Rainbow Family Learning Program Returns to Ruskin

By Brenda Knowles

brenda@observernews.net

RUSKIN - May 8 is the long anticipated grand re-opening of the Rainbow Family Learning Program. Eight years ago the program lost its home when its leased building was sold.

At a recent Southshore Rotary Club meeting Veronica Mosher, director of the Rainbow Family Learning Program, indicated how pleased they were to be returning to their roots in Ruskin. "We had a large client base here in the Gibsonton, Ruskin, Wimauma area as well as a large volunteer base. In Palm River and Claire-Mel the need is large, but the volunteer base is much smaller," added Mosher.

The new center at 100 E. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin (formerly known as the Shopper Observer News building) will be called Shell Point Station. The first floor will house Shell Point Station's Family Learning Station Community Childcare Program and the Rainbow Family Learning Program while the second floor will be occupied by the Mary & Martha House, owners of the unique building.

Children ages 6 weeks to 12-years will be provided before and after school care and transportation through the community childcare program. The Station also will offer personalized care, nutritious meals, and tuition assistance through full or part-time plans.

Shell Point Station is one of five childcare centers located in Hillsborough County supervised by the Child Abuse Council, a private, non-profit agency that provides consultation, education and direct service programs to help children and strengthen families. According to council literature, "in 2002, the council reached nearly 48,000 children and adults through its programs and community supporters offered nearly 4,200 volunteer hours."

As the only non-residential therapeutic service in Hillsborough County designed especially for abused children and their families, the Rainbow Family Learning Program is equipped to handle 15 children from infancy to 5-years-old plus their parents. Since child abuse is a learned behavior, it is essential to work with the child and his parents simultaneously. Parents are taught the necessary skills to help them break the pattern of child abuse.

"The average length of time a family stays in the Rainbow program is five to six months," said Mosher. "It also a free program provided by the Child Abuse Council."

"Our goal at Rainbow is to provide therapeutic help to three types of children," said Mosher. "First, children at-risk for abuse, secondly, as an alternative to foster care for abused children and thirdly, for children who are in transition from foster care back to their home and family."

In celebration of their grand re-opening the childcare center will hold an ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 8 at the center.

At that time visitors can see the changes made in the building to house the two childcare centers. As part of the renovation process the dropped ceiling was removed and the rough ceiling was painted a sky blue. Handicapped bathrooms were installed along with step out windows. The asphalt parking space was fenced and covered with mulch and sand to accommodate the addition of the colorful playground equipment.

Anyone wishing to volunteer at the center is welcomed and encouraged. "Our children love to be rocked and read to," said Mosher.

To volunteer at the Rainbow Learning Center or inquire about space and fees for the community childcare facility call 673-4646 ext. 286.