Rainbow Acres

Rainbow Acres is a nonprofit 501 c 3 Christian community with heart that empowers persons with developmental disabilities to live to their fullest potential with dignity and purpose. We provide exceptional housing, life-enriching programs, and loving, holistic healthcare in a safe, vibrant, inclusive ranch-style community. We work each resident Rancher and their family to learn their needs and develop a living/health plan that best fits their preferences.

Rainbow Acres is a residential community with a wide range of programs for developmentally disabled adults. These programs serve residents (called "Ranchers") who hail from more than 15 U.S. states and represent all types of faith backgrounds. Located in Arizona's scenic Verde Valley, Rainbow Acres serves adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities that may commonly include Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, and Developmental Delay from various causes including Seizure Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and ADHD. Ranchers range from 18 years of age to well into their 80's.

Core programs address the immediate and long-term needs of the Ranchers in vital developmental areas: cognitive, vocational, physical/health, spiritual and social. Our professional educators and staff members are passionate about helping Ranchers develop to their full potential, and are experienced in successfully teaching individuals across a wide range of ability and learning styles. Our goal is to strengthen and enhance the cognitive abilities of each Rancher, and to help them gain confidence in their abilities.

At Rainbow Acres, everything is centered on the Ranchers, as they experience:
- Opportunities for personal growth
- Freedom of choice
- A sense of independence with the security of professional and compassionate care
- Empowerment to achieve personal goals
- Friends who accept them unconditionally
- Paths to discover their purpose in life
- A safe home full of inspiring programs, joyous exploration and endless encouragement

Rainbow Acres addresses our society's growing need for residential communities that provide a safe, loving and enriching environment where adults with developmental disabilities can lead satisfying lives and achieve their fullest potential. Each year, thousands of families across the U.S. grapple with helping a loved one with developmental disabilities make living decisions as they enter adulthood and want more independence and opportunities for personal growth.

Nationwide, residential programs that serve developmentally disabled adults are increasingly strained as the need has increased due to the rise in Autism and other factors - and as those with disabilities live longer. Many states have closed group homes and halted vocational training for the developmentally disabled. Rainbow Acres helps to address this issue by providing a thriving residential community that continues to grow and flourish in response to the needs and desires of its residents.

Testimonials

"For people with developmental disabilities who are looking for a place to live, I can tell you there is nothing like Rainbow Acres. You will find group homes with a bunch of people sitting in front of a TV. But Rainbow Acres doesn't do that - it's so exciting, with greenhouses, a learning center, animals, crafts and well-kept homes in a valley with mountains all around. The staff is there for the Ranchers. I guarantee that there is no place as special. If you never heard of Rainbow Acres, please see it for yourself, even if you don't have a family member with a disability. There is so much to see and do." - Alan Drehman, Rancher (resident)

"My aunt was brain damaged as a toddler when she nearly drowned. She came to Rainbow Acres as an older adult and absolutely loved being there. She participated in many activities and was always so proud of what she accomplished. The staff takes a personal interest in each Rancher and encourages them to be all they can be. She was so happy there and remained there until her health required constant care. It meant a great deal to our family to know the quality of life she was able to have!" - Marvis Brice, Donor/Supporter

"Almost ten years ago, when I first saw Rainbow Acres' rural campus (the Ranch) where adults with developmental disabilities live, work, and socialize, I was struck by two things: the beauty of the rural setting, and the way the staff, residents, and volunteers there interact as equal members of a community. I soon learned that the residents were known as "the Ranchers" to show that they are contributing members of their community and NOT clients in some impersonal institution. I was impressed that the Ranchers were all so engaged, confident ... and busy! But they're never too busy for a greeting, a chat, a high-five, or maybe a hug. The Ranch has changed hugely since my first visit, sometimes it seems almost miraculous...