Author: cmogden1

Shawna, with the Natural History Educational Company of the Midsouth, spent time in the Hempstead County Library presenting a variety of live animals to the kids from KOTG and others at ROC while joining numerous children from the community for a fascinating and educational hour. First out was the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, followed by “Larry” the Iguana, Scarlet, the red-tailed Boa Constrictor, an African straw-colored tree bat, and an Amazon Rainbow Parrot. Her last guest was “Callie” a white Kuwata mundi. Many thanks to Shawna for sharing her animals and expertise to our children.

Kids on the Go of Rainbow of Challenges will host their annual Bake Sale on Friday, June 9. The sale will be held during the morning in the parking lot of the ROC administration building located at 500 S. Main Street. Come by and take home some of the best baked goods in town while helping a great group of kids raise funds for field trips this summer.

LifeShare Blood Centers will be conducting a summer blood drive at Rainbow of Challenges on Tuesday, June 6.

Donations may be made at the mobile donor coach located at the ROC Administration building on South Main Street from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The only requirement to give blood is the donor must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and provide current identification.

The process takes about 30 minutes and a trained technician will insure the donor is comfortable and safe.

LifeShare Blood Centers is a nonprofit organization with centers supplying blood and blood components to community hospitals predominately in the south central United States including Hope and the surrounding area.

The need for blood remains high during this time of year, so make plans to join Rainbow of Challenges to help meet and exceed their goal.

A select group of athletes will represent Rainbow of Challenges in the Special Olympics state competition on Thursday, May 25 through Saturday, May 27.

A combined group of athletes from ROC Enterprises, Rainbow Industries and Rainbow Junction will be headed to Harding University’s First Security Stadium in Searcy to join more than 2,000 athletes and 500 coaches for the annual event.

Opening ceremonies get underway on Thursday at approximately 7:30 p.m. and activities continue through Saturday’s closing ceremony at approximately 1:00 p.m. Events include aquatics, bocce ball, flag football, golf, power-lifting, softball, track and field and wheelchair competitions.

On Tuesday, May 23, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will come to Hope on its way to the Opening Ceremonies in Searcy. The mission of the Torch Run is to increase awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics.

The torch is scheduled to arrive at the Rainbow of Challenges administration building on Main Street in Hope at approximately 1:00 p.m. Business members along the route are encouraged to show their support for the runners, many of whom are ROC individuals, as they pass.

RAINBOW OF CHALLENGES TO HOST FIFTH ANNUAL ROC-FEST ON MAY 26 / CARNIVAL TO FEATURE BOUNCE HOUSES , GAMES, PRIZES, FOOD, AND FUN

 

HOPE, AR. – Rainbow of Challenges will host their fifth annual ROC-FEST Carnival on Friday, May 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Children ages 12 and under are invited to attend this special event which will be located at the Fair Park in Hope.

The carnival will feature food, games, prizes, numerous bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall, bungee jump, and other activities just for kids celebrating the end of the school year.

Armbands for the bounce houses, rock-climbing wall, and bungee jump are only $5 and tickets for all other games are 25-cents.

All proceeds from ROC-FEST will be used to enhance ROC therapy and programming services for children & adults with developmental disabilities.

Arkansas Children’s Week got off to a great start for the children of ROC – Making Rainbows in Hope. The theme for the week is “Go Outdoors – Play and Explore!”. On Monday, the kids got their day started with some dancing followed by a visit from representatives of the Girl Scouts, who assisted the kids in making “Friendship bracelets”. Day Two began with some excitement as the famous “Minions” stopped in the cafeteria to dance for the kids. The group was later treated to “Mad Scientist” Rachel Simington, who performed experiments for the captivated kiddos. More fun is planned for the remainder of the week and culminated with a block party on Friday.

More than 100 individuals from Rainbow Industries, ROC Enterprises, and Rainbow Junction will join their sister site of Prescott/Nevada County Special Services, and other area Special Olympics athletes for the annual Special Olympics Area 11 games. The competition will be held at the Hope High School track field with events beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m.

It is a free event and the public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and cheer on these athletes.

Participation in this event would not be possible without the dedicated ROC staff and numerous volunteers from the area that will accompany the athletes, ensuring safe and memorable games.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) are proud to present Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2017!

Our goal for this month is to create awareness about developmental disabilities, tell stories of people who live with a disability and show their lives.

Remember to use the hashtag #DDawareness17 throughout the month of March and in any other post about the campaign!

 

Many thanks to those who participated in the ROC/LifeShare Blood Centers’ Blood Drive recently. There was a good turnout by both ROC staff and community walk-ins. Thank you again for giving the gift of life!

Rainbow Industries is taking advance orders of gift arrangements for Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14.

Gifts featuring arrangements of popcorn, peanuts, chips, cookies, soft drinks, and chocolate may be purchased. Special hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries are also featured. Dipped strawberry orders are due by Thursday, February 9.

Balloons are also available and customers may bring items such as stuffed animals, toys, etc. to add to their order.

Arrangements may be delivered for a minimal additional charge.

“Special Gifts Made by Special People” remains the theme for all gift baskets and all proceeds will be directed to Rainbow Industries programs.

For more information and prices, please contact Denise at Rainbow Industries at 870-722-1254.

Rainbow of Challenges, Inc. administers a wide array of services for persons who have developmental disabilities in Southwest Arkansas. Emphasis is placed on services that help each person achieve the highest degree of personal independence. Rainbow of Challenges, Inc. is committed to implementing a safer, healthier, happier, and more independent lifestyle for individuals having special needs.

 For more information, please contact Rainbow of Challenges at 870-777-4501.