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eConnection

Community e-Newsletter | July 2015

The month of July brings renewed and vibrant energy as we welcome several new team members, host hundreds of youth at summer camps, and prepare for big things on the horizon here at Rainbow Days! (Hint: we're getting a whole new look!)

Homeless Youth Shine Center Stage at
Camp Bravo! Performing Arts Camp




More than 300 youth, ages 4-13, from 20 local 
shelters will attend one of two week-long Camp Bravo sessions this July to explore their creative and theatrical sides while building confidence and gaining an appreciation of the performing arts. Camp Bravo introduces children to a variety of artistic concepts throughout the week such as: culinary arts, prop building, music, African dance, and theater classes, which are all utilized at the closing performance in front of a live audience. Children's performer, Eddie Coker, directs the campers in a unique Wezmore production where each child is the star of the show! Afterwards, each performer receives an "Oscar", and is given the opportunity to sign autographs and get the Hollywood treatment. Take a look at the fun we had - Camp Bravo I Video.

Standing ovations for: Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, Pastor Stan Copeland and Kristen Larkin, Eddie Coker, Chuy's Tex-Mex (Knox-McKinney), Bandan Koro: African Drum & Dance Ensemble (sponsored by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs), Founder of The Artist Outreach Joseph Vincelli, Holy Smokers and all those who make Camp Bravo a star-studded affair!
Rainbow Days performers pose post-show with Dallas Social Cafe's D'Andra Simmons and Eddie Coker.
Full Backpacks, Full Potential!
Sponsor a child's backpack

Rainbow Days and JCPenney have teamed up for our 24th annual Back to School Celebration this August to provide 700 school-aged children with backpacks and uniforms for the 2016 school year. With your help, these backpacks can be filled to the brim with DISD required school supplies that will prepare these students to meet their full potential this year! Sponsor a child's backpack for only $50 and let them know that you believe in them and want them to succeed! Donate to Back to School here.

For questions, contact Director of Development, 
Aimee Griffiths or 214-217-3811.  
Get Involved!
Auxiliary of Rainbow Days
Auxiliary members packing 
lunches for campers.

Help Provide Summer Camp Lunches*
Members of the Auxiliary will prepare lunch for over 300 Camp Bravo and 220 Outdoor Adventure Camp participants this summer.

*If you would like to prepare or serve lunch, please ensure your Criminal Background Check has been completed. 
For questions and sign up details, email the Auxiliary.

Interested in Joining the Auxiliary?
Complete the online Registration Form 
or email the Auxiliary for more information. 


Meet the Newest Members of Family Connection
Specializing in Children, Youth, and Family Services
Audrey Shuler
Audrey began her journey with Rainbow Days in June 2015. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Social Work from Missouri State University, she packed up and moved south to help provide hope for the future among Dallas's homeless children. Audrey has always had a passion for children, whether studying Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development or working within the shelters, she has continually been reminded about the special qualities of this population. She believes strongly in Carol Buchner's quote, "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." She plans on applying that to every group she facilitates as a member of the Rainbow Days team.

Eric Alberty
Eric came to Rainbow Days in February 2015, but he is no stranger to Dallas. He's a homegrown, native of Dallas, attending Wilmer-Hutchins High School and receiving his Bachelor of Arts from The University of North Texas. With previous employment with the Texas Department of Human Services and the Dallas Housing Authority, Eric has a vast knowledge of working with under-served families. Qualities often used to describe Eric are compassionate, determined, and spiritual. Besides spending time with his family, Eric enjoys spending his leisure time with his church's men's group and various other organizations to further assist families in need. 

Karissa Vang

Karissa joined the Family Connection team summer 2015. With an extensive background working with victims of family violence, sexual assault and trauma; Rainbow Days perfectly aligns with her passion for children. Karissa believes that most successful people begin with two beliefs:  the future can be better than the present, and that they have the power to make it so. "I find myself repeating that these homeless children may not have the perfect living situation right now, but by investing in their basic needs and education, we are creating a future of healthy decision-makers. You would be amazed what a little hope and a small opportunity can generate for children" Karissa said.  She is elated to have the prospect to help shape lives, encourage aspirations, and instill resiliency in homeless children. 

 

North Texas Giving Day - September 17
Support Rainbow Days and Let Your Dollars Go Further!
Mark your calendar for North Texas Giving Day on September 17! Your gift of $25 or more goes further by helping us receive extra funds for our work in the community. By visiting NorthTexasGivingDay.org, you can make a difference with a gift of personal significance to Rainbow Days. Even better, every gift made through NorthTexasGivingDay.org helps our chances of winning prizes throughout the day ranging from $500 to $5,000! Imagine if we could send more at-risk youth to drug-free alternative activities like Easter Eggstravaganza, Saturday with Santa, and summer camps! We can't do it without you though!

Get up and Give to Rainbow Days on September 17th!

We are excited to announce that the month of August 3 - 31 we will be partnering with PureBarre in Addison for Pure Give!  Attend a class and make a donation to Rainbow Days during the month of August. Your body and soul will thank you! For class schedules and more, check out Pure Barre-Addison

Food for Thought: 

Eating even one meal a day together makes a big difference!

We willingly give our phones, television, email, and social media 15 minutes of our day without thinking twice. Studies show that spending just 15 minutes a day focusing only on your child can make a lasting impact. These parenting tips offer guidance on everything from ideas for spending time together to handling stressful situations with your kids.