Every child needs a safe place to explore, play and learn. Make a difference for years to come in the lives of the children of Kansas.

In 1999, the Proctor Ritchie Center, rainbows' original facility was closed due to extensive water damage. Koch Industries, Inc. responded to the agency's crisis by allowing Rainbows to occupy a former elementary school building on the Koch Campus as a temporary solution to the agency's need for a replacement facility.

Rainbows United is embarking on a capital campaign to replace our original facility with the construction of an early child care and education center in northeast Wichita. This new center will provide classrooms, therapy space, and WonderPoint, an assessment center to accommodate young children of all abilities and their families. And, the Rainbows United Charitable Foundation, Inc. (RUCF) is asking those of this generation to help secure the future for generations of children to come. Let's give them room to grow.

Growing Hope Campaign
Replacement Facility      $5,138,650
Endowment                       361,350  

Campaign Goal             $5,500,000

Campaign Summary.pdf
Fact sheet.pdf

Construction photos: October 31, 2008

Construction photos: October 2, 2008

Construction photos: June 12, 2008

Construction photos: June 2, 2008

Construction photos: April 4, 2008

 Construction photos: March 14, 2008

Your gift gives hope Your generous giving allows Rainbows United to maintain the agency's reputation for high-quality, family-friendly services. This year more than $200,000 is needed in private funds to ensure underfunded programs remain in place.

Essential Services Include:

- Assessments and evaluations keep a child's developmental plan on target.
- Parent training helps translate best practices to family homes.
- Program enhancements allow for specialized curriculum, staff training and valuable partnerships that increase quality and improve outcomes.
- Therapy equipment supports goals for children with unique needs.
- Structured classrooms provide research proven intervention for children with autism.

A legacy of bringing potential to life

1972: Founded by Linda Weir-Engren in basement of a church, 5 volunteers to serve 5 children

1977: Rainbows moves to Proctor Ritchie Center

1982: First annual Royals for Rainbows Golf Classic provides needed funds

1984: 107 served, Home-based services added

1991: "A promise to keep" Campaign results in new Ritchie Family Center site in east Wichita; Hale and Janie Ritchie serve as campaign chairs

1992: 325 children served, Community based Education and Training services added

1996: "Building Dreams for Children" Campaign results in new Kids' Cove site in west Wichita; Charlie and Marla Chandler serve as campaign chairs

1997: 1,152 children served, Infant/toddle services expanded to include Butler County

1998: Family Enrichment Center and Uptown Kids opened thanks to generous gift from Mike Michaelis and Emprise Banks

2002: 1,601 children served, Structured classrooms for children with autism operations.

2003: Friends of Rainbows United and Rainbows United Charitable Foundation, Inc. established

2006: 1,900 served, "Growing Hope" Capital Campaign publicly announced for replacement of original Proctor Ritchie Center; Koch Industries pledges 10 acres of land at K-96 and Oliver; Grant Stannard and Kimberly Edmunds serve as campaign co-chairs

2007: Rainbows celebrates 35th birthday, 7,253 served in 35 years!