RAINBOW ROOM
Find out more about what this Community Partners group is doing to help the abused and neglected children of their community below.
| ID | 3 | |
| Region | 1 | |
| County Name | Potter Randall Co. | |
| City Name | Amarillo | |
| Site Name | Amarillo | |
| Name of Organization | Potter-Randall Child Welfare Board | |
| Contact Person | Darla Ingram | |
| Address | 6200 I-40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106 | |
| Phone | 806-354-6230 | |
| Email Address | IngramDJ@dfps.state.tx.us |
Community Partners of Amarillo
Community Partners of Amarillo initiates, develops, and supports projects that enable CPS caseworkers to make the most positive impact possible on the victims of chid abuse and neglect in Potter, Randall, and Armstrong counties.
Community Partners of Amarillo is located at:
6200 I-40 West
Amarillo, TX 79106
Contact Darla Ingram:
806-354-6230
darla.ingram@dfps.state.tx.us
To support the Virtual Rainbow Room Drive, click here:
Community Partners of Amarillo has the following programs helping children:
The Rainbow Room
The Rainbow Room is an emergency resource room that distributes NEW items such as diapers, formula, and clothing at a moments notice to abused and neglected children. The Rainbow Room minimizes caseworker stress by providing a support structure of basic life-sustaining resources needed when emergencies occur with their case families. The Rainbow Room maximizes caseworker effectiveness in situations where time is limited for a positive impact to be made on the lives of chidlren and their families in turmoil The Rainbow Room increases the response time of caseworkers to the critical needs of children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected.
Adopt-A-Caseworker
The goal of the Adopt-A-Caseworker project is to foster partnerships between the community and Child Protective Services to promote education, involvement, and community awareness regarding child abuse and neglect. This project matches a specific caseworker with a group such as a business, a Sunday school class, an individual, or civic organization to assist the caseworker in meeting the needs of the abused and neglected children that the caseworker serves. Successful partnerships address the needs of CPS children, their families, caseworkers, and adopting groups.
How This Helps
The day was peaceful and calm. The bright November sun made the trees glow as the gentle breeze swirled the fallen leaves in front of the car. The two caseworkers that had been assigned to investigate this particular case were most apprehensive as they drove down the street. The houses were very run-down, unkempt, and several homes even looked abandoned.
Child Protectiove Services had received several anonymous calls on this particular situation over the past few days. As they approached the house, they were fearful as to what they would find. The screen door was missing and two windows were boarded up. They knocked and knocked. Finally a woman answered. She was very disheveled in appearance and became most angry and aggressive. As they entered the house, the odor from the filthy living conditions was almost overpowering. Trash and debris was scattered all over the small living room. In a dark corner sat a 17 - month old baby girl. Her size made her seem much younger. Her hair was matted and dirty. She was only wearing a t-shirt and a dirty diaper. Instead of playing curiously, this child was very quiet and subdued. No toys or any type of stimulating games were found in this home. In the bedroom, a five and seven year old sat quietly on a dirty mattress with no sheets. What little clothes they were wearing were soiled from weeks of wear. They didn't even have any socks to wear. As the workers talked with the children, they said they wanted to go where there was no hitting and where they could eat when they got hungry.
These children arrived at the Rainbow Room. They chose new clothing, clean, new underclothing, a few toys and games, and stuffed animals for comfort. These children's past circumstances could not be changed, but at least the Rainbow Room met their needs, made them feel more secure, and helped them feel better about themselves before they met their new foster parents.
The Spirit of Christmas
This is a holiday gift giving program specifically for the children in the care of Children's Protective Services. Holiday wishes are obtained from the children, and then gift request cards are made available at the Bank One on 7th and Tyler, or the branch location at I-40 and Bell. The program runs from November 17 to December 12.
Gingerbread House Fundraising Event
Professional chefs, bakers, and amateurs dsiplay their Gingerbread "creations" and the public has the opportunity to make a one dollar donation for a chance to win one of the Gingerbread houses. The event is held at Westgate Mall, date to be announced. All proceeds benefit the Rainbow Room.
Volunteer Opportunities
Conduct a "baby shower" and collect baby items such as baby wipes, baby lotion, shampoo, powder, crib sheets for the Rainbow Room
"Adopt" a specific caseworker and assist that worker with the children on her caseload.
Mentor older children in foster care by assisting in money management, job skills, educational planning, and interpersonal skills.
Volunteer for "Operation Baby Watch", assisting foster parents by sitting with a child that is ill and in the hospital.
Conduct a diaper, sock or formula drive .
To Volunteer or for more information, contact:
Darla Ingram
806-354-6230
darla.ingram@dfps.state.tx.us