Dear valued Rainbow Days supporters,
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts North Texas, Rainbow Days continues to support our community and the children and families we serve. During these challenging and unprecedented times, we would like to share with you how Rainbow Days is responding and the impact that this situation is having on our current and future events and services.
First and foremost, our priority is the well-being of our neighbors, including those who support our work, those who deliver our services and those who benefit from our programs. For this reason, the following decisions have been made:
23rd Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon – After much deliberation and consideration, we regretfully have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Pot of Gold Luncheon — which was scheduled for Friday, April 17, at the Omni Dallas Hotel — and shift it to a digital format. We look forward to creating a meaningful experience online, which will include keynote speaker and honorary chair Darren Woodson, outstanding items from our silent auction and inspiring testimonies from the children we serve. Please be on the lookout for the full announcement!
Easter Eggstravaganza – As many of you are already aware, we have canceled our Easter Eggstravaganza event, which was scheduled for March 28. Instead, beginning the first week of April, small groups of staff and volunteers will deliver baskets to children and families at the shelters. We will use all measure of safety to protect everyone involved. If you would like to sign up to be a part of our small group of volunteer / staff teams (of fewer than 10 people) for delivering items, please reach out to Sunni Roaten.
Programs – Our school groups are currently on hold due to school closures, and shelter groups are on hold due to limited visitors at the shelters. Additionally, our training services are now shifting to virtual interactions. Through this, we are remaining nimble, flexible and creative in how we can continue to provide our services to those who need them most. We are continuing to meet the important needs of the children, youth, families and training participants we serve through the following ways:
- Project Hope Food Program – We are continuing our monthly delivery of fresh food and household staples to families residing in area motels. As is our practice, we are utilizing small groups of volunteers to help with these deliveries. We have a need for donations of cleaning supplies (Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer and soap) for this program. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please contact Sunni Roaten.
- Virtual Lessons for Students in Community Connection, our School-Based Program – We are in the process of creating content and systems for our students to receive virtual interaction, lessons and support from program staff and partnering with our schools to deliver these sessions.
- Tangible Lessons & Activities for Children in Family Connection, our Shelter-Based Program – We are in the process of designing session kits, which will include tools, resources and supplies, to deliver to children, parents and staff in the shelters to support their emotional and mental health during this time.
- Training, Equipping Adults to Facilitate our Programs – We are in the process of shifting all of our in-person trainings to a virtual and interactive format.
- Curricula Development & Innovation – We are being intentional with our time to focus our efforts on curricula updates, Spanish translations and revisions, and new content creation to make our tools and services even more effective and impactful.
- Resources for You & Your Family – We want you to know that we care about you and your family. If your child is experiencing anxiety, this is a great time to start a daily “check-in” to give them an opportunity share their feelings. In our support groups, we call this activity “Sunshine and Cloud.” A “Sunshine” is something that makes you feel happy, and a “Cloud” is something that makes you feel sad or angry. We begin every support group with this activity, which is also a great tool to adapt and do each day in your own household. We would love to offer you this free resource for you to use with your family: download a copy of a “Sunshine and Cloud” here. Additionally, linked here are further resources for how to talk to your kids about the current situation.
As we anticipate an increased need for our services and create new delivery systems, we would like to ask for your continued support. Many of those we serve are already some of the most vulnerable, which is compounded by the fallout from the coronavirus.
If you would like to make a financial gift during this time, we would be grateful.
In addition to monetary support, which allows us the flexibility to meet needs, we encourage you to visit our website for a list of in-kind donations and other support opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership with us in our mission.
On behalf of all of us at Rainbow Days, we would like to wish you and your loved ones safety, health, and God’s protection and peace during this time.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Beaudine, Interim Executive Director