Rainbow Acres is grateful to share that the organization has received a $10,000 grant from the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) in continued support of Rainbow Academy, the life-enriching educational program for Ranchers.

This grant reflects a long-standing, faith-driven partnership rooted in shared values of dignity, opportunity, and faithful stewardship. Through the generosity of ABHMS donors, including America for Christ contributions and unrestricted gifts, Rainbow Academy continues to provide meaningful educational experiences that help Ranchers grow in confidence, independence, and purpose.

“There, you see people really living out who they are, who God created them to be.” said Rev. Karen Yee, Pastor and former Rainbow Acres Board Member American Baptist Home Mission Societies.

A Partnership Built on Shared Faith and Mission

ABHMS has walked alongside Rainbow Acres for many years, recognizing the Ranch as a place where Christian faith is expressed through daily care, learning, and community life. Continued support from ABHMS affirms the importance of creating environments where adults with developmental disabilities are known, valued, and encouraged to develop their gifts and purpose.

This partnership represents a shared investment in people and in a mission grounded in long-term impact, thoughtful planning, and responsible stewardship of resources.

What Is Rainbow Academy?

Rainbow Academy serves as the foundation of weekday learning at Rainbow Acres. Designed for all Ranchers, enrollment is guided by staff to ensure each individual’s schedule aligns with personal goals, interests, and abilities.

Each quarter, Ranchers select their own courses and activities and assemble a personalized weekday schedule with support from the team. Days are structured into multiple learning periods with breaks in between, creating a balanced rhythm that supports focus, creativity, movement, and rest.

A typical day may include:

  • A Life Skills course

  • An Animal Science experience

  • Time in the Fine Arts studio

  • Choir practice or music therapy

  • Hands-on learning in horticulture or practical arts

Educators work alongside Ranchers as active learners, guiding progress while honoring individual pace and learning styles. The purpose of Rainbow Academy is not only instruction, but empowerment. Rainbow Acres remains committed to helping each Rancher grow to their fullest potential.

Building Life Skills With Purpose

Life Skills courses take place in the Worden Taber Center, a renovated educational facility that includes classrooms, a computer lab, and a media library.

Instruction is guided by Project Discovery, a nationally recognized curriculum used by thousands of organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Through hands-on modules, multimedia tools, and adaptive teaching methods, Ranchers engage in learning that builds practical skills while reinforcing confidence and independence.

The Taber Computer Lab supports digital learning and communication, while the Media Library extends learning beyond the classroom through books, games, and instructional resources.

Learning Through Animals, Land, and Responsibility

Rainbow Academy extends learning into every part of the Ranch.

Through Animal Science, Ranchers explore topics ranging from horse care and riding equipment to animals that spark curiosity and conversation. Many Ranchers create and deliver presentations on animal-related topics, strengthening both knowledge and communication skills.

In Horticulture, Ranchers grow vegetables year-round in the greenhouses, learning about ecology and gardening while contributing directly to meals on campus. Classroom instruction is paired with hands-on work planting, tending, harvesting, and researching topics of personal interest.

Daily access to animals also supports emotional well-being. Animal Therapy, particularly time spent with horses, provides opportunities for connection, calm, and confidence. These experiences often play a meaningful role in emotional growth and self-assurance.

Creativity as a Pathway to Confidence

The Fine Arts Program offers Ranchers a powerful outlet for self-expression and accomplishment. With weekly instruction from professional artists, Ranchers learn painting techniques while creating original works of art.

Ranchers paint still lifes, landscapes, animals, and portraits, often revealing talents previously unknown to families. Artwork is displayed in Ranchers’ rooms, shared with loved ones, or sold in the gift shop. Some pieces are transformed into notecards and other items enjoyed by the broader community.

In recognition of its impact, the Fine Arts Program received the EAGLE Commission’s Best Practice Award.

Practical Arts courses, including weaving, mosaics, and decorative crafts, further develop coordination, creativity, and pride in accomplishment. Many of these courses involve community volunteers and result in items Ranchers can keep, give as gifts, or sell.

Music, Community, and Shared Joy

Music remains a cornerstone of Rainbow Academy. Programs include:

  • Clavinova Connection, using programmable digital pianos that allow individuals and groups to create music together

  • Rainbow Acres Choir, a beloved program that performs both on the Ranch and in the wider community

  • Drum Circle, an inclusive experience that invites every participant to contribute creatively

These programs foster joy, reduce stress, and strengthen community through shared expression.

“I’ve never brought anyone to Rainbow Acres who later said, ‘I wish I hadn’t gone.’ All of them come away with a greater appreciation for the diversity of the people that God has created.” said Rev. Steve Bils, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of the Central Pacific Coast American Baptist Home Mission Societies.

Faithful Stewardship in Action

The ABHMS grant will support curriculum materials, instructors, adaptive tools, technology, transportation, and program growth. This funding helps ensure Rainbow Academy remains strong, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of Ranchers.

For donors and families, this grant represents faithful stewardship in action. Resources are used intentionally, partnerships are sustained over time, and programs are developed with a long-term view, always centered on the people Rainbow Acres serves.

Rainbow Acres is deeply grateful to the American Baptist Home Mission Societies and the donors whose generosity makes this support possible. Together, this continued partnership strengthens a community where faith, learning, and purpose come together in lasting and meaningful ways.

The Academy Program is made possible in part through a grant from the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. Learn more at www.abhms.org.

To support the programs that help Ranchers learn, grow, and thrive at Rainbow Acres, make a donation.