In April 1983, Rainbows was inaugurated in three Chicago area schools. Twelve additional schoosl added the Rainbows curriculum that year. Today, there are over 1.6 million participants who have experienced Rainbows after their family's storm.
Rainbows has been implemented in 49 of the United States (the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam) and in Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Saipan, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland and Wales.
As Rainbows and Spectrum sites grew in numbers, other important needs became apparent. Pre-schoolers (ages 3-4) can find support on their level by participating in SunBeams which combines puppetry, manipulative activities, and music, as well an ongoing Parent Guide which reinforces session topics at home with the child's caregiver too.
Elementary age children form a strong bond of support and often want to keep attending support groups even after they have worked through the changes in their family. A unique Alumni Program can be offered by sites just for these young people so they can continue their Rainbows experience.
Kaleidoscope is available for adults, 19 years and older, who have experienced death, divorce or abandonment at some time in their life. No matter how old you are, you are still someone's child and may be carrying the grief of this childhood experience. This program has also been used successfully with incarcerated individuals who have had loss previously in their lives and want to examine the reasons/decisions they have made in regard to that loss.
Prism is a peer support group for single parents and stepparents. Through Prism, parents come to understand their own grief process, have an opportunity to become attuned to their child's grief, learn single parenting skills, and with enthusiasm and love, recreated "family" again. This program has also aided many grandparents who are raising their grandchildren because of its inspiration and parenting skills presented throughout the sessions.
Silver Linings, Community Response Program is a community support program for counselors, volunteers, faith communities, and relief organizations needing additional tools to assist youth experiencing emotional turmoil due to loss/change. Children ages 5-8 and 9-13, as well as teens, are able to share their feelings and thoughts about these changes with others their own age. This resource is ideal for agencies and organizations who assist children and families during community crisis events, including military deployment.
