the world witnessed the injustice of George Floyd's murder, sparking protests throughout the United States. Throughout history, when major events have oppressed a particular group of people, such as slavery, the Holocaust, forced migration and the violent colonization of Native Americans, there is often what is referred to as historical trauma, or
multigenerational trauma
, meaning the negative mental, physical and emotional health effects of the experience can be passed on through families for multiple generations. In fact, researchers have discovered the effects of trauma are even passed down through our DNA!
As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains, “while many in such a group will experience no effects of the historical trauma, others may experience poor overall physical and behavioral health, including low self-esteem, depression, self-destructive behavior, marked propensity for violent or aggressive behavior, substance misuse and addiction, and high rates of suicide and cardiovascular disease. Acute problems of domestic violence or alcohol misuse that are not directly linked to historical trauma may be exacerbated by living in a community with unaddressed grief and behavioral health needs. Parents’ experience of trauma may disrupt typical parenting skills and contribute to behavior problems in children. Compounding this familial or intergenerational trauma, historical trauma often involves the additional challenge of a damaged cultural identity.”
These are some of the challenges many of our families face on a daily basis, including police brutality and systemic racism. When providing support to our children and teens, it is crucial we consider the varied traumas they may be experiencing and recognize that all forms can cause feelings of grief and loss. Read our statement about the
Black Lives Matter movement
and learn how to
talk to children about
Black Lives Matter. Let us not ignore this very real and all too prevalent major cause of trauma.
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We kicked off July with a virtual fun run! We are so proud of and happy for everyone who participated--including some of our very own staff. With your help, Rainbows was able to raise
$2,370 and cover 466 miles! Thank you to all of our donors. These funds will help us be able to provide Rainbows groups in communities that might otherwise not be able to afford them, but where they are much needed.
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Rainbows Intern, Ashlyn Scott, tells us why she chose to participate in the Fun Run:
"I love Rainbows and everything they do for children in need. Coming from a small town without any resources like Rainbows, I've seen what a huge difference having an organization like this one can do. I'm thankful that they not only encourage children to speak about their experiences, but also remind them that they are not alone. I run for Rainbows because I want to reduce the impact of childhood trauma."
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August 20th
Named cook of the week in 2017 by the Daily Herald, Elizabeth Schuttler's true passion is cooking. She will be sharing her expertise in creating a delicious dinner of homemade marinara sauce and chicken Milanese topped with arugula salad, all via Zoom.
Please join us!
$20
for a general admission ticket
$45
for a general admission ticket + a Rainbows apron!
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Thru July 30th
A MUST SEE, highly powerful documentary to better understand grief...but have your tissues handy.
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OCTOBER 24
Save the date! Mark your calendars for the 4th annual
Rainbows Umbrella Brunch
.
Details coming soon....
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Connect
Submit
We are always happy to feature our Rainbows community of supporters on our social media. If you have gotten use out of any of the content we have been posting, please let us know and share a comment, photo or video. We also love hearing testimonials of how Rainbows has supported children, both past and present, so please share your stories with us!
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Rainbows for All Children is pleased to announce we are one of the brand new community partners with Read4Peace.
Promote
Equitable
Accessible
Community
Education (PEACE)
Read4Peace was established as a grassroots humanitarian e-publication to give back to the local, national, & global community. They donate 40% of their proceeds to community service agencies worldwide, serving
women, children, veterans, senior citizens & people with disabilities.
You can subscribe to the online monthly publication for $5/month for articles on topics such as health, fitness, teaching, counseling, therapy, law, faith, leadership and more.
For every new subscriber they will donate $25 to the charity or community service agency of your choice, which can be Rainbows for All Children! Coming soon you’ll also see articles pertaining to grief, loss, trauma and other related issues written by Rainbows in the publication. For more information please visit
www.read4peace.org
.
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Wellness Calendar
This month we are reminding everyone about the importance of self care. We put together a calendar so we can follow along on this journey together. Follow us on our socials to get daily reminders!
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Entertainment Recommendations
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by Matthew A. Cherry
A touching story of a father and daughter bonding as he learns to do her hair for the first time. Dad has to step up when Mom is in the hospital battling cancer. Will he come through for his daughter, and be the dad she needs?
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available on Netflix
Based on the beloved children's book series, this Netflix original recreates the stories with modern twists– dealing with issues of grief, divorce, racism, blended families and including themes of social justice. It is a perfect family binge and can be loved by children 10+!
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- We recognize facilitators are also experiencing their own grief, loss and trauma. Please help us determine how best to support you by completing a short survey that will be emailed later this week.
- Want to continue providing groups but not sure how to do so virtually? Don't worry! We've got you covered with a NEW Rainbows Guide to Virtual Groups that will be released next week. Look for it in your Learn Rainbows Resources.
- Also in your Learn Rainbows Resources: parent/caregiver materials are now available in Mandarin, as well as Spanish and English.
- Please let us know if you encounter any families affected by the Opioid Crisis, or coping with related substance abuse. We may be able to assist with funding.
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A pandemic is something most of us have never experienced, thus coping with it can present unique challenges.
Here are some links to support adults and/or children and teens through this difficult time:
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