Founded more than 30 years ago in 1991 by Dianne and Stentson Carpenter, Rainbow Omega is a faith-based nonprofit providing programs to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Carpenters desired to give these individuals a sheltered community where they can receive care and community. They’ve come a long since the first two group homes opened for 16 people in 1995; Rainbow Omega now serves 88 individuals with a $10 million-plus operating budget.
The organization’s mission is “to glorify God by ensuring that adults with developmental disabilities have a safe home where their abilities and potentials are respected and nurtured in a Christian environment.”
Says Governor Kay Ivey, “For the last three decades, Rainbow Omega has worked tirelessly to unlock the full potential of some of our most remarkable Alabamians. To be recognized by a globally renowned company like Honda shows that this organization is accomplishing its mission day in and day out.”
Rainbow Omega offers a variety of programs to suit the various needs of participants. The Day Habilitation Program provides a safe, supportive environment for learning new skills and socializing with peers. Activities include arts and crafts, music therapy, cooking classes, fitness programs, and more, promoting physical, social, and cognitive development.
Rainbow Omega has the only two Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) in the state. The ICFs are staffed around the clock with a trained professional team that counts licensed nurses, resident aides/nursing assistants, QIDPs, a dietician, dietary aides, an activities coordinator, and healthcare professionals among them. The facilities offer comfortable spaces that promote independence and enhance participants’ quality of life. Personalized care plans address specific needs, goals, and preferences, and services include personal care, medication management, behavioral support, therapy services, access to medical care, and transportation to medical appointments and community events. A separate Residential Care Program offers eight group homes with live-in house managers. Like the ICFs, residents receive personalized care plans and recreational and social activity options like music, sports, and gardening, along with outings including church and social gatherings.
A Vocational Program provides employment training and employment opportunities. The program operates weekdays and offers options and support to help participants reach their full potential. Staff works closely with each individual to identify unique strengths and interests and then helps them find employment that matches best. Training includes resume writing, interviewing, workplace communication, and job search strategies. Rainbow Omega also offers employment through its carpentry workshop, commercial kitchen, and garden center.
The Vocational Program’s Workshop is located in Rainbow Omega’s Carpenter Work Center, which is certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The Alabama Department of Labor regulates the Vocational Program. Through a contract with Honda Manufacturing, participants assemble vehicle owner manual kits for several vehicles manufactured at the Lincoln plant.
The Commercial Kitchen at the Carpenter Work Center also provides work opportunities for those interested in the food service industry. Another option is employment within 11 greenhouses and at the Rainbow Omega Garden Center for participants interested in horticulture and gardening. The garden center sells blackberries and blueberries each summer, mums in the fall, and poinsettias during the holidays, as well as a variety of plants, shrubs, garden supplies, and gifts.
Through these programs and care, Rainbow Omega is committed to the well-being of their participants and support of their families and living out their vision: Rainbow Omega will be a non-institutional environment that instills both a family and a community atmosphere where individuals experience quality standards of care while enabling them to grow spiritually and to have productive, joy-filled, and independent lives.
For more information and to learn about the 2024 Rainbow Omega Fundraising Evening, with special guest Tim Tebow, on April 26, visit rainbowomega.org.