We have an exciting update from the Rainbow Acres Greenhouse Crew. Already in 2012 they have produced about $1,300 worth of vegetables! Way to go Ranchers, and keep up the good work.

This week, First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines launched their new church website, and on it they feature Rainbow Acres as part of the mission giving program. We are so grateful to First Baptist for their faithful support over the years. They are steady champions of our cause, and provide valuable resources that help Rainbow continue to provide homes with heart and lives of purpose for adults with developmental disabilities.

Rainbow is continually blessed by church communities across the country that make Rainbow Acres a regular part of their mission giving. Our church partners help share the mission of Rainbow Acres with their congregation members. Through donations, mission trips and prayer, congregations reach out to the Ranchers and let them know that they are supported and, more importantly, love.

To learn more about how to make Rainbow Acres a part of your church's mission giving program contact Chris Roush at 928.567.5231, or email her at chris@rainbowacres.com. To view the First Baptist of Greater Des Moines website, visit www.fbcjohnston.org.

About a year ago, Rainbow Acres lost a very dear friend to cancer. Rev. Duane J. Gibson served Rainbow Acres for several years on the Board of Trustees. He was a friend to both Ranchers and staff, and worked tirelessly to provide homes with heart and lives of purpose for adults with developmental disabilities. Upon his passing, Duane asked that memorial gifts be sent to Rainbow Acres. These gifts were used to purchase a brand new altar set for the Rainbow Acres ranch. Rainbow recently completed the set and, during the monthly Prayer & Praise service, the Ranch community joined together to worship their Lord and remember a man who embodies Christian love and compassion. The set is a beautiful reminder of the preciousness of our relationships with God, and with each other.

Jeanne Figgins came to Rainbow Acres in 1987. On the ranch, she enjoys exercising, crafting and watching movies. She also enjoys participating in Special Olympics activities and singing in the Rainbow Acres Rancher Choir.

Jack Wadleigh came to Rainbow Acres in 1997. He is a devoted member of the Weaving Crew where he weaves beautiful scarves, shawls, rugs and more. Jack enjoys all types of TV shows and has participated in many Special Olympics activities.

Last weekend, Rainbow Acres held its inaugural blood drive. It was a smashing success with twenty-two life-saving donations! Rainbow hopes to hold the blood drive on a semiannual basis. Thanks to all our brave donors!

For several years now, Rainbow Acres has participated in an Adopt-A-Family program during the Christmas season to provide a local family with some much-needed assistance. This year, Rainbow "adopted" a family of four, which children ages two to nine. Ranchers and employees alike pitched in to provide the family with an array of clothing and toys, as well as extra funds to help make the family's holiday dinner extra special. Every year, Rainbow is blown away by the thoughtfulness and generosity of its community members. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the season warm and bright for one very special family!

On December 21, Rainbow Acres will be featured on VoiceAmerica's Outreach Today internet radio show. The show, hosted by Melissa Jenkins-Simon, will focus on the joys and difficulties of raising a child with a disability. Susan Hall, Rainbow Acres Director of Planned Giving, will be appearing on the show to discuss Rainbow's innovative approach to care, as well as how to plan for a secure financial future for your loved one with developmental disabilities. Outreach Today will air on Wednesday, December 21 at 10:00 am Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel. Click here to tune in online.

This past Saturday, several Ranchers, along with founder Ralph Showers, represented Rainbow Acres at the 55th annual Fort Verde Days parade. This year’s procession featured 65 floats and participants. Rainbow Acres appeared near the front as entries #6 and #7. Participating Ranchers, accompanied by Rainbow Acres employee Dee Whitt, wore sashes that identified their unique contribution to the Ranch. All together, the delegation conveyed Rainbow Acres’ mission of Homes With Heart and Lives With Purpose to hundreds of members of the Verde Valley Community.