What is Rainbow Acres?

What is Rainbow Acres? RAINBOW HISTORY It was a day like any other. But before it was over, Dr. Ralph Showers would be a different person. An accident with some high-power transmission lines on this day would leave Dr. Showers without his hands, transporting him in one blinding instant to the world of individuals with a disability. The accident occurred as Dr. Showers was actively working on making a long-time dream of his a reality. Instead of stopping him, the accident eventually intensified Dr. Showers' resolve. Drawing upon his faith as a Baptist minister, Dr. Showers followed through on his dream. A dream where disabled adults could live with meaning, purpose, dignity, and spiritual strength. A place where Christian values would guide the footsteps of every day, where love and compassion would be constant companions. And that dream became known as Rainbow Acres.   Founded in 1974 by Dr. Showers, Rainbow Acres is located in the beautiful Verde Valley of central Arizona. Through the years, Rainbow Acres has had many facets and components - the Starlight Cattle Company, the American Dream, etc. But through it all, the focus has remained on serving the needs of the developmentally disabled. Consolidated now into one 27-acre "campus" in Camp Verde, Arizona, Rainbow Acres has helped over 350 individuals since its inception. As a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization, it will continue to provide opportunities for the disabled well into the future - with support from generous and compassionate individuals like you! (Find out more about helping Rainbow Acres.)   THE RAINBOW COMMUNITY Rainbow Acres is a ranch-style community for adults with developmental disabilities. (We call our residents "Ranchers" to denote that they are individuals of worth and should be treated with dignity. Find out more about the story behind the name "Rancher".) At Rainbow Acres, job skills, social standards, and self-help methods are taught through the love and concern of Christian people. The primary emphasis of the Rainbow Acres total-life concept is to foster a sense of self-worth in each Rancher through positive qualities of family-style living in a loving and accepting community.   Today, Rainbow Acres is working toward a total capacity of 120 Ranchers. (Ranchers come from a variety of states, and on occasion, other countries.) Each year over 300 individuals give short-term volunteer service in a wide range of Rancher programs. (Find out how you can become a volunteer.)