Rainbow Village

Breaking the cycle of homelessness, poverty, and domestic violence

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Melanie Conner

2019 Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Benefit Gala Breaks Records

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Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Raised More Than $330K During Annual Fundraising Event October 12 at Atlanta Athletic Club

Duluth, Ga., October 22, 2019 – Marking one of Duluth, GA-based Rainbow Village’s largest fundraisers of the year, the 2019 Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Benefit Gala was hosted at the Atlanta Athletic Club on Saturday, October 12. Over 300 people were in attendance to enjoy silent and live auctions, seated dinner, speeches from the nonprofit’s CEO and one of its graduates, and more. By the end of the evening, the nonprofit with a mission to transform lives by breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence had witnessed record-breaking results from its fundraising efforts.

“A great deal of hard work goes into planning and implementing the ‘We Are Family’ Gala each year,” shared Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “And each year, that hard work pays off so beautifully. Last year was my first introduction to our Gala, which has been a long-standing tradition for our organization. It’s a very special evening on so many fronts that often includes an account from one of our residents or alumni as they share their story of what Rainbow Village has brought to their lives. This year, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as one of our graduates, Carrie Chaney – who now serves as Program Alumni Representative on our Board – painted an amazing picture of how our organization had changed her life and the lives of her children. Accounts like hers make it real for the folks in attendance and they feel a true connection to our mission and the families we’re helping. We are so grateful to our supporters, sponsors, board members and staff for the hand they had in making this one of our most impactful Galas to date.”

Carrie Chaney – Rainbow Village Alumnus and Featured Speaker at the 2019 “We Are Family” Gala – with her Friend Jonathan Murray

In 2017, the Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Gala raised $276,000. By 2018’s event, the number rose to an astounding $300,000. This year’s event raised an unprecedented $337,893. The Gala serves as one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers of the year, followed by the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic – which is hosted each Spring. The 2019 Second Chance Golf Classic raised $88,100 for the organization.

 “All of the proceeds from our Gala and Golf Classic go to support the operations and crucial programs available at the Rainbow Village campus,” added Conner. “We have the capacity to house and serve 30 homeless families at any given time. Unlike many homeless programs that simply provide shelter and food, we provide programming in the areas of family stability, physical and mental well-being, education and training, financial counseling, money management, career development and employment assistance. We are devoted to helping the WHOLE family – which is why we also provide programs for children on our campus. The funds we raise through events like this, as well as through grants and donations, pave the way for the homeless families we serve to move on to their NEXT home.”

The next fundraising event on Rainbow Village’s calendar is the 2020 Second Chance Golf Classic, which is slated for May 4, 2020 at TPC Sugarloaf. More information about Rainbow Village, its programs and calendar of events can be found 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.

Rainbow Village Nominated as Community Contributor in Gwinnett Small Business Awards

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Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Heralded as an Organization that – Although Small – Makes a Big Difference in the Lives of Others

Duluth, Ga., September 17, 2019 – Formerly known as the Pinnacle Awards, The Gwinnett Chamber inaugural Small Business Awards will showcase those that dare to start, sustain and succeed and the community that supports them. Recognized as an organization that – although small – makes a big difference in the lives of others, Duluth-based nonprofit Rainbow Village has been nominated in the Community Contributor category. 

 “We are honored to be nominated in the inaugural Gwinnett Small Business Awards,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village – an organization dedicated to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. “With as many as 30 families in our care from one day to the next – between success coaching and life skills classes to the provision of childcare and transitional housing on our campus – it’s easy for us to keep our heads down, maintain our lane and stay focused primarily on our mission of helping homeless families with children. Gwinnett Chamber is an amazing asset to the Gwinnett County business community. They champion causes like ours, honor local businesses and pay tribute to community leaders on a regular basis – and that’s a really wonderful thing. Because of the Gwinnett Chamber – award or no – we all win.”

Since its launch in 1991, Rainbow Village has served as a self-described “community of transformation.” Situated in the heart of Duluth, its campus boasts five apartment buildings, offices and a community center that houses facilities for an early childhood development center, after school program, adult counseling and life skills classes, chapel and event space. In addition to its nomination for the Gwinnett Small Business Awards, Rainbow Village is currently in the running for Community Organizations – Family Services in Best of Gwinnett, a distinction it most recently achieved in 2018.

Honoring individuals and organizations alike, in addition to Community Contributors like Rainbow Village, designations will be given in the following areas:

  • Advocate Award
  • Culture Creator Award
  • Emerging Entrepreneur Award
  • Founder Award
  • Launch Award
  • Minority-Owned/Women-Owned Small Business Award
  • Small Business Award
  • Support System Award

The awards ceremony will be held Wednesday, October 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Infinite Energy Forum. For more information, visit www.GwinnettChamber.org/Small-Business-Awards. 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.

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.