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Rainbow Village 2012 Future of Promise Award Winner Tyera Braud
 Growing up a lot of kids do not understand the trials and tribulations their parents go through, but that was not the case for me. I am the oldest of six children, so I always felt as if it were my job to help my mom in any way that I could. As a child we did not move a lot, it wasn't until my mom moved us to Georgia that we started encountering our problems. From the age of thirteen until I was sixteen my family and I bounced around from house to house, we never lived in one place for too long. I'd been to three different high schools in two years.
When I was sixteen we were living in a town home and the landlord had given us seven days to leave, my mom had no idea what to do. That same day she received a phone call to have a meeting with Rainbow Village. My mom had just given birth to my week old brother at the time so this was all overwhelming for her. I went to the meeting with my mom and I assume we were great candidates for the program because a few days later we were moving into our new home. It was amazing! We had a fully furnished house that was just for us.
As a resident of the program all school aged children had to participate in the after school program. I was a junior in high school at this time, so to be honest, I did not know how I felt about spending all my extra time at an after school program. To ensure that I would not have to spend all my free time there I found an after school job. On days that I did not work I still attended the program. I grew to love the after school. I was the oldest kid so all the other kids kind of looked up to me. I had never been a part of anything like it; we had a dance class on some nights as well as tutors. I would not have made it through my senior trigonometry class without the help of the math tutor, Mr. Ray. For most of us the after school was not just where we did homework, we actually had fun, played games and learned life lessons. One thing I always knew I could count on was Ms. Sondra and Mr. Tony being there for me whenever I needed them.
Rainbow Village was more than just a place that I lived. At the beginning of each school year they made sure every child had school supplies. During Christmas each child made a Christmas list and Rainbow Village got each child what was on their list. On Mother's Day they do something special for the mothers. It was nothing like I'd ever seen. They do more than just give you a place to live. Each summer all children attend summer camp. Most of the kids had never been to camp before. From my perspective Rainbow Village goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Whenever I think of Chief Executives, I picture someone in an office giving orders never really interacting with the people. I would like Mrs. Nancy Yancey to know that she definitely changed my opinion. You know when Mrs. Nancy has entered the room because all the kids start yelling, "Mrs. Nancy, Mrs. Nancy." She is great and she knows everyone by name. She does not just stick her head in and leave, she would have dinner with us and come up to the after school just to check on us. I have many great memories at Rainbow Village. What I loved most was that they were not just worried about helping my mom, they actually paid attention to the kids and helped us, because what a lot of people fail to realize is that it's not just the parents that have a rough time, the kids do as well. I will forever be thankful and grateful for Rainbow Village.
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Gala Follow-Up
Here are our Top 10 Reasons this was the best Rainbow Village Gala Ever!
10: Our Table Sponsors are key to a successful evening. Thank you all! 9: The wonderful Bruce Halliburton produced a video that captured the important work Rainbow Village does through the eyes of children, youth and adults who have been through the program. Tissue anyone? 8: We raised $160,000 to support Rainbow Village families! 7: Brooks Coleman and Duluth Mayor, Nancy Harris helped us raise $42,000 during the live auction alone! Way to go! 6: Dan Reeves is, without a doubt, the best Master of Ceremonies ever! 5: The Gala Committee is beyond extraordinary - they are amazing, exceptional, fantastic, talented, incredible, outstanding and phenomenal! 4: The a capella duet performance of Amazing Grace with a current Rainbow Village child and Steven Jackson, former resident and current Children & Youth Program Coordinator. 3: The past two Future of Promise Award Winners are both graduates of Rainbow Village! 2: Tyera Braud gave the most inspiring speech we've heard in a long time and truly deserves this year's Future of Promise award! 1: The 60 Angels who committed to being a Rainbow Village Angel. For pictures and highlights of the evening, click here. |
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Sign up for the Turkey Trot and Raise Money for Rainbow Village
The Sugarloaf Country Club Thanksgiving Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 22, will benefit Rainbow Village. Please click on one of the links to register and enjoy raising funds for Rainbow Village families while you stay fit! |
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Rainbow Village Family Successes This Month
A new family moved into Rainbow Village, a single mother with two sons, ages 3 and 13. * One young Rainbow Village resident received her learners permit. * One Rainbow Village Mother received a well-deserved raise. * A young Rainbow Village resident sang Amazing Grace at the Faith, Hope & Love Gala on October 13. * One beautiful Rainbow Village graduate received the Future of Promise Award at the Faith, Hope & Love Gala. Your support makes dreams come true! |
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We NEED You!
Angels are the heart and soul of Rainbow Village and provide monthly giving that helps us truly keep the lights burning for our families. Angels are, quite simply, the guardians of our mission. Angels keep the flame of hope alive for so many depending on us. Angels pledge a monthly or annual gift to support the programs and operations costs of Rainbow Village. Over a year's time, your gift will ensure that families in crisis will stay together, that adults, children and youth will learn the skills that benefit them for a lifetime, and that more young people will have the promise of brighter futures.
Many Rainbow Village graduates are current Angels. We hope you will follow their example and pledge a commitment each month, too. Please sign up today at www.rainbowvillage.org. In doing so you will:
- Serve homeless families and their children through the most difficult time in their life.
- Successfully transition Rainbow Village families into homes of their own.
- Provide quality programming and support for Rainbow Village families.
- Ensure that all Rainbow Village children have daily access to the free, top notch Rainbow Village after-school program.
- Provide futures of promise for many generations.
Please sign up right now at www.rainbowvillage.org
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Board Member Spotlight: Mayor Nancy Harris
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Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris assists with the Rainbow Village Gala
Live Auction
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Rainbow Village Board Member Nancy Harris is serving her second term on the Board as Secretary. She has been an integral part of the plans for the new Village, a member of the Speaker's Bureau, as well as a member of the Community Relations Task Force. She is invaluable to Rainbow Village and we are fortunate to have her on our Board.
Please take a moment and get to know Nancy as you read her comments below.
- Hometown: Duluth Georgia
- Alma Maters: Duluth High School, UGA and Ga State University.
- What was your first job? Teacher's aide in Head Start Program
- What brought you here to Rainbow Village? Being a Principal at B.B. Harris Elementary and hearing the children talk about Rainbow Village.
- What or who inspires you? Strong women leaders inspire me; music inspires me too.
- What do you do to relax? Play piano, go to gym, and work in yard.
- What's your favorite book? The Bible - of course; Also: Eat, Pray, Love, A Thousand Acres, Bridges of Madison County, many others!
- What makes you laugh? People on shows like Funniest Home Videos, animals, movies, KIDS!
Tell us about your family:
I have two children and one son in law. I have one grandchild and another due on November 1st. My parents, BB and Jewell Harris were active members of the Duluth community. I grew up in the small town of Duluth and rode my bicycle to Dr. Lail's office!
What is your most memorable Rainbow Village moment?
When I realized how important a "home" was for the Rainbow Village children that attended BB Harris Elementary. I was lying in the grass on the side of the road after tackling Caleb as he ran "home" to Rainbow Village.
What words of encouragement do you have for Rainbow Village families?
Rely on God for your strength, wisdom and ability to reach your goals. Become the change you wish to see in the world (Ghandi).
As a visionary on our Board, what excites you most about the future of Rainbow Village?
Rainbow Village is an important piece of the Duluth framework. I am talking about the framework that has programs and outreach opportunities available for our citizens when they need help. I am excited that Rainbow Village provides families a place to live within a community that cares about their success. It makes me feel good to know that these families are living in nice homes and can be proud of where they live. They can qualify to receive assistance without shame. I am also proud that this is a sustainable program that educates and equips these parents to move on with stability.
My vision would be to add an engagement piece to the framework. I think people enjoy giving back within their community and I would like to see Rainbow Village residents volunteering in community programs. This could be part of the education cycle that the parents must attend.
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Rainbow Village Welcomes New Financial Program Director
 Lisa Ray is responsible for the financial program for the residents at Rainbow Village. She meets with the residents twice a month to review their budget, spending habits and develop a five year plan for each resident. She works with each resident on debt repayment and to improve their credit score. Lisa's duties also include the rent and savings program at Rainbow Village.
Lisa also directs the Workforce Development program. This program encourages our unemployed or under-employed to explore and reach their career goals.
Lisa grew up in West Virginia, but has lived in many states. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA. She began work with the non-profit industry in 2006 as a bankruptcy, budget/credit and a foreclosure prevention counselor. She became a full time speaker in 2008 speaking to four hundred to one thousand people per month on 40 different financial literacy topics. Lisa knows that education is empowering and strives to empower our families to succeed.
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Volunteer Corner
Rainbow Village appreciates Cisco for inviting us to participate in their Volunteer Community Fair. Cisco volunteers are invaluable!
We love our friends at the Monarch School who clean the Family Service Center for us every Thursday. You keep us looking good!
We welcome our newest Faith Partner, Epiphany Lutheran Church, headed by Pastor Devin Strong. We look forward to your involvement.
 Thank you to all the wonderful Siemens volunteers who made our playground safer and more functional for Rainbow Village children!
Thanks to Amber Stephens with The Ruffled Daisy for donating fabric for the Christmas tree used at the silent auction during the Gala.
Thank you to all of our evening meal providers, assistants, and volunteers:
- Simpsonwood United Methodist Church
- Mary & Scott Yost
- Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church
- Sugarloaf United Methodist Church
- Rebecca Locke
- Perimeter Church
- Johns Creek United Methodist Church
- McKendree United Methodist Church
- Cornerstone Church
A big thank you to 12Stone Church & Atlanta Unity Church for their workday this month. They were a tremendous help moving heavy playground equipment and painting the Rainbow Village logo on the basketball court at the Village.
A huge thank you goes out to Meadows & Ohly for the hard work they dedicated to Rainbow Village over a two day period. Not only did they complete painting both sides of the fence surrounding the Village, but they also mulched the playground, put down pine straw, rearranged outside furniture for the convenience of residents, and purchased supplies and built 24 three-shelf bookshelves for each family to have two in their apartment. Way to go Meadows & Ohly! We are grateful for their partnership!
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Rainbow Village Wish List
We are in great need of some items to stock apartments for our new residents as well as after-school items. Needed for new families:Twin comforter complete sets (neutral colors), twin bed frames, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, bathroom setups including rods, curtains, curtain hooks, rugs, kitchen towels and pot holders, cleaning supplies, tea kettle or coffee pot, glassware, can opener, batteries, brooms, dustpans, buckets, mops, dishwasher and laundry detergent, trash bags, Ziploc bags, baking pans, light bulbs (60w), blankets (twin size), area rugs and a welcome mat. Contact Lynnette Ward ( lward@rainbowvillage.org) or Lily Arfa ( larfa@rainbowvillage.org) at 770-497-1888 to make arrangements. Needed for after-school:Jillian Michaels (workout tape) Just Dance 3 (Wii) Zumba Dance Revolution 2 Boom box w/iPod dock Madden 2010 Xbox Michael Jackson- This is It (Wii) Guitar Hero - Guitar, drums and microphone NFL 2001 Xbox NBA 2k12- Xbox Games:Scategories Logo Avengers Battleship Epic Mickey Scrabble Electronic Catch Phrase Please contact Sondra Blue ( sblue@rainbowvillage.org) at 770-497-1888 to make arrangements for your generous donation.
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Be a Rainbow Village Angel
Pledge a recurring monthly gift to support our ongoing operations and be a guardian angel to our families.
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Please help us spread the good news about Rainbow Village and our vision for the future. Share this email and encourage those in your circles to become personally vested in helping us break the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence.
Forward this newsletter to a friend!
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NOTE NEW ADDRESS:
Rainbow Village, Inc.
3427 Duluth Hwy 120
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 497-1888
rainbowvillage.org
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