"I can't believe I am doing Algebra.  I think it is going to help me on my next TASK test."  This was just one comment overheard from a Kids' University camper last week.  Over 130 children, from area shelters attended Kids' University I at the University of Texas at Dallas where they had loads of fun and enjoyed activities focused around this years' theme: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds.  Children learned about the importance of having a healthy, strong body and mind and were inspired to pursue the dream of college education. Fun classes included: computers with Cranium Kids, nutrition by Whole Foods, science, math tutorials, Heart of Texas Dog Therapy, conflict mediation, Rainbow Days' support groups, a campus tour led by the Community Engagement department at UTD, recreation time led by Bank of America volunteers, play time with Girl Scout Troup #1687 and even a special visit with two Secret Service Agents!  The week culminated in a special graduation ceremony featuring Keith Davis, former NFL player and motivational speaker.  Special thanks to Dr. George Fair, his staff at UTD, and all of the helping hands who made it possible! Please click here for a post-event press release with a full listing of supporters.

"I learned above all to lead myself; Believe in yourself no matter what; and don't ever listen to someone that tells you that you can't do something. Take the necessary steps and do what you want to do," shared a youth at  Leadership Connection camp. Last week, Rainbow Days launched a brand new program for youth called Leadership Connection. Through a partnership with Mountain View Community College, 31 middle and high school students living in a variety of high risk situations in the Dallas area were given exposure to college life at Leadership Connection. Teens enjoyed educational classes designed to help them discover their own personal capacity, the value of teamwork, and responsibility toward school and community by learning they each have the ability to achieve success. Topics of camp classes
included personality styles, leadership, personal image and etiquette, mediation/conflict resolution, online image and social networking and brain development.  The week concluded with a college tour and a business tour of PWC presented by Rainbow Days board member and PWC Diversity Leader, Carriea Flowers.  Students horizons were expanded and emerging leaders formed. Thanks to all who made the inaugural Leadership Connection a success! 

We will have over 200 hungry tummies to fill in July for Camp Bravo!  Please help us provide a nutritious breakfast, snacks and/or lunch for the children so they will have energy for their special debut at the end of camp! Lots of great ways to get involved - giving financially (Just $7 / day per child or $700 to feed all children for an entire day); bringing food yourself (healthy snacks like crackers and fruit; breakfast foods like cereal bars, fruit and juice; lunch like sub sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza or something creative); or recruiting a group to come out to serve up something special together.   We need YOU! To sign up as a Lunch Sponsor or Donor, please contact Lauren Whitthorne. 

Rainbow Days is pleased to announce that we will continue to be a service provider of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for the 2011-2012 year.  United Way's funding will help Rainbow Days serve over 9,500 children and youth through an array of prevention programs including Rainbow Days' nationally recognized CBSG® Program.  It was a highly competitive process this year as United Way moved forward with their long-term community impact initiatives focusing on Education, Income and Health.  Rainbow Days is a proud to partner with the United Way and grateful for their support as we continue meeting critical needs of children and youth in our community.

Rainbow Days is pleased to announce a $15,000 grant from the Baron & Blue Foundation in support of the Family Connection program.

 

By focusing on the needs of homelessness, the Baron & Blue Foundation makes a difference in thousands of lives in our community through their support of homeless-serving non-profit organizations in Dallas.

 

Thank you Baron & Blue Foundation for your generosity and continued partnership.

Rainbow Days is proud to have a new partner with Bank of America.  Over 35 Bank of America employees volunteered at Kids' University I to provide a special recreation time for campers.  At graduation, Rainbow Days was thrilled to receive a $5,000 grant from the Bank of America Foundation in support of Family Connection program.  Thank you Bank of America for your support.