In the Beginning . . .

In the late 1990’s, concerned and compassionate citizens recognized the need for a local shelter for children taken into custody by DFCS. At the time, foster families were few, and children were routinely sent out of the County for emergency care. In cases where there were sibling groups, the children, already traumatized from being removed from their homes, were further devastated by being placed in different facilities.

A group of caring individuals molded themselves into a board to work toward solving the problem. They were able to obtain the support of Lumpkin County and were granted a 50-year lease on the small white cottage the shelter currently occupies. Rainbow Children’s Home fostered collaboration among government agencies, service providers, civic organizations, local businesses and individuals. This team approach allowed for the completion of necessary physical improvements to the home in order to meet State requirements.

On September 22, 2000, the first 5 children were welcomed into Rainbow Children’s Home.