and arranged all of the meetings with the congressional delegation. delegation. congressional the with meetings the of all arranged and

A special thanks to the Porter Group and ACCSES, consultants located in Washington D.C. who planned this event event this planned who D.C. Washington in located consultants ACCSES, and Group Porter the to thanks special A

mission. its and Omega Rainbow for support strong

loved ones, we believe they understood the issues and we feel like they will be able to help. Each one demonstrated demonstrated one Each help. to able be will they like feel we and issues the understood they believe we ones, loved NON-PROFIT ORG.

tor Strange and Senator Shelby’s offices. After listening to the families stories and concerns about the future of their their of future the about concerns and stories families the to listening After offices. Shelby’s Senator and Strange tor U.S. POSTAGE

Aderholt and Martha Roby, in addition to representatives from the remaining congressional delegation, including Sena- including delegation, congressional remaining the from representatives to addition in Roby, Martha and Aderholt PAID

choose where they live and work. We met with congressional representatives, Terry Sewell, Mike Rogers, Robert Robert Rogers, Mike Sewell, Terry representatives, congressional with met We work. and live they where choose PERMIT NO. 1776

Delegation. The purpose of the event was to share concerns about regulations regarding the right for our residents to to residents our for right the regarding regulations about concerns share to was event the of purpose The Delegation. BIRMINGHAM, AL

and family members made a trip to Washington D.C. on April 5, 2017 to meet with the entire Alabama Congressional Congressional Alabama entire the with meet to 2017 5, April on D.C. Washington to trip a made members family and Alabama Day on Capitol Hill was a great success for Rainbow Omega. A group of 13 Rainbow Omega representatives representatives Omega Rainbow 13 of group A Omega. Rainbow for success great a was Hill Capitol on Day Alabama

Contact us at: [email protected] 256.831.0919 Visit our website:

www.rainbowomega.org

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support!

your

you for for you

Hill Capitol on Day Alabama

Thank Thank

2017 Summer

1995 since Disabilities Developmental with Adults Serving . Inc Omega, Rainbow

Board of Directors Editorial From the CEO In-Kind Donations received Carpenter Work Center Cafeteria We have a state of the art cafeteria for our resi- 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 dents and staff which is a great asset to our daily Stentson Carpenter Coach Gene Stallings said “we give to different things knowing the lunches Monday thru Friday; where everyone is Chairman Dr. & Mrs. Michael Riley—120 cupcakes for able to get a nutritious meal. It is a fun time dur- favor will be returned, but when you give to Rainbow Omega resi- Mr. & Mrs. Alan Heathcock—eight 10lb bags of greens ing the day, the visiting gets loud and everyone Vance Moore, M.D. dents, they can’t give anything back.” Our donors are good to Rain- Raphael Rodriques—bag of tennis balls enjoys lunch together. Vice-Chairman Silvia Troncoso—Shampoo, conditioner, hair spray and mouse bow Omega we are blest. It is a good feeling to help those who need our help. Sherry Carpenter—Parking, gas for the van and supplies for the Ron Hubbard kitchen Secretary I am truly grateful for the gift you could have given to another chari- Toni Russ—a purse, gift wrap items, doll, craft supplies, sunscreen,

ty, but you chose us. Thank you. perfume, vanity tray and coffee maker Mary Ann Crump Dianne and I have parented two boys, (Chris and Mike) whose abili- Ronnie Carpenter—shower chair. Treasurer Dr. Vance Moore—Hepatitis B Vaccine ties to live freely in the community of their choice as adults are liter- John & Penny Naugle—furniture, bedding & clothing Michael Adams ally worlds apart. We would give all that we own to have Chris ca- Toni Russ—Valentine’s Day cards and $20 Walmart card pable of a life like his brother, Mike. But I have had to accept this Daniel Brown—80 Pancake Breakfast Tickets Remelle Orman Davis reality; he will need help for even the simplest of daily tasks for the Roger Harman—5 cases Nutritional Formula 6 large packages of rest of his life. Despite what I would want for him, I can no more disposable briefs and one IV pole Jeff Helms Kenneth Busey—Fuller Brush Carpet Sweeper change his intellectual capabilities than a parent of a paralyzed child Ralph & Mable Perry—E Z Lift can ask that child to get up out of their wheelchair and walk. Oxford Parks & Recreation—Sponsored ROI in 5K Mona Jenkins, Ph.D. Chris’ choice was made years ago and his is Rainbow Omega Com- Ms. Howard Blazer—Crocheted hats munity. He is at his best when he is with his peers and some of his Gadsden Church of Christ—31 Stackable chairs Jane Mullally Ms. Violet Townsend—Patio furniture/glass top table w/four chairs greatest moments and greatest independence come only with the nec- Ms. Linda Pimental-Gas Grill for F House essary supports that allows him to do things that he wants. It is in Mr. Rick Harris, Picnic table w/cedar wood top—8 ft. Senator Clay Scofield the true acceptance of a person’s disabilities that their true ability is achieved. I will continue to advocate and fight for our son’s right for Matt Vega, J.D. what I know to be his choice. We are his parents. This is what we know. Rainbow Omega welcomes Wayne Williams It is a wonderful life here at Rainbow Omega to see our residents your In-kind donations!

happy, being who they are and being loved. I meet families almost We currently have need of these every day that have the same dream for their child. STAFF Come to see us, you can’t feel the true meaning unless you come and items: see.  Large Micro wave ovens Stentson Carpenter Thank you to all.  1-inch wide notebook binders CEO Sincerely  Cordless vacuum cleaners to reach Mike Carpenter under the beds Director of Operations  Dish cloths and dish towels Carol Paris  Bath towels Comptroller  Mattress covers (twin, XL twin, Tara Pink queen) Residential Program Director  White sheet sets (twin, XL twin) Bill Glass ICF/IID Program Director If you have questions about donating Gail Tillman Vocational Program Director items, please contact Dianne Carpen-

ter at 256.831.0919 ext. 227 Mission: To glorify God by ensuring that adults We have a wish list on Amazon.com! Items bought with developmental disabilities have a permanent from their website can be sent directly to us! You and safe home where their abilities and potentials choose if you want your name on the donation or make it anonymous. Click on "Gift and Wish Lists" at the are respected and nurtured in a Christian environ- top of their home page, on the right side of next page Kit Wren ment. you will see "Find Wish Lists and Registries"-type in Rainbow Omega! MEMORIALS Dick Slaughter Diane McElroy Erin Riley’s 40th Birthday V. Oakley Slaughter Shirley Jane McElroy Harry & Gloria Earl (12/1/16 to 6/30/17) Dot Frahm Dr. Vance Moore Dr. Paul & Deborah Kudelko Proclamation Day at the Alabama State Capital Building continued Kenneth & Jane Newlin Michael & Lisa Askew Gerald & Gail Flanagan Robert Hughes Edward Sanders Kathryn Ann Dillard Michael & Gerrie Kelly Annabelle Chabert Virginia (Ginny) Rothweiler Mickey Payer Richard & Jean Lackey Rogers Miller Dr. Allan & Teresa Moore Lyla McMullen Bruce & Vicky Fancher Jeff & Cindy Lawrence Felix Norman Greta Inglis Anthony & Catherine Ottaviani Ruth Smith Bobby & Patsy Owens Delbert Bradley Dr. Philip & Suzanne Shettle Annabelle Chabert Galord & Jonie Orman Charles & Martha Baggett Phillip DeRoberts Thomas & Faye Black Avant Plantation Boys Velma Hawkins Samuel Mays Hannah B. Russell Thomas Koller Inglenook Lunch Bunch Stephen & Judy Mays Billy Joe & Virginia Bass Kevin Kuykendall Sandy Branson Scott Knowlton J. William Philyaw Anonymous Donor Mary Hester Hale Mrs. Remelle Davis James & Linda Richey Matthew Harris Jennifer Renaud Sherry Boatwright James M. Dunn Carolyn Martin & Barbara Nichols Drs. James & Robin Marbourg Dan & Nita Honea Jessellan Dunn Dr. Megan Benson Davis Morgan & Ruth Jones Steven Embry Jamey, John & Jerry Brumley Dr. & Mrs. Donald Benson Kathy Kelly & Fred Daniels Wed- Annabelle Chabert Billy & Deborah Box Elders of Coxey Church of Christ ding Sue Phifer Stroud Jim McKnight Mr. & Mrs. Buford Dobbs O.C. & Marlene Furgerson Bobby & Elsie Phifer Dorothy Mikus Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Goode Bobby & Patsy Owens’ 5 Grandkids Sue Ray Jimmy Stuckey Mr. & Mrs. John Lovell Forrest Lane Dickey Charles & Joyce Solomon Daniel & Carolyn Martin Mr. & Mrs. Paul Smith, Jr. Olivia Leader Jonathan & Anna Goode Lavon Henley Daniel & Annie Ridinger Linda L. Friedman Frank & Heidi Smith Mrs. Lavon Henley Darren Williams Bob Ray Tommy & Carol Laney Ray & Nancy Deadman Ray & Nancy Deadman Lelie Redd Carey & Mary Moak Shelly Moody Charles & Joyce Solomon Anita Real Lura Ledbetter William R. III & Ann Lambert Olivia Leader, Jerry Leader’s Con- Michael & Melisa Ray Susan Kelly Roger & Kathy Dennington tinued Good Health & Amazing Sue Sims Margaret Smith Parrish James H. Simpson Hospitality Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Susan Watterson Tom & Elizabeth Broughton Nat & Lois Harris Temple DeRoberts Marky Goetz G Pace Nan Broughton & Family Shirley Leader’s Birthday L.E. & Betty D. Franklin Roger & Mandy Myers Michael, Sharon & Alan Wales Don & Joan Weisberg Tommy Carpenter Matthew Derrick Robbie & Cindy Birdwell Louis II & Lucy Schulhafer Donald & Peggy Kirby Katherine Jones Robin Rents Equipment Jack & Evelyn Held Tommy & Rose Gaston Pat Barr Kathryn Meriwether Kathrine Merriweather Ty Pruett June L. Baird Mr. & Mrs. Fulford James A. III & Jane Sims Top O’ The River Paul Pumroy Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hare William or Anne or Jane Hare Rainbow Church of Christ Joan F. Pumroy Kathryn Goray Red Holt Family Vernon Newbill Rebecca A. Harrison The Staff at Rainbow Omega Freddie & Jo Campbell Ernest L. Harrison, Jr. J. P. & Patricia Duke rd University Church of Christ-Mobile Jimmy Shikle’s 53 Birthday Rob Travis Max & Margaret Stern William & Betty Shikle Virginia Sirmon Dan & Glenda Kirby Mary Ann Crump Oliver Rascon-Scott’s 1st Birthday Annabelle Chabert Dortha Travis Carolyn Markham Affie Martin Virgle Hester Robin N. Edwards, Jr. Christin Tanner Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hare Mary Hester Hale C.M. & Orvetta Edwards Dominick, Feld, Hyde, P.C. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sims On Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017, Governor Walburga Giguere Roy Fuqua Phillip DeRoberts Dr. & Mrs. Spec Hughes Annabelle Chabert Dean P. Fuqua Lloyd & Jane Rotton Mrs. Gene Freeman Kay Ivey declared and signed a Proclama- Walter Mims Samuel Mays D.G., Jr. & K.R. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. William Fulford Annabelle Chabert Stephen & Judy Mays Remelle Davis Judge & Mrs. Hugh Maddox tion recognizing the month of May as William Harold Bailey, Sr. Sherry Boatwright Thomas B. Jr & Linda Bennett Miss Kathryn Meriwether Forrest Randy, Sr. & Lynda Hairston Dan & Nita Honea Joy French for Kathryn Goray Mental Health Month. Those attending Clarence & Nan Guyette Stacey & Karen Robinson Samuel & Marianne Blackwell Joy French from Rainbow Omega were Phil Duke, William Rowden Dalen Livingston Matthew Moore Lila Hamilton Bill & Nell (Bozeman) Turner Frankie Whitaker Patricia King Walton A. & Jean L. Phillips Josephine Rice Julie Riser Dr. & Mrs. Michael Payer, Sr. Stentson & Dianne Carpenter, Chris & Justin Kempthorne Nellie Jo Price Cole Drs. Thomas & Margaret Riser Joe H. Sr. & Kathlyn Thomas The Pevensie Stewardship Michael Carpenter and standing next to John J. Cole Malcolm & Condula Dick Mack & Bettie Lovering Frankie Patton HONORARIUMS Drs. Thomas & Margaret Riser Gary & Karen McMahan Michael is the Mental Health Commis- Jeanette Reid Mary Ann Crump for Christmas Julie Riser Dale & Martha Fleischmann (12/1/16 – 6/30/17) Justin & Arielle Hughes & Cordula V. Dick-Muehlke sioner, Jim Perdue and some of his staff Kris Fleischmann Dr. Vance & Laura Moore William & Martha Hughes Mrs. Dortha “Dottie” G. Travis Tamara Angel M. Brooks & Beth Clark Kathryn Meriwether Birthday members. (Pictured above) Jo Paschal Irene McCombs (Anonymous) Jean Finney Corean Klotz James & Ethelda Thomason Amy Herren Doug & Gwen Burchell Thomas & J.S. Goodson Annie Helms John & Glenda Liddle C. R. Tillery The document to the right is a copy of a Frankie Patton Paul & Kristie Pinyan Pastor & Mrs. Adam Robinson Jan Gifford’s Birthday Thomas & Elizabeth Barton Katherine V. Wertz Pastor & Mrs. Kelly Stephenson Roger & Mandy Myers Joint Resolution adopted by the Legisla- Richard E. Torrontor Sheila Hracek Mr. & Mrs. Louis Cole Remelle Davis Bruce & Ronna Kois Phillip DeRoberts Mr. & Mrs. Bob Whitley Calvin & Vivian Howard ture of Alabama on April 13, 2017. We J.P. & Patricia Duke Annie Laurie Helms Dr. Edward C. Tyndal Mary Cooper Greg Thomason Ted & Joann Grantland are recognized as an important valued J.P. & Patricia Duke Doug Weatherspoon Jere & Ginger Spurlin Eddie & Mary Ann Woods Richard A. Norris Nancy West and necessary provider of services for Lindsay Vinsant Darren Williams John H. Stewart J.P. & Patricia Duke Beverly Howell Tommy & Carol Laney Imogene Cunningham individuals with intellectual disabilities Althea Slaughter Tony Prestridge Julie Riser Meridianville Church of Christ Oakley Slaughter Carolyn Davis Drs. Thomas & Margaret Riser Youth Group Bob Travis Shelly Moody Nancy Mobley Thomas & Barbara Rosenblum Dan & Glenda Kirby Nancy Holdbrooks Kel Mossburg, Jr.(Grandson) Jill Hearn’s Birthday Dortha Travis Ralph Beauchamp Armstead & Shirley Hayes James & Jean Coleman Charles Richardson Kenneth Jeffus Lindsay Vinsant Sue Moody’s Birthday Jean B. Sims Darry & Janie Johnston Stentson & Beverly Howell Carolyn Osborn Delores Vega Dianne Carpenter Mary Ann Crump Don & Kim Cluck Carolyn Markham John & Sue Sehon th Jennifer Renaud Mr. & Mrs. Luke Hamric 50 Anniv. William & Betty Shikle Lee & Sandra Crapet John Stewart Shelly Moody Donald Fleming UMW Missions Whitfield Tabby Dillard Mrs. Venessa McKinney S & H Transportation Services Inc. Affie L. Martin Kathryn Ann Dillard

MEMORIALS Dan & Martha Harris Jean Thigpen Mary C. Bishop (12/1/16 to 6/30/17) Richard Glass, III Annabelle Chabert J. D. Bishop Bobbie Jo Parsons Dan Newsome Betty Gant Mary Jones Neil or Laurie Waer Catherine Inabnit Family Jim & Kitty Ferguson Bobby & Patsy Owens C. B. Shackelford David & Myrtice Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Y Emory McDaniel Matthew Derrick Joel D. & Che' S. Abbott Robert W.,Jr. & Vevie Rea Jim McGee Joel & Lynn Shannon (Rebecca) Bud Surles David Rudolph Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Megan Elizabeth Grobmyher David & Debbie Hill Addye Hanback Jim McKnight Renee Gardner Dr. Carl C. Edge Marbin & Barbara Aubrey Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Rex & Wanda Provence In Sally Forrest Robert & Judy Gray Vance Purtell Melinda Skelton Edward Sanders David Windham Jack & Eva Smoke Henry & Linda Herren Robert D. & Reba S. Long Nelda Windham Jimmy O’Clair Merlin Verret Loving Gary Falkner DeAnna Woods Annabelle Chabert Bill & Nell (Bozeman) Turner Charlotte W. Falkner Nelda Windham Ann T. Hicks Mike Colburn Herman & Mavis Ayres Delmas “Butch” Mears Glenn Hicks Susan Kelly Brenda A. & Maxie T. Carr Pelham Church of Christ Joe E. Haynes Mr. & Mrs. McKnight & Memory Joe E. Haynes Dick Merritt Beverly Howell Jim McKnight Beverly Howell William, III & Sherri Fulford John & Jean Thigpen Penny Naugle Joyce Adams Brown Don Ellenburg Bertha Bell Alan Thompson Robert R. Adams Annabelle Chabert Johnnie Woloszyn Annabelle Chabert Mike & Marie Payer Mr. & Mrs. Donald Maddox Annabelle Chabert Phillip Young Dennis E. & Dianne A. Burnett Lucynda Smith Joseph Nall Robert & Doris Young Rebecca Click Doris Lee Davis Pritchett Annabelle Chabert Norma Jean Bowles Nathan & Michelle Click Judge J.N. Bryan Jr Judge Foy Guin Annabelle Chabert Scott Knowlton Jim McKnight Robert F. Johnston Dr. Robert Howe Bobby & Elsie Phifer Wilton McClung Darry E. & Janie Johnston Annabelle Chabert Judy McCracken Annabelle Chabert June 20, 1960—December 13, 2016 August 10, 1949—February 5, 2017 Sherry Weldon William & Betty Shikle Myra Kondrath Viva Lawson Scott passed away last December at Regional About four and a half months ago, Jim passed away Graham Y. & Mary R. Jamison Earl Ganey Justin Kempthorne Annabelle Chabert Aileen Mauldin Nelda Windham Alice Hinterschied Nina Brown Medical Center in Anniston at the age of 56. He at the age of 68. He was in our Smith Cottage Henry & Linda Herren Betty Daniel Vernon & Patty Hallyburton Roy L. Brown died peacefully and went to be with Jesus. I had when he died. His only sister, Penny and his broth- Alice Lackey Edward Sanders Gregory & Thereasa Winnett Ruby Lee McWhorter known him for a long time, even before he came er-in-law, John, were with him thru his passing. Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Joseph & Betty Glenn Mrs. W B Curry Sam Jr & Cindy Dendy Arthur Boggiano Alfred & Ruth Bastin Robert & Sharon Iler Madie Griffith to Rainbow Omega. He was a quiet sweet man. Jim was always friendly and a man with many tal- Henry & Linda Herren Bonnie Goble Charles & Mary Chitty Bobby & Elsie Phifer His mother placed him here before her death. All ents. He was a very religious man and liked sing- Ashford & Virginia Broughton Ellis A. Morgan Jane Waites Myrtice Stewart Michael, Sharon & Alan Wales of his friends here at Rainbow Omega will miss ing religious songs, especially “Mary Did You Ernest L Harrison, Jr. John & Emily Lee Don & Joanne Lambert Bea Bernier Emily Grobmyer Dennis & NoraAnn Gerdes Anne Brower Horner him. Know." His friends will miss him, he played the Annabelle Chabert Rex & Wanda Provence Kathryn Lea Edward Bethea piano during lunch in our cafeteria Benton Scott Knowlton Eunice Birge Myra Kondrath Jimmie & Julia Warren Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Bill & Nell (Bozeman) Turner Kaye Sockwell Kenneth & Susan Prygoski Bessie Batts Felix Norman Jerry & Ann Lawson Michael & Margie Miller ********************************************************************** Annabelle Chabert Sam Jr. & Cindy Dendy Ken Helms Randall & Terri Lecroy Betty Hudson Frank Bryan Bobby & Patsy Owens Joanne Gray Crispell Sam Jr. & Cindy Dendy Bobby & Patsy Owens Larry & Mary Jo Hoffman Anne C. Bethea Rick Harris made and donated an 8 ft. picnic table with a beautiful cedar top with the natural edges sits out on Bill & Millie Orr Frank Young Larry “Dusty” Neff Roberta Young the patio just off of the cafeteria. This will give our residents and staff the opportunity to eat meals outside as Michael, Sharon & Alan Wales Frank C. Young Annabelle Chabert Guy & Eleanor Ogden Billy Batey Frederick Crump Larry Cahill Ralph B. Jr & Ann Griswold weather permits. Rick has a brother, Jeff, who is a resident here at Rainbow Omega. Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Phillips Jr Mrs. Remelle Davis Nan Randolph Cox Billy Parrish Maloney Gary Garrett Larry Dillard Bobby & Elsie Phifer Smith Ogletree, Smith General Annabelle Chabert Kathryn A. Dillard Nancy Blankenship Partnership Gary Howell Laura Jean Thigpen Nelda Windham Blake Winningham Dorothy Reagh Gary & Martha Colstrom Betty Daniel Annabelle Chabert Gleason Pool Michael & Laura Ball Annabelle Chabert Bob Hesterman Renita Tucker William, Sr & Linda Sain Nina Vay Brown Henry & Linda Herren Shelby Lively Lavon Henley John & Glenda Liddle Bobby G. Daniel Mary Effie Bridges Lynn & Susan Henley Pam Phillips Betty Daniel Ralph & Lucille Gordon Lenois Jennings Kenneth & Rhonda Mason Bobby Tucker Glynn Durham Donald & Peggy Kirby Paul & Mildred Dolan D S (Doris) Tucker Jean B. Sims Leonard Farris Bruce Dolan Carol McLaughlin Larry & Mary Jo Hoffman Annabelle Chabert Paul Kelly Jimmy McLaughlin H.E. Waters Leota Baker Susan M. Kelly Carolyn Wylie Rick & Lisa Kaufhold Bill & Nelwyn (Bozeman) Turner Paul Mayberry Annabelle Chabert Hannah B. Russell Lottie Adams Nelda Windham Charles David Randolph Carroll & Mary Russell Charles & Laura Biggerstaff Betty Daniel Mancy & Marion Cagle Harvey Jacks Lucinda Grissom Philip Holladay Paul Smelser Dr. & Mrs. Vance Moore Forrest R. Sr & Lynda Hairston Eleanor Holladay Mr. & Mrs. H.R. Coble Iris Maddox Maisie Howell Philip Young Charles Eiland John & Patricia Bearden Annabelle Chabert Frank C. Young Bobby & Patsy Owens Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Maddox Margaret Phifer Prudie Cartwright Charles Richardson Curtis & Linda Johnson Bobby & Elsie Phifer Annabelle Chabert Bobby & Patsy Owens Willie M & Deborah Morrison Margaret S. Parrish Reathe Rainer Charlotte Brasher James T. & Fay Brumley Margaret K. Parrish Annabelle Chabert Inglenook Lunch Bunch Billy & Deborah Box Martha Brackin Rebecca Nelms Corinne Till Jay Guin James & Jean Hearn William & Betty Shikle Bobby & Patsy Owens William & Betty Shikle Martha Johnston Regina Coleman Curdell Allen, Sr Jean Patterson Annabelle Chabert Patti Mitchell & Lester Sellers Annabelle Chabert Mary Nezat Mary Bates Richard Torrontor Ralph & Effie Wren William & Betty Shikle Sharon, Michael & Alan Wales

Hendrickson Health & Wellness Center - “Where Activities are Always Happening” At the Hendrickson Wellness Center, ICF residents are always active, always busy. The staff and residents enjoy their time engaging in fun, hands on activities. Pictures below show some of the fun they had during the celebration of , and a Valentine’s Day Party, as well as a day at the Speedway Museum.

In March we began production on a new job for Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, assembling Mudguard kits for the Cana- dian model Odyssey’s. The job consists of placing 8 screws in a small bag, heat sealing that small bag in the corner of a larger bag, then a right and left mudguard are added and the large bag is heat sealed across the top. We began shipping small orders in March and then went to full production in April. We have been able to train approximately 16 individuals on one of the four stations involved allowing us the ability to rotate people into the job as needed. Everyone has been very enthusiastic about training and learning a new job provided through our Honda contract. Along with the Mudguard Kits, there are other jobs that the residents do as well as learning computer skills in the Computer Lab.

Our Health & Wellness Center gives our wheel chair bound residents a chance to get some exercise so they can work out some kinks from being in the wheel chairs and there are various activities for them to participate in during the day.

They love their time at the work center Monday—Friday. It is not just a place to work, they socialize, they have fun, they laugh together, help each other and sometimes they cry together. Their life with their peers is much more. Rainbow Omega Recognizes Carol Paris for over 20 years of dedicated service

Carol Paris has been our Comptroller since coming to work here in January of 1996 with several years of accounting and managerial experience. Carol graduated magna cum laude from Gadsden State Community College in accounting. She came to Rainbow Omega from the health care industry where she worked in billing, accounting and administrative capacities. In 1985 she began work- ing at the Holy Name of Jesus Hospital in Gadsden until she moved to San Diego, California in 1987 where she worked for a neurosur- gical group. In 1991 she moved back home to Alabama and went to work for a local urologist before coming to Rainbow Omega in 1996. She states that when she came to Rainbow Omega all those years ago for her interview, she wasn’t sure what she was getting herself into because the roads were still gravel and it was so far out Meridianville Church of Christ Youth Group came and visited with our residents and also picked Blueberries and Blackberries. in the country. She states that after her interview, when I took her to the back of the administrative building (that area was originally the vocational floor) to introduce her to some of the residents that is Theresa Carol Julie when she knew that Rainbow Omega was right where she needed to be. When Carol came to work here, her daughter, Carlee was 18 months old. We have watched her grow, Carlee is now 23. She attended the University of Montevallo and is now living in New York City.

Carol has shared in the growing pains of Rainbow Omega as we have gone from 2 group homes serving 16 residents and employed approximately 10 staff to now having 7 group homes, 2 ICF’S, 9 greenhouses, a state-of-the-art work center serving 87 individuals and employing 115 staff. She does a great job in the financial/HR department and is sure to let me know when funds are in short sup- ply! West Huntsville Church of Christ Youth Group having fun picking Blueberries Congratulations Carol and we appreciate your hard work and dedi- cation to these special men and women we serve!

Sojourners

Sojourners visiting and helping with pro- jects this spring. They come from all over the United States. Sojourners have become a part of Rainbow Omega over the years in the spring to do projects and in the winter to deliver Poinsettias. They are a wonderful group of Christian volunteers. I always en- joy visiting around the campfire with these guys in the evening.

Madison Church of Christ Youth Group out and about with some of our residents

We are blessed to have these Youth Groups come out and do volunteer work for Rainbow Omega. They help us with many projects, from picking blueberries and blackberries to cleaning up the property. They also spend time with our residents, playing games and just visiting which all of our residents do enjoy so much. In the evenings after the long day’s work, the youth groups have dinner in the houses with the residents and everyone participates in evening devotions.