Reaching for Rainbows

After-school program for young girls helps build relationships

The Reaching for Rainbows program began at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Picton as a way to offer a safe and nurturing space for young girls who were having a difficult time at school. Reverend Lynne Donovan was instrumental in getting the program started, saying “The heart of the spiritual tradition has to include a table where everyone belongs.” Over the years since, many young girls have found a place at that table, and it has changed their lives and the lives of their families for the better. Initially offered as a program sponsored by the church, Reaching for Rainbows became a separate nonprofit organization in 2019, and while still using the basement room at St. Andrew’s, it is now independent of the church, with its own financing and governing board.

The Reaching for Rainbows program accepts girls ages six to nine who are referred through community partners such as Community Living and Children’s Mental Health, as well as through local schools. The girls are divided into Juniors (age six and seven) and Seniors (age eight and nine) and each group spends two days per week in the after-school program. Karen Hotston is the program coordinator and says the girls come from a variety of backgrounds that cross social and economic boundaries. “We provide a safe, fun space for the girls to come and relax, and also at the same time finding a sense of balance and consistency in their life. We are supporting girls that have challenging backgrounds, who are working towards making friends, and we are inspiring them to understand themselves on a better level,” she said. A typical afternoon for the girls includes a group discussion where they can show or tell something about themselves.

They are then given healthy snack, usually incorporating fruit and vegetables. There is always one planned activity, which the girls can take part in if they want to, and plenty of time for self-directed play. If the weather permits, there is also some outdoor play time before the girls are collected by their parents or guardians.

Senior Rainbow girl Ava shows a bubble-blowing fish that she created from magnetic pieces.

Karen Hotston says that some girls new to the program may take a little time to adjust. “We’ve had girls that come in who are very shy or not interested—or don’t think they can do certain projects— and sometimes as soon as a few weeks you see them finding success with a project or engaging in play and making new friends. It’s so great to see those friendships extend outside of Rainbows,” she said. In addition to Hotston and assistant program director Kelly Mills, there are several volunteers who help in the playroom. “It is very volunteerdependent and we are currently looking for volunteers, male or female. They do not need experience specifically with children; they simply need a positive attitude and a willingness to have fun.” She adds that community support is also very important, and said the program receives donations of art supplies and food, as well as things like socks, shoes and winter clothing.

Jane Wollenberg is the chair of the Reaching for Rainbows board. With the resignation of the program’s executive director six months ago, the board has taken on some operational responsibilities as well as the role of governance. The board is currently looking at the long-term sustainability of the program and is reviewing its staffing model with the aim of finding someone to take on operational duties so the board can return to its role of governance. She says that it costs about $140,000 annually to run the program, which is accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education. There are two paid staff, a bookkeeper and operating expenses, such as rental costs and supplies for the program. Some of the funding comes from grants such as the Trillium Foundation, and some comes organically from the community through the high reputation Reaching for Rainbows has established. “Part of the strategy we have is to create partnerships with local businesses that feel the same way about their community as we do, and so we will be a non-profit wing of their community work. We have been very fortunate to be working with the Drake for International Women’s Day, and the Royal has recently indicated they’re interested in working with Reaching for Rainbows,” said Wollenberg. “Our relationship with St. Andrew’s Church continues to be open-arms and supportive and with a deep interest in Reaching for Rainbows.” One of the positive things she has seen is that parents and guardians of the girls in the program develop a strong sense of trust. “When you see your children thriving, when you see your children happy, it gives you a moment to take a big, breath. The program provides a daily space for these girls to come to, where they know they are safe and they are going to be cared for,” she said. “We cannot stress enough how much we value the relationship we have with the community and how much we rely on it, especially our volunteers. The support we get from the community is critical to us staying alive and keeping to offer this program.” For more information, please visit reachingforrainbows.net.

A fundraising concert, A Canadian Song Celebration, featuring County musicians ,will take place at St. Andrew’s Church in Picton on Sunday, November 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.