Reese's Rainbow: What is it?
Since I am sort of starting over from scratch, I thought I would just clear the air right up front. I am a passionate person. I know there are things wrong in the world and I feel compelled to shout for those who have no voice. With that being said, I wanted to introduce you to an organization that you’ll probably be hearing a lot about from me if you stick around long enough to listen. This way, you all have a heads up that I am going to be advocating for the children on this site, and if anyone asks “What exactly is Reece’s Rainbow?” I can have a nifty little post to refer them back to.
So… here goes! Reece’s Rainbow is not an adoption agency. They are an advocacy organization that seeks to find loving families for orphans with special needs around the world. Reece’s Rainbow was started by the mother of a little boy who has Down syndrome (that would be Reece). When she discovered the horrific conditions that children born with Down syndrome and other disabilities endure because of their differences, she did something about it. That something, is Reece’s Rainbow.
How exactly does Reece’s Rainbow help orphans?
Reece’s Rainbow helps orphans on multiple fronts, this is a not a cut and dry battle, but one that is fought on many sides. Reece’s Rainbow’s ultimate goal is to no longer be needed! We all hope that one day the parents of these children will be equipped and encouraged to keep their children and raise them. But for right now, there are children with no families who desperately need out. Reform has to happen, but it will not happen in time for most of the children waiting right now.
Reece’s Rainbow has a waiting list of children with special needs who are available for adoption. This gives children from around the world the ability to be seen, something that they would otherwise not have. Their families often find them through the advocacy of this organization and her many volunteers and fellow advocates. Reece’s Rainbow also holds grant funds for the children who are waiting. Now, this often puts people off initially, but let me explain…
The dollar signs next to children’s names are not “for sale” signs. Rather, these amounts are indicative of support that has been donated and built up for a specific child over a period of time. International adoption is prohibitively expensive, but if a child has a grant fund in place for their adoption the process can move more quickly and smoothly once a family is found. This saves lives. Potential parents who are on the fence about whether they can adopt are often encouraged to know that there is already support waiting for them on the other end.
The other way that Reece’s Rainbow helps is by connecting families with resources and grant funds, giving people tax deductible ways to donate to a family’s adoption and giving them a fundraising platform. Reece’s Rainbow walks with families throughout the entire adoption process, which is a huge blessing for anyone taking the giant leap of faith that is adoption.
Why do you advocate for Reece’s Rainbow?
There are many ways to care for the widow and the orphan. This organization, in particular, has my heart. I have come to fall in love with many of the children that are still in need of families, and can’t help but shout for them, hoping their mommies and daddies will hear! I have also made dear friends with many of the families adopting with the help of Reece’s Rainbow. I have learned so much from Andrea, the Reece’s Rainbow staff, adopting families and the advocates that I cannot help but be indebted to them. In a way they have become a part of my family and my neighbors whom God has given to me to serve.
How can I help?
There are so many ways you can help! Stay tuned here long enough and I will give you some ideas for sure. Otherwise, go to the Reece’s Rainbow website and learn more about what they do. There are waiting children that you can advocate for and families in process that you can encourage and support financially. Pray for all of these children and families and ask God’s protection over them as they long to be together.
