History: In 2000, a group of concerned citizens organized an emergency shelter for abused children living in Lumpkin County. The 90-day shelter provided assessment and stabilization services, while giving the Department of Family and Children Services time to find the most appropriate placement for the children.

Did you know: Today, Rainbow Children’s Home is a home that accepts up to eight girls, ages 12-18, from any Georgia county. The average stay is four months, but a child may stay as long as needed. Each child receives individualized care and trauma-specific services including medical, dental, counseling, educational and spiritual support.

Its motto: Providing hope, security, and opportunity.

How you can help: Virtual donations can be made on the Rainbow Children’s Home website. Sponsor a girl’s field trip to the Atlanta Zoo, Six Flags, Georgia Aquarium or other local attractions. Gift card donations to restaurants or Walmart are always welcome.

To learn more: Visit rainbowchildrenshome.org or email melinda@rainbowchildrenshome.org.

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Through teacher training, clinics and ongoing partnerships, educators from KIPP Atlanta Schools are helping their Kenyan colleagues give thousands of students the gift of reading. KIPP reading coach Kristal Peterson conducts one of the clinics. (Courtesy of KIPP Atlanta Schools)

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC