eConnection
Community Newsletter | July 2021
Support the Back-to-School Celebration:
Family Connection Spotlight
In less than two weeks, Rainbow Days will host our 30th annual Back-to-School Celebration! At a celebratory carnival-style event on Aug. 11, local homeless and at-risk students will receive new backpacks, school supplies, uniforms and after-school clothing while they celebrate the start of the new school year and importance of education.

You can help us help over 1,100 homeless and at-risk children and youth in the Dallas community head back to school prepared for a successful year ahead! There are many ways to get involved with this critical project:

1) Donate new backpacks and new school supplies via our Amazon Wish List! All items purchased are shipped directly to Rainbow Days' offices. All donations are requested by Aug. 4. Contact Katy Cornwall with questions about in-kind donations.

2) Volunteer at the Back-to-School Celebration on Aug. 11 or help with event setup on Aug. 10! Contact Sunni Roaten with questions about volunteering.

3) Make a financial gift to support the entire project! Contact Justin Eatherly with questions about sponsorship or donation opportunities.

The 2021 Back-to-School Celebration is hosted in partnership with CAPTRUST, Title Sponsor, MoneyGram Foundation, Presenting Sponsor, and Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, Event Chairs. Rainbow Days would like to thank all donors, volunteers and supporters who have already contributed to the back-to-school project this year!
Join the Sunshine Club:
Recurring Gift Program
Rainbow Days is excited to announce the launch of our new recurring gift program, the Sunshine Club!

As we continue to see an increase in ongoing need for our services to support the social and emotional needs of the children we serve, ongoing support is just as vital. That is why we are starting the Sunshine Club to shed ongoing light upon the services, children and youth we serve.
When you join Rainbow Days’ Sunshine Club, you will join a special group of people reaching out each month to provide promising futures for children and youth facing adversity throughout North Texas. By making a recurring gift and becoming a Sunshine Club member, you will also receive:

  • Special quarterly newsletter covering the recent work of Rainbow Days and how to get involved
  • Exclusive volunteer opportunities offered first to Sunshine Club members
  • One free virtual CBSG® Program Facilitator Training or Rainbow Days Training workshop annually
  • Seat reserved for you at our annual Pot of Gold Luncheon
  • Special Rainbow Days T-shirt mailed to you

Ready to join? Visit our online donation page and select “show my support by making this a recurring donation” under the ‘Amount’ box on the form. We will be in touch to confirm your membership and provide more information.
Summer Support Groups:
Community Connection Spotlight
This summer, Rainbow Days has been providing support groups as well as positive mentorship for at-risk youth at local schools and other community-based sites. When recently asked about their favorite (**and least favorite**) part of Rainbow Days, students at Marsh Middle School shared the following testimonials:

"This summer in Rainbow Days has been exciting and fun. You are the best teachers ever. It's been (almost) the best time of my life!"

"I liked that we could share things that we don't really share with anyone else."

"You are so nice and supportive, and you care for everyone."

"I loved everything honestly, especially your energy and your very kind vibes!"

"I liked how you taught us about life and our future plans."

"What I like about Rainbow Days is how you give us prizes like snacks or things that are donated from other companies."

"I am grateful for our teachers at Rainbow Days."

** "One thing I didn't like was not having Rainbow Days every day!" **
August Training Opportunities:
Rainbow Days Training Spotlight
If you are an educator or other youth-serving provider, summer is the perfect time to work on your continuing education hours! This August, Rainbow Days Training has a variety of offerings to meet your educational and professional development needs.

First, Rainbow Days' fourth annual Summer Symposium is close to wrapping up! You won't want to miss out on these final four workshops covering relevant topics explored by a great lineup of engaging speakers:

  • Aug. 3: "College Student Stress and Mental Health" – Jaymie Vandagriff, M.S.
  • Aug. 5: "Laughing Through the Tears" – Kathy Daley, B.F.A., ACPS, ICPS
  • Aug. 10: "Working with Pre & Post Adjudicated Youth" – Darius Campinha-Bacote, PsyD, HSP Certified Trauma Therapist
  • Aug. 12: "It’s Time to Talk…Again: Behaviors of Concern for Older Adults" – Julie Stevens, MPS, ACPS, ICPS

Additionally, Rainbow Days Training has an upcoming Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG®) Program Facilitator Training, which will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Visit Rainbow Days Training's website to learn more and register for this training on Aug. 31.
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