History
Rainbow House has maintained a strong commitment to violence prevention education since we opened our doors in 1982. From 1982 - 1992, the Community Education Program of Rainbow House provided thousands of educational presentations about interpersonal, family and community violence issues to diverse audiences. With national recognitioin for its violence prevention education efforts, the Community Education Program established the RAINBOW HOUSE INSTITUTE FOR CHOOSING NON-VIOLENCE, which serves as the prevention education arm of the agency.

Philosophy
No one deserves to be hurt or abused. Violence is learned. Non-Violence can be learned, too. Everyone deserves and needs "VIOLENCE-FREE ZONES" where it is safe to practice non-violent skills for solving conflicts and expressing feelings.

Institute Programs
Choosing Non-Violence
Choosing Non-Violence (CNV) is a ten-hour training which guides adults in understanding their own experiences of violence and abuse, and provides reflection on how their attitudes and behavior may perpetuate abuse in their relationships at home and at work. Initially designed for parents and teachers of young children, we now provide CNV trainings to diverse communities, including legal and law enforcement professionals, health and human service providers, clergy and business people.

Take Ten
TAKE TEN is a violence prevention action plan which grew out of the CHOOSING NON-VIOLENCE approach. Based on ten principles for non-violent living, TAKE TEN provides communities - families, neighborhohods, schools, churches, businesses - with practical, DO - ABLE strategies for reducing and preventing violence. TAKE TEN provides a framework for creating an environment which does not expect, accept or tolerate violence while teaching positive and practical alternatives for living together in peace.

Caring For Children in Dangerous Times
Fighting, gang activity and gunfire, or the presence of an intoxicated or abusive parent are all too common crises at many child care centers. The CARING FOR CHILDREN IN DANGEROUS TIMES guidebook, and accompanying training, provide a protocol for responding to violence in and around centers for children. One of the first of its kind in the country, CARING FOR CHILDREN IN DANGEROUS TIMES provides step-by-step guidelines for teachers and administrators to develop pro-active, coordinated responses to violence. Planning and preparation reduce trauma and empower staff to work cooperatively and increase the level of safety for themselves and the children and families they serve.

Programs & Services
Residential Services
Since 1982, Rainbow House has provided a safe haven for abused women, abused adolescents and their children. In adolescents and their children. In addition to emergency housing, food and clothing, women, adolescents and their children receive quality, individualized services that enable them to begin healing from abuse, and to explore options for reclaiming their lives.

Community Resource Program and Crisis intervention Program at Mt. Sinai Hospital
The Community Resource Program was founded to meet the needs of women and children who do not require shelter, but who seek supportive services such as counseling and advocacy. There are currently three locations of the Community Resource Program - The Crisis Intervention Program at the administrative offices, and The Women's Resource Center in Beverly/Morgan Park.

Institute for Choosing Non-Violence
The Institute for Choosing Non-Violence offers workshops and trainings that teach non-violent alternatives for solving conflicts, expressing feelings and avoiding abusive relationships. Our TAKE TEN and Choosing Non-Violence programs have become nationally recognized as innovative models for effective violence prevention education.

Supporting Rainbow House
Below are some ways for you to show your commitment to ending family violence and stay in touch with Rainbow House and its programs.

Cash Gift
Give $5 or $500, every contribution to Rainbow House counts!

Illinois Women's Funding Federation (IWFF)
Support Rainbow House through IWFF. If yoru company has a workplace giving campaign, you can designate dollars to Rainbow House or if you would like to start one, contact us about setting up an IWFF campaign at your office.

Annual Pledge
Pledge any amount and take one year to make the full gift.

House Party
Host a gathering of friends, co-workers or club members at your home or office. Rainbow House will provide a guest speaker to talk to your group about issues related to domestic violence, education and prevention.

Employee Gift-Matching
Check to see if your employer will match your donation.

Life Insurance
Make Rainbow House the beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

Bequest
Appoint Rainbow House as recipient to all or part of your estate.

Memorial
Remember someone special in your life with a donation made in their honor. Rainbow House will send a beautiful handwritten card to the person honored. Great for birthdays, wedding gifts, Mother's Day or as a lasting tribute to someone deceased.

Project WARMTH
Bring baby clothes, food, household items, appliances, and toiletries for Rainbow House Shelter residents. Call Rainbow House to get an updated "wish list."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Help Rainbow House generate awareness around domestic violence prevention during October. Join the planning committee to help coordinate special activities throughout the month, i.e. marches, rallies, mailings, and tabling opportunities!

Bread & Roses Benefit
Serve on the planning committee for the Bread & Roses Benefit. Each June, gourmet chefs from some of Chicago's most popular restaurants donate their time and talents to help Rainbow House raise dollars for programs. A six-course meal is served, and there are silent and live auctions at the event.

In-kind Services
Contribute printing, administrative support, public relations, legal counsel, day are services, etc.