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Rainbow Village Says ConGRADulations!

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Like many families with a graduate or two in their midst, there has been a flurry of activity in and around the Village for weeks now. Celebrations of different stages of life. The Rainbow Village Early Childhood Development Center just celebrated the graduation of our three-year preschoolers as they move up and our four-year preschoolers as they move on to kindergarten in the local elementary school. One of our adult residents – Renee – just completed Dental Staff School and will be pursuing a career as a Dental Assistant. We are so proud of you and so excited FOR you all.

What is perhaps most exciting is the ever-evolving story of our very own Bianca Miller. A mother of three, she graduated from Rainbow Village two years ago. Since she left our program and moved from our campus, Bianca and her children have lived in the same location – an important component in providing stability for the family.  Rainbow Village has remained a valued support system for the Miller family as Bianca’s daughters have continued to take part in our ECDC and afterschool programming while mom pursued her degree. Bianca just graduated from Gwinnett Tech with an associate degree in Business Management (the same month and year her youngest daughter, Zaria, graduated from our preschool program). Bianca plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

“Rainbow Village and its supporters have been walking with me through this journey for the past three years,” penned Bianca in a heartfelt note. “Your support could be seen and felt all around me – at one point pushing me to continue when there was temptation to quit. I am often reminded of my Village and encouraged to go further. When I picked up my cap and gown, not only did I feel proud, but the amazement in my girls’ eyes is something I’ll never forget. Thank you for helping me get to this moment! ‘I thank my God upon every remembrance of you’ ~ Philippians 3:1”

We hope you know we’re your biggest cheerleaders, Bianca! We are amazed by all that you’ve accomplished to date and can’t wait to see you realize all the promise your life holds! You’re setting an amazing example for your little girls.

Watch a Special Thank You Message from Bianca

Watch a Special Graduation and “Showcase” Presentation from our ECDC

Rainbow Village Augments Family Services with Three New Staff Members

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Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Enhances Team with Suzzette Miller-Blackmon as Family Engagement Coordinator plus Crystal Johnson and Janelle Lawson as Success Coaches

Duluth, Ga., May 28, 2019 – Having ended its capital campaign and fulfilled its plan to add five apartment buildings and a community center to its 2.5-acre campus in the heart of Duluth in 2017, Rainbow Village has had to redefine the concept of growth in recent years. Its newest signs of fresh growth include the addition of three new staff members to better serve families who recently contended with homelessness, poverty or domestic violence. The Gwinnett County-based nonprofit is proud to announce the recent enhancement of its team with Suzzette Miller-Blackmon joining Rainbow Village as Family Engagement Coordinator and Crystal Johnson and Janelle Lawson serving as Success Coaches.

“In addition to working to maintain our campus, we’ve turned our focus to improving the quality of service we provide to the families we serve,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “Above and beyond giving our families the tools they need to succeed; we want to give them more of a voice and the affirmation that they’re being heard. Our new success coaches – Janelle and Crystal – will do that for them. Their relationships with Rainbow Village families will be special and empowering. They will help the families we serve build smart and attainable goals, while holding them accountable to see them through and celebrate the little victories with them all along the way. Instead of ‘you can’t do that,’ Janelle and Crystal will tell them ‘yes you can, and this is how.’”

Crystal Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from San Francisco State University and a Patient Advocate Certification from the University of California Los Angeles.  Johnson has worked in the field of direct services for many years and has a vast array of experience in Case Management Services. She has served Tri-City Health Care and Community Violence Solutions in California, as well as AID Atlanta and Lost-N-Found Youth Center in Atlanta. Johnson understands the importance of giving compassionate and honest feedback to families while empowering them with the necessary tools to be successful and self-sufficient. 

Janelle Lawson holds a Master of Science degree in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from Mississippi University for Women.  Lawson has over fourteen years of experience in the human services field. After completing college, she started working in the social service arena as a Social Worker for various Head Start centers in Jackson, Mississippi.  She relocated to Georgia in 2008 and has since worked with a variety of populations ranging from Veterans under the SSVF program to homeless families in transitional housing programs.  Lawson is an enthusiastic problem solver who loves to help families find their independence again.

“Endeavoring to serve the WHOLE family, we use a multi-generational approach in just about everything we do at Rainbow Village,” added Conner. “Our new Family Engagement Coordinator, Suzzette Miller-Blackmon, will work closely with the After-School Program and not just with the children, but also with the parents to make sure they are engaged with their child’s educational-social performance and ultimate success. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the day to day demands of life. Suzzette will help the parents take a beat and really SEE what their child is doing, what their interests are, and how to help them achieve their dreams. To support that effort, she will develop and implement family engagement events and activities, as well as manage family communications, including newsletters and social media, to keep everyone connected.”

Suzzette Miller-Blackmon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science/Educational Studies from SUNY Empire State College.  She also holds an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University.  Miller-Blackmon worked for five years as a Program Director for Five Towns Head Start Program in New York.  Here in Georgia, she had a three-year tenure as a Curriculum Director at Apostles Learning Center in Sandy Springs and operated her own Educational Consulting business, Fresh Start Services, out of Lawrenceville for 10 years.  A team player and caring leader, her teaching philosophy embraces the total child with an emphasis on parent engagement. 

To learn more about Rainbow Village, make a donation or register as a volunteer, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village Hosts Highly Successful 2019 Second Chance Golf Classic

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Local Businesses and Golfers Turn Out in Support of Organization with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence in North Metro Atlanta

Duluth, Ga., May 21, 2019 – As a nonprofit organization that understands the importance of giving second chances to homeless families in need, Rainbow Village was proud to play host to one of its most successful fundraisers to date – the 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic. With the tagline “The course of life can be a challenge. Sometimes we need a mulligan.” for inspiration, 112 golfers took to the course at TPC Sugarloaf with the goal of having fun and changing lives. Before the day was over, the nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in North Metro Atlanta had raised $88,100.

“We simply cannot say thank you enough to all of our amazing sponsors, groups of friends who came out as foursomes, individual golfers, volunteers, community partners and the wonderful staff at TPC Sugarloaf,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “In addition to having an amazing time and being blessed with beautiful weather, we raised $24,000 MORE than last year’s event – something we never could have imagined. It just goes to show how incredibly supportive the Gwinnett County and North Metro Atlanta communities are of Rainbow Village. Those communities share with us a strong desire to help Rainbow Village families pursue futures filled with promise so that their children never have to face another night of homelessness the rest of their lives.”

Needless to say, as a tournament, there was a winning team. The foursome of Larry Mays, Joe Mays, Chandler Doughty and Steve Doughty brought home the win (after a Rock Paper Scissors Challenge between their team and the tying Salesforce team), but the real winners of the day were the families Rainbow Village serves with its 2.5-acre campus that houses five apartment buildings and a community center that includes space for an Early Childhood Development Center, after-school programming, family dining room and more. In addition to housing and childcare, the Duluth-based nonprofit provides financial and career counseling, life skills classes, mental health services and – most importantly – a solid sense of community for the 30 families it serves at any given time. Funds raised from the Second Chance Golf Classic will go to support programming and operations at Rainbow Village.

With presenting sponsor – Columbia Engineering – at the helm, other local companies that served as sponsors for this year’s Golf Classic included: Northside Hospital Forsyth, Siemens, The Lorentzen Family, Teamspring Technologies, Coles Barton LLP, Renasant Bank, Your Wealth Partners, PossibleNow, Motor Cars of Atlanta, Quantum National Bank, Greyling Insurance Brokerage, Wilson Lewis Certified Public Accountants, The Whitlock Group Insurance Agency, HallWay Plumbing, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, BrandMortgage, Jimmy John’s, Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, Gwinnett Medical Center, Robert Half and United Consulting.

Rainbow Village’s other major annual fundraising event – the “We Are Family” Benefit Gala – is scheduled for Saturday, October 12 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. To learn more about Rainbow Village, make a donation or register as a volunteer, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

View From the Village: Wayne Ellison

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Rainbow Village Board Member Spotlight

One thing is for certain. Wayne Ellison is a busy man. In addition to his role at the helm of his own highly successful insurance agency – Norcross-based Ellison Insurance Agency – this Virginia-born Atlanta transplant serves on the boards for Junior Achievement, New Mercies Christian Church, Gwinnett County United Way (as its incoming chair), Rotary Club of Gwinnett, 100 Black Men of North Atlanta and his fraternity – Phi Beta Sigma. As if all of that wasn’t enough, the married father of three ALSO devotes his time, treasure and talents to selflessly serve the families of Rainbow Village as a Board Member.

Ellison first learned about Rainbow Village while taking part in Leadership Gwinnett in 2005 alongside our organization’s former CEO, Reverend Nancy Yancey. In 2017, he took a tour of the 2.5-acre campus and facilities before being invited to join the board. After witnessing firsthand what our nonprofit organization had to offer homeless families, he took a leap of faith and has served as a cherished and compassionate member of the board ever since.

“I was immediately impressed by what Rainbow Village has to offer families-in-need – from housing and early childhood development to self-sufficiency skills training and financial counseling,” said Ellison. “Money management and parenting don’t come with instructions and what you learn along the way may be good, bad or indifferent. Rainbow Village not only provides these families with the tools they need to succeed, but it also offers them peace and stability. A consistent place to lay your head from night-to-night is a powerful thing, but Rainbow Village gives them so much more than that.”

Ellison relayed that there are a lot of impactful ways for businesses and members of the Metro Atlanta community to serve the families of Rainbow Village – such as becoming a corporate or community partner, volunteering or making a donation, but for those who are considering a place on the board he offered a few words of advice.

“Come with a servant’s heart, willing spirit and open mind,” suggested Ellison. “There are some people who serve on a board merely to pad their resume. That won’t work here. When you see the difference Rainbow Village makes in peoples’ lives and realize that you’ve had a hand in it, that simply motivates you to give more. Not to mention the fact that the staff here is A-1 and so rewarding to work with. Involvement with Rainbow Village is a great investment of time, energy and money. You can literally SEE the ‘life-changing’ taking place every day. It’s not our place to judge or question what brought a family to Rainbow Village, but it is our duty to focus on their futures and help transform their lives for the better. None of us got to where we’re at without the help of another. Adversity knocks on everybody’s door at one point or another.”

Melanie Conner – CEO of Rainbow Village – had this to say about Ellison, “Wayne has proven to be the consummate board member. He is totally involved and supportive of Rainbow Village, and he regularly introduces our organization and its all-important mission to others within his circle of influence. My team and I truly appreciate his generosity, as well as his genuine and infectious personality.”

If you wish to be considered for a seat on Rainbow Village’s board in the future, please contact Rainbow Village at (770) 497-1888 or info@rainbowvillage.org. To make a donation, register as a volunteer or explore ways that your organization or company might partner with Rainbow Village, be sure to visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village Proud to Be Named Finalist for IMPACT Regional Business Awards

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Local Organization with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Recognized in the Nonprofit Category for Gwinnett Chamber Awards

Duluth, Ga., April 17, 2019 (Press Release) – Long recognized as a leading nonprofit organization in Metro Atlanta, Rainbow Village has been designated as a finalist for Gwinnett Chamber’s IMPACT Regional Business Awards. The IMPACT awards pay tribute to premier organizations in top industries that are driving economic development and job creation, while enhancing our quality of life. Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless families through transitional housing, counseling, life skills training, youth programs and the provision of a solid sense of community.

“Rainbow Village serves as a community of transformation within an ever-transforming community,” said the nonprofit’s CEO, Melanie Conner. “While many of the businesses being recognized by the IMPACT Regional Business Awards have a hand in being major movers and shakers for economic development and job creation in Gwinnett County, that’s our role on a smaller scale in the lives of the families we serve. Most importantly, our main mission is to enhance their quality of life – filling them with a sense of purpose and a belief in their own special promise. Win or lose, we are truly thankful to the Gwinnett Chamber for shining a spotlight on the important work Rainbow Village and the other nonprofit finalists are doing within our community.”

In addition to the Nonprofit category, recipients will be selected in the following sectors: AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction); Education; Healthcare; Hospitality; Information Technology; International; Service; and Small Business. An overall IMPACT Regional Business Awards recipient will be selected from one of the above category winners.

“Now in its fifth year, the program has provided exposure to more than 1,500 best-in-class businesses. Bringing together leaders across these important industries is another example of how the Gwinnett Chamber can fulfill its mission to serve as a community forum,” said Dr. Dan Kaufman, president & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber.

The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Infinite Energy Forum. For more information, visit ImpactBusinessAwards.com.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo

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Spotlight on Volunteers Jodie and Kaelynn Samp

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. –


Elizabeth Andrew

This year, National Volunteer Week falls on April 7-13. Organized by Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, National Volunteer Week is designed to promote volunteerism and celebrate the impact volunteers can have in tackling society’s greatest challenges, building stronger communities and transforming the world. Rainbow Village is truly blessed with an ever-growing network of caring and compassionate volunteers to aid us in our mission to break the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in the lives of the families we serve. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we are proud to shine the spotlight on two of our cherished volunteers, Jodie Samp and her daughter, Kaelynn.

Q: How did you first learn about Rainbow Village and why did you feel compelled to get involved?

A: We first learned about Rainbow Village a few years ago through our long-time church, Parkway Baptist.  As a church, we were seeking partners with whom we could do missions and serve in a way that aligned with our new understanding of assets-based community development.  We had been studying the book “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert and realized that there were programs out there already doing service in a better, healthier way.  Once my daughter, Kaelynn, and I realized that not only was this a place that helped in the way we wanted to help, but it was actually located on the same road we take between our house and our church, we knew we wanted to get involved at Rainbow Village.

Q: What volunteer activities have you been involved with at Rainbow Village?

A: At first, our church and youth group participated in sponsoring a family at Rainbow Village, but we knew that to really make a difference, it was going to require some hands-on work.  Kaelynn mentioned wanting to volunteer at Rainbow Village every time we passed it – so multiple times a week!  Last summer, we signed up during Love Atlanta’s volunteer week to pack lunches and ended up shoveling dirt, which just goes to show, we’re happy to do anything for Rainbow Village.  At the beginning of last school year, we made a commitment together to participate in the After- School program twice a week.  Through that experience, we encourage kids, form relationships, watch them work on songs and poems in Drama club, help them read and learn science in the computer lab, and – of course their least favorite part – assist them with their homework.  Since our church is also a Rainbow Village Faith Partner, we also serve by not only praying for every family, but also donating snacks for the kids, making meals for the families and providing goodies during the holidays. 

Q: What are the personal rewards that come from volunteering at Rainbow Village for each of you?

A: The greatest rewards are watching those kids thrive and learn.  We work a lot with the kindergarten group, so they’ve gone from struggling with their letters to reading, and while every kindergarten student learns a lot, there’s a deeper sense of overcoming with them.  It’s also nice that they’ve become comfortable with us and will either light up when they see us or give us funny faces because we remind them of homework they have to do.  They are authentic, adorable, and absolutely need to feel like they are important to other people.  And as a mom that struggled to find a place where my daughter could use her gift of helping others, it’s amazing to watch my teenaged, co-volunteer get completely focused on the needs of a child whose life experiences are completely different from her own.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the Rainbow Village program? What do you feel is the most impactful element?

A: Our favorite aspect of Rainbow Village is that the residents are empowered. Dignity is important to everyone and sometimes our culture forgets that.  Rainbow Village allows the parents to lead the family, but they come alongside to support them as they transition to being on their own.  It’s not a rut to get stuck in, it’s a flowing stream that leads people to fulfill the dreams they have for their lives.  The support they offer is what makes Rainbow Village’s impact so significant – from programs like Early Childhood Development Center and After-School program for kids and life skills classes for adults to the staff and volunteers that feed into and lift up the residents.

Q: Why do you believe others should volunteer at RV?

A: Computers, food, financial donations, and the like can’t do what people can do.  Yes, all donations are important, but it’s the face-to-face time complete with smiles, hugs, and conversations that have a lasting impact.  We’ve seen times when we were short on volunteers after school, and it’s back to what the students get all day at school: one adult for a classroom of kids.  They get a whole lot more out of smaller group or one-on-one interactions.  Beyond the After-School program, there is a wide variety of volunteer positions at Rainbow Village – anyone can find a fit.  Time is a resource we all have the same amount of, and we should use it wisely. We believe that includes an investment in the well-being of others.

Q: Has there been a standout moment when you felt you were really making an impact on the life of a Rainbow Village family/resident?

A: While we have great moments with Rainbow Village kids every week, we often leave before parents arrive to pick up their children.  There was one afternoon where the mom of a sweet girl came in the room as we were wrapping up homework and I had the opportunity to bless that mama with compliments about her daughter and let her know what a great job she’s doing.  Based on her response, it was something she needed to hear that day and it meant the world to me to be able to provide that.

Jodie and Kaelynn Samp homeschool in Lawrenceville and attend church at Parkway Baptist in Duluth, but travel all over the place for extracurricular activities, classes, and great volunteer opportunities, like Rainbow Village! To learn more about the wide variety of volunteer opportunities and how YOU could become a volunteer at Rainbow Village, please visit our Volunteer page at RainbowVillage.org.

Thank you, Jodie, Kaelynn and all our volunteers, for all that you do to make Rainbow Village a force for change and a community of transformation for homeless families in need!

Golfer Registration Now Open for 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic

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Individuals and Foursomes Can Reserve Their Spots for Golf Tournament at TPC Sugarloaf that Serves as Annual Fundraiser for Local Nonprofit with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence

Duluth, Ga., March 29, 2019 – With a little more than a month to go before the shotgun start, golfer registration is now open for the 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic. Hosted at TPC Sugarloaf on May 6, the event is designed to raise funds for Rainbow Village while raising awareness about the cause at the heart of the Duluth, Ga.-based nonprofit – homelessness in Georgia. Participation is open to individual golfers and foursomes made up of people who want to give a “mulligan” to homeless families that both need and deserve a second chance.

“Each year, dozens of golfers from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels gather together for one common purpose – to transform the lives of homeless families,” said Melanie Conner, CEO for Rainbow Village. “It’s a fun day designed to address a very serious issue – not just in our state, but right here in our Metro Atlanta community. It warms the hearts of myself and everyone on my staff to know that with each swing of their club, those golfers and our amazing sponsors of this event will be helping us make a difference. Last year, we had 92 participants and raised over $64,000. This year, we’re hoping to surpass those numbers in both categories – bringing real meaning to the phrase ‘the more, the merrier.’”

Funds raised through sponsorships and golfer registrations will benefit Rainbow Village and its programs designed to break the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. In addition to transitional housing and childcare, Rainbow Village provides financial and career counseling, life skills classes, mental health services, youth programs and – most importantly – a solid sense of community for the 30 families it serves at any given time. The 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic will comprise a number of contests as well as the opportunity to vie for the title of tournament winner. Golfers will also be treated to lunch, beverages, snacks and dinner throughout the event.

With presenting sponsor – Columbia Engineering – at the helm, other local companies that have signed on to sponsor this year’s Golf Classic include: Jimmy John’s, Quantum National Bank, Wilson Lewis Certified Public Accountants, Fit Body Boot Camp, Teamspring Technologies, Coles Barton LLP, The Whitlock Group Insurance Agency, Your Wealth Partners, Possible Now, HallWay Plumbing, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, BrandMortgage, Robert Half and Northside Hospital.

To register as an individual golfer or as part of a foursome OR to sign up for any remaining sponsorship opportunities for the 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic, interested parties can visit the Golf 2019 page at www.rainbowvillage.org.  The Golf Classic is one of two major fundraisers that benefit Rainbow Village each year. The second is the Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Benefit Gala – which is scheduled for October 12, 2019 at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Columbia Engineering Presents 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic

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Duluth, Ga.-Based Engineering Firm Signs on as Presenting Sponsor for Golf Tournament that Serves as Annual Fundraiser for Local Nonprofit with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence; Invites Other Companies to Follow Suit

Duluth, Ga., February 27, 2019 – On May 6, 2019, dozens of golfers will take to the course at TPC Sugarloaf to make a difference with each swing of their clubs. Marking Rainbow Village’s Second Chance Golf Classic, the event serves as one of the largest fundraisers of the year for a nonprofit with a mission of breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in the lives of Northeast Metro Atlanta families. But before the first golfer tees up that day, a lot of planning and preparation must take place. Tackling the role of presenting sponsor is Columbia Engineering, a Duluth, Ga.-based engineering firm situated just six blocks away from the Rainbow Village campus.

“Community engagement is a great way to get involved outside of our bubbles,” said Randy Strunk, PE – Partner at Columbia Engineering. “There’s so much more to the community than what’s right in front of us. In addition to serving our clients in the best way imaginable, Columbia Engineering believes it’s important to learn about the different organizations that make up our community and give back in a meaningful way. We recently took a tour of Rainbow Village and senior management at our firm was really drawn to what they’re doing to transform the lives of homeless families. The Second Chance Golf Classic is our first partnership with Rainbow Village, and we want to make a big impact.”

Named Second Chance Golf Classic as a nod to Rainbow Village’s role in providing new beginnings to families who recently faced homelessness, poverty or domestic violence, the event’s tagline says it all: “The course of life can be a challenge. Sometimes we need a mulligan.” Strunk invites other companies to jump on board in hopes of providing as many second chances as possible, citing everything from contest or golf cart sponsors to Platinum and Titanium level sponsorships – each endowed with its own set of perks.

“It’s important to get involved. If not with Rainbow Village and the Second Chance Golf Classic, then with one of many other deserving organizations out there in Gwinnett County and North Georgia,” added Strunk. “For those who DO choose to become a sponsor of the Second Chance Golf Classic, we are making every effort to create a fun, standout event that sponsors and golfers look forward to every year. This won’t be your run-of-the-mill Spring Golf Tournament.”

In addition to its involvement with Rainbow Village and the Second Chance Golf Classic, Columbia Engineering takes pride in its relationship with the faculty and students at Coleman Middle School and its STEAM program. The engineering firm also actively participates in Engineers Without Borders, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, Boy Scouts of America – Northeast Georgia, Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Quest Program, MathCounts and more. Not limited to serving organizations in Gwinnett County alone, Columbia Engineering is honored to lead an initiative to provide a clean and sustainable water source for the Cerro Verde community in Ecuador.

“We are incredibly grateful to Columbia Engineering for taking a leap of faith after learning about Rainbow Village and making the generous offer to serve as this year’s Presenting Sponsor of the Second Chance Golf Classic,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “The Columbia team understands that it ‘takes a village’ to make a lasting impact. We hope other local corporations and organizations will follow their example by filling the remaining sponsorship opportunities and making this year’s event one of our best fundraisers to date. There are also plenty of opportunities for individual golfers and foursomes to take part in the Second Chance Golf Classic. While it’s a tournament and a victor will be declared when all is said and done after a fun day on the golf course, the real winners of this event will be the families we serve.”

To sign on as a sponsor for the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic, interested parties can visit the Golf 2019 page at www.rainbowvillage.org.  

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

About Columbia Engineering: Incorporated in 1963, Columbia Engineering and Services, is a professional services civil engineering firm headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. Columbia’s services include land planning, site development, land surveying, transportation design, water resources, LEED® project design, landscape architecture, and construction engineering inspection. Columbia is proud to be an active contributing member of the Duluth community. www.columbia-engineering.com. 

Alison Morgan Joins Rainbow Village as Program Director

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Local Nonprofit with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence in Georgia Adds Former Program Director for the Atlanta Children’s Shelter to its Leadership Team

Duluth, GA, February 15, 2018 (Press Release) – A year after being named CEO of Rainbow Village, Melanie Conner continues to watch her team’s vision for the self-described “community of transformation” take shape. After years dedicated to building a campus that includes five apartment buildings, offices and community center that houses facilities for an early childhood development center, after school program, adult counseling and life skills classes, chapel and family event center, the focus had to shift to growth of an entirely different nature. With a mission to transform lives plagued by pitfalls to lives filled with promise, Conner hopes to offer the best programming imaginable for families who recently faced homelessness, poverty or domestic violence. To that end, Rainbow Village is pleased to announce the addition of Alison Morgan, LMSW to its leadership team in the role of Program Director.

In her new role, Morgan will manage the overall coordination, supervision and provision of services to homeless children and their families. These duties include the oversight of Case Management Services, the After-School Program, Early Childhood Development Center and all other programs offered by the Gwinnett County-based nonprofit.  Armed with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia, Morgan is no stranger to this line of work. She boasts 14 years of experience leading programs and providing social services to vulnerable populations. She spent part of that time directing a housing program for chronically homeless and mentally ill individuals in New York City, and the last eight years at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter where she directed all clinical, employment, and aftercare programming for families. It was there that she first learned of Rainbow Village.

“Dr. Jackye Brown, former Executive Director of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, always spoke highly of Rainbow Village,” recalled Morgan. “Since coming on board, I have been impressed by the strong leadership of Rainbow Village CEO, Melanie Conner and her commitment to developing leading edge programming to help break the cycle of homelessness for families in Gwinnett County. I am truly excited to join the ‘Village!’  This is a place for love and healing. It’s a real community where people care and encourage each other to be their best selves. Whether you are a resident, staff member or volunteer, you cannot help but be impacted by the positive spirit of renewal evident at Rainbow Village.”

As Program Director, Morgan hopes to bring her strong advocacy and community engagement abilities to the team, while sharing innovative ideas for program planning and development. As far as her primary areas of concern, she points to the sad truth that – while Gwinnett County has a thriving business community, great parks, first-class entertainment venues and great schools – there are still families who are struggling to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. 

“I believe that community collaboration is the key to ending poverty and homelessness,” added Morgan. “When you work with people in underserved communities like I have for nearly a decade and a half, you witness an unnecessary waste of potential. We need to engage with the community to help us unlock that potential. I am very excited about a new program called Circles Gwinnett that is designed to connect with our neighbors in the community and recruit them as allies to help improve the self-sufficiency of the families we serve. Our role in opening doors to mainstream society and bridging that gap for Rainbow Village families is critical and Circles is the perfect model for doing that.”

In addition to her assistance in implementing the new Circles Gwinnett program for the benefit of Rainbow Village families, Morgan will be examining current programming at the nonprofit and devising ways to make them even better through streamlining and best practices. One of her first missions is to provide greater structure for the After-School Program as it pursues its accreditation.

“It’s truly wonderful when someone joins our team who not only shares our vision but also brings a wealth of exciting and innovative ideas to the table,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “Alison has already hit the ground running, and will no doubt serve as an excellent addition to the Rainbow Village family. We have an amazing team in place with a vital mission to serve and all the passion required to get the job done. I’m excited to see what we will accomplish together in the months to come!”

Allison Morgan lives in Tucker with her husband and cat. When not hard at work as Program Director at Rainbow Village, she can be found cheering on her beloved Bulldogs or listening to her large music collection that includes more than 1,000 vinyl records.

To learn more about Rainbow Village, its programs and opportunities to serve, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.  

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village Newsletter Content January 2019

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Subject Line: 5 Ways to Pay it Forward in 2019

5 Impactful Ways to Stick to Your 2019 New Year’s Resolution of “Paying It Forward” with Rainbow Village

According to TheTopTens.com, “Giving to Charity” fell within last year’s 20 Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions – not far behind pursuing a healthier lifestyle, meeting new people, procrastinating less, getting better sleep, picking up a new hobby, reading more, complaining less and quitting smoking. There are a number of ways you can “give” to a charity, whether as an individual or by enlisting the help of a group or the company for which you work. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Rainbow Village is aptly named because it TAKES a village to do what we do. In our mission to break the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence here in Georgia, we rely on the support of donors, volunteers, sponsors and corporate partners. Here are 5 IMPACTFUL ways you can help while sticking to your own New Year’s Resolution to “PAY IT FORWARD”…

  1. Register to Volunteer: Rainbow Village offers a broad array of ways to volunteer with our organization. From using your personal and professional talents to help our afterschool program to gathering the family together to serve food during our weekly or holiday family dinners, there are countless opportunities to have a lasting impact on our Village (and your time with us may just have a lasting impact on you, too!) *Will include button that leads to volunteer page


Volunteer

    2. Make an Individual Donation: One-time donations are ALWAYS welcome at Rainbow Village, but the best way to have a lasting impact on the families we serve is to become a monthly recurring donor. Our monthly donors help us plan and budget better throughout the year and those donations go to support our programming, which includes everything from our Early Childhood Development Center to Character Development Classes for Youth Residents to Life Skills Training Classes for Adult Residents – and everything in between. *Will include button that leads to monthly recurring donor page

 


Donate

    3.  Maximize Your Donation Through Company Matching: We encourage you to visit our database to see if your employer is part of a corporate matching program. If you don’t find them on our database, consider asking them if they’d be willing to match your donation to Rainbow Village.

 


Company Matching

    4. Encourage Your Company to Become a Rainbow Village Corporate Partner: Beyond company matching, one of the most popular programs for local businesses is our Corporate Partner program. Local restaurants or caterers may opt to take part in providing food to our Villagers through one or more of our weekly Family Dinners. Corporate groups may enjoy team-building while prepping one of our apartments for an incoming family or refreshing the landscaping on our campus. And our partner program isn’t merely limited to companies – we also welcome partnerships with faith-based organizations, civic groups, local municipalities and fellow charitable organizations


Partner With Us

      5. Suggest that Your Company Sponsors one of our Upcoming Events: Each year, Rainbow Village plays host to two major fundraising events – the Second Chance Golf Classic and the Annual “We Are Family” Gala. We invite families and companies to show their support of our organization and its all-important mission by signing on to be a sponsor of one of these events. Beyond those two, we regularly play host to seasonal events like our Back-to-School Bash, Mother’s Day Luncheon and Christmas Party, among others. Companies, churches and civic groups can all have a hand in serving as a sponsor of one or more of our events. It’s terrific PR and an awesome way to Pay It Forward on a larger scale.