Rainbow Village

Breaking the cycle of homelessness, poverty, and domestic violence

Melanie Conner

Rainbow Village Celebrates Small Victories with First Ever Microgrants

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Nonprofit Dedicated to Ending Homelessness – One Family at a Time – Partners with Women’s Giving Circle to Award Series of Small Grants to Help Resident and Graduate Families Overcome Obstacles

Duluth, Ga., January 19, 2021 – Established as a means for women with a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism to connect while increasing awareness about family homelessness and promoting the concept of “giving” of one’s time, talent and treasure, The Rainbow Village Women’s Giving Circle introduced something new in 2020. It spent the year raising funds to support the nonprofit’s Aspire Residential Program and Thrive Alumni Program, and then allocated a portion of those funds toward “Be the Change” Microgrants that would have a direct impact on their recipients. During a virtual presentation in December 2020, Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner and the Women’s Giving Circle awarded 8 microgrants to current residents and alumni to help them overcome obstacles in the path to achieving their goals. $3,250 was raised to fund the microgrants – for which residents and alumni had to apply. An anonymous donor came forward and matched the funds for several of the awards. All told, $6,000 in microgrants were awarded, paving the way for big changes in each of the recipients’ lives.

“’Be the Change’ Microgrants were created to empower and build the capacity of Rainbow Village residents on their path toward economic self-sufficiency,” said Conner. “The intention of the microgrants is to provide assistance to overcome obstacles that prevent goal achievement. It was extraordinarily powerful for members of our Women’s Giving Circle to gain an understanding of the barriers our residents and alumni face on a daily basis and to touch their lives in such a personal and meaningful way. And each recipient was incredibly grateful for the generosity shown – it felt to them as though this ‘circle’ of women were truly invested in them and that’s a powerful thing for someone who has felt like they’ve had to go it alone for a large portion of their life. This circle is made to grow, so I invite anyone with a heart for giving and a compassion for others to consider becoming part of the journey of change in the lives of the families Rainbow Village serves.”

The recipients of the inaugural “Be the Change” Microgrants included:

  • Sherina (Alumni) received a $250 Five Pillars Award to purchase an all-in-one printer and to pay for testing to become a licensed bookkeeper
  • Kosha received a $500 Five Pillars Award to reduce her student loan debt so that she can enroll to take another class & complete her degree
  • Gwendra received a $250 Five Pillars Award to assist with starting her non-profit which will assist parents who have children with autism
  • Antwannette was awarded a $500 Five Pillars Award to pay down her medical debt and improve her credit
  • Latoya was awarded a $250 Five Pillars Award to cover the cost of testing & materials for the ATI TEAS exam which will help her become a Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Keoshia was awarded a $500 Five Pillars Award to be used toward returning to school and earning her Associates Degree
  • Darran was awarded a $500 Five Pillars Award to pay off an eviction notice on his credit report. He was also granted the CEO Award of $500 for demonstrating outstanding leadership within the Rainbow Village Community. He plans to use those funds to help achieve his goal of establishing a credit score of 700+ so he can obtain housing for his family

Each of the Five Pillars Awards listed above will be doubled thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Future events planned for the Women’s Giving Circle in 2021 are tentatively planned for March 18, June 17, September 16, and December 9. At the December 9 meeting, Rainbow Village plans to host its 2nd Annual “Be the Change” Microgrants presentation. To learn more and join the Women’s Giving Circle in 2021, please visit https://4agc.com/landing_pages/3dd65624-8071-40ff-81b1-3c5298dc7a0c. For those who would like to explore other ways to make an impact on the families who call Rainbow Village “home”, please visit www.RainbowVillage.org.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village Adds Your Wealth Partners’ Paul Culbreth to its Board of Directors

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Nonprofit Dedicated to Ending Homelessness – One Family at a Time – Enhances its Governing Board with Community-Minded Certified Financial Planner

Duluth, Ga., December 3, 2020 – From his professional life to his personal life, everything Paul Culbreth, CFP® does is geared towards helping families. In addition to retirement planning, wealth management and risk management for individuals and small businesses through his firm – Your Wealth Partners – Culbreth is driven by a desire to give back. With a focus on the Metro Atlanta communities that surround his local office in Dacula, his philanthropic nature led him to Duluth-based Rainbow Village in 2015.

Immediately after his graduation from Georgia Southern University’s College of Business Administration in 2005, Culbreth followed in his father’s financial planning footsteps. When his father tragically passed away in 2014, Culbreth inherited the family business – significantly increasing his income. The following year at Your Wealth Partners proved to be extraordinarily busy and lucrative. He wished to pay a portion of this sudden windfall forward to a local nonprofit and his accountant introduced him to Rainbow Village. Culbreth liked what he learned about the nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness one family at a time and didn’t hesitate to send them a donation. In response, Rev. Nancy Yancey, former CEO of Rainbow Village, reached out to him with an invitation to tour the campus and learn even more about the nonprofit.

He was so impressed by what he saw that, in 2016, Culbreth launched a series of Macro Economy Luncheons – the proceeds of which benefit Rainbow Village. In the years since, Your Wealth Partners has also regularly sponsored the annual Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic and always purchases a table and attends the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year – the We Are Family Benefit Gala. Even Culbreth’s wife, Kara, has become involved at Rainbow Village through the Women’s Giving Circle.

“We love all things Rainbow Village and always have a great time at the events,” said Culbreth. “When Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner asked me to join the Board of Directors, I was incredibly honored and didn’t hesitate to express my desire to serve. There’s such a diverse group of people on the board from a wide variety of backgrounds. I bring with me a creative mind and a financial background, and I look forward to finding inspiration during my time on the board to learn the best ways I can contribute. As for me, I have a lot to gain from a knowledge standpoint, and I look forward to meeting and getting to know my fellow board members.”

While Rainbow Village marks his first nonprofit board appointment, he currently serves on a financial services board affiliated with Equitable Advisors, where he has also recently served on the investment policy committee for the last four years. While on the Board of Directors for Rainbow Village, Culbreth looks forward to a great learning experience.

“I was very fortunate growing up,” added Culbreth. “I was raised in a stable environment and was afforded amazing opportunities with regard to my education and career. A lot of families don’t have that and that impacts their path. They don’t always have mentors to guide them and teach them life skills needed to succeed. I love that Rainbow Village opens their doors and hearts to someone who needs assistance and gives them a safe place to live and learn the skills that will empower them to become contributing members of society. When they arrive, they may not possess the skills to pull together a resume or balance a budget. Once they graduate from the program, they are well-positioned to succeed. As a family man with four children of my own, I also admire the fact that Rainbow Village focuses on the whole family with programming specially engineered for adults and their children.”

Having just celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with his wife Kara, Culbreth counts his family among his greatest blessings. He is father to Elisabeth, Paul Jr. and the twins, Will and Drew. When not working or attending board meetings, Culbreth enjoys entertaining – especially in the backyard with something tasty on the smoker. He and his family live in Hamilton Mill and are proud members of the congregation at 12 Stone.

“We are proud to welcome Paul to the board at Rainbow Village,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “His caring heart and experience in setting families up for success from a financial standpoint will no doubt prove invaluable. He serves to enhance an already incredible board. We feel truly blessed by the caliber and breadth of talent that our board members represent.”

To learn more about Paul Culbreth and Your Wealth Partners, please visit www.YourWealthPartners.com.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Note: Paul Culbreth is a registered representative who offers securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN). Investment advisory products and services offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Annuity and insurance products offered through Equitable Network, LLC. Your Wealth Partners is not a registered investment advisor and is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network.

CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.  These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.  AGE-157570(11/20) (Exp.11/22)

Rainbow Village Witnesses Outpouring from Community during First Ever Virtual Benefit Gala

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Largest Fundraiser of the Year to Support the Programs of Nonprofit Dedicated to Ending Homelessness – One Family at a Time – Proves an Unexpected Success

Duluth, Ga., November 17, 2020 – Each year for the last 22 years, Rainbow Village has played host to its much-anticipated We Are Family Benefit Gala – marking the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser. Easily earning the title of the event of the season, guests arrive at The Atlanta Athletic Club dressed in gowns and tuxedos to not only learn about the important work Rainbow Village is doing to help homeless families in need, but also to learn what they can do to help. At the end of last year’s Benefit Gala, the Duluth-based nonprofit had touched the hearts of its 300+ guests and raised an unprecedented $337,893 to support operation and maintenance of Rainbow Village’s campus that houses a community center, family services center and apartments to house 30 families, as well as the life-changing programming it offers that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond their time at the “Village.” In the face of COVID-19, Rainbow Village made the difficult decision to take this beloved event virtual. It livestreamed on Saturday, November 7, and by the end of the evening, the nonprofit had raised $220,000 – well above its goal.

“Because we weren’t hosting the Gala at our favorite ballroom at the Atlanta Athletic Club, we didn’t charge admission – which usually helps cover the cost of the venue but also goes towards our fundraising goal,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “For that reason, our goal was a bit more conservative than in years past. Not to mention the fact that our livestream was running up against some contentious college football games and we weren’t certain how much our donor base had been affected by the pandemic from a health and financial standpoint. There were a lot of uncertainties going into the event, but uncertainty is what our residents have faced for much of their lives – they’ve lived and breathed it – but kept the faith. That faith… that HOPE… is what brought them to our door. So, we chose to keep the faith, too, and host the best virtual Gala event we could possibly design. It was different, for sure. We didn’t get to see the faces of those who gave so selflessly and watched our livestream from beginning to end. We could definitely feel the love by the time all was said and done, and we are so incredibly grateful for the amazing show of support.”

In addition to direct donations, the bulk of the funds raised were from sponsorships, purchases from the wine wall and mobile bidding that allowed guests to participate in the silent and live auctions. During the livestream event, virtual attendees were treated to banter from Conner and auctioneer Dean Crownover, a heartfelt testimonial from a former Rainbow Village resident and a “behind-the-scenes” virtual tour of the Rainbow Village campus. For anyone unable to attend the Gala who still wants to show their support for the nonprofit and the families it serves, Rainbow Village has launched its year-end campaign to meet all operational costs for 2020. Included among these costs are the maintenance of its facilities and the unforeseen expenses of Digital Learning support for the children of Rainbow Village, such as the purchase of new technology and the hiring of full-time instructional coaches.

Sponsors of this year’s event, dubbed the 2020 Rainbow Village We Are Always Family Benefit Gala, included: Northside Hospital-Gwinnett, Metro Waterproofing Inc., Wilson-Lewis CPAs, Porter Steel, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Rock Paper Scissors Branding & Marketing, Quantum National Bank, Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, Peachtree Corners Business Association, SRD Photography, CIBO & VINO, Jeremy Whigham Design, The Lorentzen Family, The Bass Family, The Fletcher Family, The Morgan Family, The Kress Family and Leslie Harrison.

Donations to Rainbow Village can be made securely online at www.RainbowVillage.org.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Benefit Gala Gets New Name and Venue for 2020

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COVID-19 Prompts Nonprofit Dedicated to Ending Homelessness – One Family at a Time – to Take Its Largest Fundraiser of the Year Virtual

Duluth, Ga., October 20, 2020 – Just one year ago, Duluth-based Rainbow Village hosted a record-breaking “We Are Family” Benefit Gala at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Over 300 people clad in formal attire descended upon the country club’s ballroom 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 serve families experiencing homelessness through safe housing, education, and community support systems had raised an unprecedented $337,893. Each year, those Gala funds help support the development and implementation of programs designed to empower the families Rainbow Village serves to confidently embark on a journey to self-sufficiency so they can thrive beyond the borders of this community of transformation. This year, out of an abundance of caution for attendees and staff, Rainbow Village has elected to take its largest fundraiser of the year virtual – streaming live on November 7 starting at 7 p.m. under the new name “We Are Always Family” Benefit Gala.

“In the face of all the challenges, fears and unknowns many of us have endured this year, we have changed the name of the Gala to express our recognition that no matter what life may throw at us… we are ALWAYS family,” said Rainbow Village CEO, Melanie Conner. “Although this event may look a little different from years past, our mission remains the same… to transform the lives of homeless families. While it may look a little different than in years past, the event will still feature many fan-favorite elements – such as our live and silent auctions led by the always engaging Dean Crownover, our famous wall of wine and an inspiring speech from one of our recent graduates who is well on her way to living her best life. Best of all, this year’s Gala is free to attend. We’re hoping that our most fervent supporters will host watch parties to include their closest family members and friends in the incredibly special fellowship and sense of impact that inevitably comes with attendance at our Gala.”

Mobile bidding will allow guests to participate in the silent and live auctions, as well as in a blind selection of numbers from the wine wall for a flat rate of $35. That number will grant the recipient one of a variety of specially procured wines that range from $20 to $100 in value. To participate, prospective attendees are asked to RSVP through the Gala Event page at www.rainbowvillage.org or by texting RVGALA2020 to 76278 and follow the prompts. To learn how to host a watch party, Rainbow Village offers a list of tips and steps at https://conta.cc/3hdkXmH. To preview items in the live and silent auction, Gala guests can visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/gQs/i/.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner Named to Gwinnett Chamber Board

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Woman at the Helm of Georgia Nonprofit with a Mission to End Homelessness through Educational, Support-Driven, Compassionate Programming Becomes Chairman’s Appointee for One-Year Term

Duluth, Ga., October 15, 2020 – With the belief that an active, involved and supportive leadership is an indispensable asset for the continued success of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the organization with a mission to champion local businesses has named Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner to its 2021 Board of Directors.  At the helm of Duluth-based nonprofit – Rainbow Village – since January 2018, Conner has led the ongoing evolution of a transformative program that serves families experiencing homelessness. The Rainbow Village model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency. The vision and leadership she displays daily at Rainbow Village will no doubt prove an asset to the Chamber’s core group of influential members who are responsible for directing and upholding the mission and goals of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett.

“I am beyond humbled and honored to be named to the Gwinnett Chamber’s Board of Directors as a Chairman’s Appointee,” said Conner. “I look forward to serving alongside other visionary leaders who are wholly committed to the health and well-being of Gwinnett County’s thriving business community. From my purview at Rainbow Village, I see daily how the nonprofit community, business community, faith community, civic community and the citizens we serve are all interconnected. I look forward to having a hand in strengthening those connections, welcoming new businesses to Gwinnett and learning a great deal from my fellow board members during my term at the Chamber.”

Conner’s commitment as a member of the Board will help enhance the ability of the Chamber to continue its high-quality services and programs that assist in promoting and sustaining a pro-business environment in Gwinnett.  Established in 1947 as a rural chamber of commerce serving farmers and banks, the Gwinnett Chamber grew and changed alongside Gwinnett County. Today, as the leading advocate and innovative resource for businesses to connect and thrive, it serves more than 2,200 members throughout metro Atlanta by delivering programs that strengthen and connect businesses locally, regionally and globally. Dedicated to creating jobs and wealth while growing businesses, the Chamber’s calling to strengthen the community and quality of life aligns beautifully with Conner’s talents. Since assuming the role of CEO at Rainbow Village, she has made great strides in improving the nonprofit’s technology and tracking capabilities and establishing the Success Coach program to help instill initiative, self-development and accountability to foster meaningful growth in the lives of all who encounter Rainbow Village. Along with her leadership team, she has successfully navigated the Coronavirus Pandemic to ensure the well-being of the nonprofit and the families it serves.

“The incoming leadership of the Gwinnett Chamber’s board of directors strongly represents our great county,” said Gwinnett Chamber President & CEO Nick Masino. “I look forward to working with Melanie Conner and the board as we continue to serve our members and the community.”

To learn more about Rainbow Village and its programs or to make a donation to support the nonprofit’s efforts, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

About Rainbow Village:  Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

About the Gwinnett Chamber:  The Gwinnett Chamber serves as the voice for businesses, facilitating quality job growth opportunities while enhancing the community’s vitality and quality of life. The Chamber offers the metro Atlanta business community a wealth of growth opportunity by collaborating with regional partners to drive economic and community development initiatives throughout Georgia. Through its fundamental objectives to help create quality jobs and wealth, strengthen the community, and grow business, the Chamber serves more than 2,200 member companies in metro Atlanta while delivering innovative programs to connect businesses locally, regionally and globally. To learn more, visit www.gwinnettchamber.org.

Community Comes Through for Homeless Families During Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic 2020

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Georgia Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Exceeded its Fundraising Goals to Support Self-Sustainability Programming and Rainbow Village Academy

More than 140 Golfers Took to the Course at TPC Sugarloaf in Support of Rainbow Village

Duluth, Ga., September 8, 2020 – The world has witnessed a resurgence of the word “pivot” as companies, organizations and even families have had to embrace flexibility and employ innovation in the wake of COVID-19. That has certainly been the case at Rainbow Village – a Duluth, Ga.-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in the lives of Georgia families with children. Originally scheduled for May 4, 2020, the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic represents one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers of the year. By late March, it became clear that Rainbow Village would have to postpone the tournament – which already had a slew of sponsors and foursomes lined up to show their support. The rescheduled event took place on Monday, August 24 as 144 golfers spread out on the 18-hole championship course at TPC Sugarloaf and by the time the tournament had come to an end, funds raised on behalf of Rainbow Village exceeded their original, pre-COVID goal of $100,000.

Rainbow Village Staff Members are All Smiles Under Those Masks During the 2020 Second Chance Golf Classic

“Like many other companies and nonprofits, we’re having to stretch ourselves in new ways to meet the needs of the families we serve,” said Melanie Conner, CEO for Rainbow Village. “We’ve hosted a series of virtual events, stepping out in faith every time – unsure of how they will be received. Our amazing community of faith partners, corporate partners, community partners, donors and volunteers blow us away every time with their enduring support. The Second Chance Golf Classic represented our first in-person event since COVID-19 first rocked our world, and – although it looked different to see smiles hidden behind masks and we weren’t able to take part in all of the fun fellowship activities that typically surround this event – the spirit was still the same. It fills my heart with awe to see how this community comes together to embrace the homeless families we serve, championing them as they make their way on a journey toward self-sustainability. When we moved the date of the event for the protection of everyone involved, we feared we might lose some golfers and sponsors. Instead, we had a waiting list of golfers who wanted to be a part of our special day. Due to social distancing guidelines, we weren’t able to accommodate everyone, but we deeply appreciate their desire to help us give a ‘mulligan’ – AKA second chance – to families in need.”

The Partners Risk Services Team Took Home the Win at the 2020 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic

The official winners of the 2020 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic were Joe Thompson, Mike Royal, Mike Wilson and Scott Hales of Partners Risk Services. But Conner insists that the real winners are the families Rainbow Village serves. In addition to supporting the campus that houses 30 families and provides transformative programming for every member of the family, the funds raised during this year’s Golf Classic will help the nonprofit extend the hours of Rainbow Village Academy and cover the expense of hiring instructional aides and teachers needed to serve the 25 school-age students who are taking part in digital learning for the remainder of the calendar year.

Motorcars of Atlanta’s Steven Burroughs and Brandon Saszi Did Their Part for Homeless Families at the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic 2020

“After weeks of uncertainty with regard to whether or not we’d be able to host one of our most impactful fundraisers of the year, I cannot tell you how incredible it felt to finally come together under sunny skies at TPC Sugarloaf,” recalled Michelle Alcorn, Community Engagement Director for Rainbow Village. “The most heartwarming moment occurred when Melanie announced the total amount of funds raised at our 19th Hole Reception at the end of the tournament. As soon as our players and sponsors learned that we missed our goal by $140, they came forth and opened their wallets to ensure that we not only met but exceeded our goal. We feel so blessed to bear witness to the generosity of the community that surrounds Rainbow Village every day. It’s a powerful thing.”

Kathy Galbraith mans the Northside Hospital Gwinnett table with masks and antibacterial gel for the players at the Second Chance Golf Classic 2020

Another major fundraiser on Rainbow Village’s calendar each year is its “We Are Family” Benefit Gala – typically hosted at the Atlanta Athletic Club. With a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and fellowship, it’s an event many of the nonprofit’s supporters look forward to each year. Last year, the Gala raised a record-breaking $337,893 to benefit Rainbow Village and the families it serves. The Rainbow Village leadership team in conjunction with its Board of Directors made the difficult decision to transform the 2020 Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Benefit Gala to a virtual event to ensure the safety of participants. Scheduled for November 7, more details about this year’s Gala will be unveiled in the weeks to come. The date for the 2021 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic has been set for April 19. For more information about Rainbow Village and its programs, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Felita Bunn of Columbia Engineering – Presenting Sponsor of the 2nd Chance Golf Classic 2020 – Speaks to the Golfers

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 CEO Melanie Conner Receives Moxie Award

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Woman at the Helm of Georgia Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Recognized by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in the Pay It Forward Category

Duluth, Ga., September 1, 2020 – During its third annual Moxie Awards on August 28, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce honored Rainbow Village CEO, Melanie Conner, along with six other women who were deemed as being bold in business and making things happen in Gwinnett County. Hosted at Infinite Energy Forum and presented by Northside Hospital, the 2020 Moxie Awards included the recognition of Conner with a Pay It Forward Award.

The Pay It Forward Award is designed to pay tribute to an individual who is generous with her time, talent, or resources. The Gwinnett County community is a better place because of her contributions and efforts towards helping others. At the helm of Rainbow Village since 2018, Melanie Conner fits that description beautifully. A Duluth, Ga.-based nonprofit established in 1991 to address the needs of families with children contending with homelessness, poverty and domestic violence, Rainbow Village serves as a community of transformation through transitional housing, life skills classes, counseling, mentoring, youth and adult programs, fellowship and awareness. Through it all, Conner and her team are dedicated to empowering at-risk families on their journey back to self-sustainability.

“While I certainly don’t do what I do for the recognition, I feel truly honored to receive a Moxie Award – particularly among so many amazing women,” Conner said. “For me, it means Gwinnett County sees what we are doing at Rainbow Village. They see the families we are helping, the lives we are changing. More importantly, it means they see that there’s a real need out there for the work we are doing. Homelessness is not only an urban issue. It’s an everywhere issue. There are families within the Gwinnett County community right now that are sleeping on a friend’s floor or staying in a motel room until the money runs out or living out of their cars. We seek to provide them with a sense of community and the knowledge that they are not alone, then provide them with the tools they need to get back on their feet and stay there. Every time a family graduates from our program and moves into a home of their own, I am reminded of the true value of the work we are doing and I am so grateful to be a part of that.”

In addition to Conner, a Rainbow Village Board Member was recognized with a Moxie Award by the same name. Dr. Jann Joseph, President of Georgia Gwinnett College, was honored as a lady leader who is an inspiration to many – making an extraordinary impact on her professional career and the values of her workplace.

“These inspiring women deserve to be lifted up and recognized for all that they do for our community,” said Alicia Krogh, Senior Vice President, Executive Engagement & Programs, Gwinnett Chamber in a press release following the event.

For more information about the Moxie Awards, visit GwinnettChamber.org/moxie. To learn more about Rainbow Village and its programs or to make a donation to support the nonprofit’s efforts, 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 Welcomes Northside Gwinnett CEO to its Board of Directors

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Debbie Mitcham Represents the Newest Addition to the Leadership Team Behind the Scenes at the Georgia Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence

Debbie Mitcham – President & CEO of Northside Gwinnett Hospital

Duluth, Ga., August 21, 2020 – While COVID-19 has slowed many industries to nearly a halt across the globe, the needs of families facing homelessness, poverty and domestic violence are greater than ever before. Rainbow Village – a Duluth, Ga.-based nonprofit that provides a community of transformation for families in need through transitional housing, programs designed to serve the whole family and a system of accountability, remains steadfast in its mission to help pave the way back to self-sustainability. One of the many ways it stays the course is by building a board of directors – made up of community leaders who are passionate about making an impact. After the recent announcements of the additions of Michelle Livingstone – VP of Transportation for Home Depot, Dr. Jann Joseph – President of Georgia Gwinnett College and Jill Edwards – Senior VP of United Community Bank, Rainbow Village is pleased to also welcome Debbie Mitcham – President & CEO of Northside Gwinnett Hospital to its board.

Mitcham first learned about Rainbow Village when Michelle Alcorn, a dear friend and Community Engagement Director for the nonprofit, invited her to attend the annual We Are Family Benefit Gala last year. She was immediately impressed and liked the fact that Rainbow Village’s mission was right in line with her desire to give back to the community that surrounds her hospital. No stranger to giving back, Mitcham has previously served on the board for Sacred Hearts – a Georgia-based nonprofit that helps girls who’ve been sexually trafficked in Costa Rica. She has also been on mission trips to Haiti, volunteered with Missionary Flights International, served as an Elder of the Presbyterian Church and participated in education sessions with Street Grace – an Atlanta nonprofit that seeks to end domestic minor sex trafficking. In addition to her wealth of involvement with other nonprofit organizations, Mitcham hopes her 30 years of experience in business – a large part of which is in the financial arena – will prove valuable to the board. She has served as CFO and VP of Finance for Northside Hospital since 2004 and assumed the role of President & CEO of Northside Gwinnett Hospital in August 2019.

When asked why she was drawn to Rainbow Village, Mitcham shared, “If you don’t have safety, structure and security – and by security, I mean things like food, an education, a home – it’s difficult to find your way and succeed in this world. I really like the residential aspect of Rainbow Village. They have room enough to serve 30 families at a time, and that goes such a long way in providing that safety, structure and security needed to help families get back on their feet and flourish. Knowing that I have even a small hand in helping people find their way back to self-sustainability will be extremely rewarding for me.”

“We have been truly blessed to add Debbie, Jann, Jill and Michelle to our Board in the midst of a pandemic,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “That speaks volumes about their dedication to this community and their passion for helping families in need. Debbie’s reputation as a consummate leader and true visionary paired with her down-to-earth personality will undoubtedly prove invaluable to our leadership team and the families that Rainbow Village serves.”

For more information about Rainbow Village and its programs, 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 CEO Named Finalist in Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Awards

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Melanie Conner in the Running for the “Pay It Forward” Category for her Role at the Helm of Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence in Georgia

Melanie Conner – CEO of Rainbow Village

Duluth, Ga., July 30, 2020 – After assuming the role of CEO of Rainbow Village in January 2018, Melanie Conner has been busy redefining the self-described “community of transformation” dedicated to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in Georgia families with children. With the nonprofit’s campus built out to include offices, a community center and five apartment buildings with room enough to house 30 families, Conner has shifted the focus to the creation of more robust programming for the families Rainbow Village serves, solid partnerships with community leaders and corporations, streamlined data systems to track progress and a compelling brand to let the public know what Rainbow Village is all about. Two and a half years later, she is being recognized for her hard work by being named a finalist in the Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Awards in the “Pay It Forward” category.

“I am incredibly honored just to be nominated, not to mention make it to the finalist phase,” said Conner. “Particularly when you consider the incredible women who are being recognized alongside me and those who have preceded me over the last two years. While I am grateful to be in the running, the true rewards of my job come from working with my incredible team and seeing a family rise above the dark cloud of homelessness and food insecurity to a promising future of self-sustainability. It is a privilege to do what I do with and for the families I am blessed to serve every day.”

Presented by Northside Hospital, the 3rd Annual Moxie Awards are designed to honor women who are making it happen. The “Pay It Forward” category for which Conner has been named a finalist seeks to pay tribute to an individual who is generous with her time, talent, or resources. In doing so, the community is a better place because of her contributions and efforts to helping others. Winners will be announced at a hybrid Virtual/In-Person awards ceremony on August 28 at Infinite Energy Forum.

For more information about Rainbow Village and its programs, 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 Adds Two Community Leaders to its Board of Directors

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Dr. Jann Joseph of Georgia Gwinnett College and Jill Edwards of United Community Bank Mark the Newest Additions to the Board for Georgia Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence

Dr. Jann Joseph and Jill Edwards join the Rainbow Village Board of Directors

Duluth, Ga., July 2, 2020 – Representing highly respected members of the leadership teams at a local institution of higher learning and a regional Southeast financial institution, the two newest additions to the Board of Directors for Rainbow Village have all the makings of a dynamic duo for the 29-year-old nonprofit. Tasked with breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence, Rainbow Village is proud to add the talents of President of Georgia Gwinnett College, Dr. Jann Joseph and Senior Vice President of United Community Bank, Jill Edwards to its mission to transform the lives of the families it serves in Northeast Metro Atlanta.

A lifetime educator and relative newcomer to Georgia, Dr. Joseph has been at the helm of Georgia Gwinnett College since July 2019. Eager to serve and get tapped into the area, Joseph joined the Board for the Gwinnett Chamber, where she met Jill Edwards. Celebrating her 34th anniversary in banking – primarily in Northeast Georgia, Edwards counts connecting people among her greatest talents. She was intimately familiar with Rainbow Village – having aided in the funding of the second phase of apartment buildings on the nonprofit’s campus. With a shared desire to positively impact the lives of women and children in need, Edwards introduced Joseph to Rainbow Village and the two joined the Board of Directors together.

“I felt a connection to the mission at Rainbow Village,” said Dr. Joseph. “I had been asking myself ‘how do I use my time and energy to help people who keep working and keep fighting but need a voice.’ Our life decisions can easily become mistakes and a series of mistakes can mean one’s life is not turning out the way one hoped it would. From a spiritual perspective, I say ‘There but by the grace of God go I.’ For some of these women, it involves the decision of the people they choose to have in their life. I was fortunate to be happily married for 36 years to a man who was devoted to me and our children. If he had not been the man he was, I could have been homeless. Instead, I had a support system. Many of the families who come to Rainbow Village haven’t had a support system to lift them up. This program represents an opportunity for homeless families – often led by single mothers – to start over and reach their full potential.”

Joseph looks forward to becoming part of the conversation and ongoing evolution at Rainbow Village – particularly where the After-School Program is concerned. As a former middle school teacher, she looks forward to setting tangible goals, being able to contribute to them, witness measurable gains and add value during her time on the board. She also hopes to have a personal impact on the spiritual and emotional life of the women at Rainbow Village.

Jill Edwards echoes a similar desire to have a personal impact in her work with the nonprofit, “I learned about Rainbow Village nearly 25 years ago from Barbara Howard, who was a community legend and major supporter of the nonprofit. In all the years since, I’ve been to many of the lunches, events and galas. I’ve heard the compelling stories of how lives had been transformed by Rainbow Village. I recently asked their CEO, Melanie Conner, if she believed I could be of value to her organization and why. She could sense that I wanted to give back and felt my involvement and deep roots within the business community would prove invaluable. It was the right thing to do at the right time for me. Since joining the board, I’ve had meaningful conversations about Rainbow Village with dozens of people. It’s amazing to me that there are still people out there in the Northeast Georgia community who don’t know about Rainbow Village and the important work they are doing on behalf of homeless families with children.”

Edwards said she is most impressed with the accountability and structure at Rainbow Village – that it represents a hand grabbing another hand to lift them up rather than giving them a handout. She feels the combination of career training and financial counseling are game-changers for many of these families – allowing them to walk away with skills they didn’t have when they arrived. To her, Rainbow Village builds confidence and restores a sense of pride before giving its residents the belief that they’ve regained control of their lives. In doing so, the graduates of the program enjoy long-lasting results and success beyond the borders of the Rainbow Village campus.

“We are incredibly honored to have these two fantastic women serve on our Board of Directors,” said Melanie Conner, CEO for Rainbow Village. “Each comes with her own unique set of skills, a wealth of wonderful ideas and a heart for serving others. We feel extremely blessed to welcome Dr. Jann Joseph and Jill Edwards to Rainbow Village.”

In addition to their positions on the boards for Rainbow Village and the Gwinnett Chamber, both Joseph and Edwards serve on several other boards. Joseph also lends her talents to Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber, while Edwards remains busy with her service on the boards of the Gwinnett Place CID, Across the Bridge – a nonprofit dedicated to bringing addicts to Christ, and the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services – where she serves as Treasurer. When they’re not working in their respective leadership roles or attending board meetings, Joseph and Edwards enjoy spending time with family. Joseph is exceedingly proud of her three sons, three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Edwards and her husband of 25 years, Greg, have a son at Mercer University and a daughter at Greater Atlanta Christian Academy. In her spare time, Edwards enjoys riding bikes, playing tennis and going to the beach.

For more information about Rainbow Village and its programs, 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.