Where it all began
In 1976 Suzy Yehl Marta, the Founder and President of Rainbows discovered the trauma her children were going through after her own divorce. Through her own personal experience, Rainbows was developed to support other single-parents and cater for the overwhelming needs of their children.
Founded in April 1983, in Chicago, USA, Rainbows began in three schools. Today there are over 2.2 million participants who have experienced rainbows after the storm their families have been through.
Rainbows has spread throughout the United States and is also found in many other countries of the world including Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland and Wales.
Rainbows came to Great Britain in 1992. Now in 2009 there are over 700 registered Rainbows sites in Great Britain. While such a need is regrettable, Rainbows takes pride in knowing that it has helped thousands of children, adolescents, and adults.
The Symbol of the Rainbow?
Children who participated in programmes during the early days of the organization chose the name Rainbows to symbolize the transition in their stormy lives.
First of all the cloud in the logo represents a family tragedy; the sun, their interaction and bonding in the peer support groups; the rainbow, their hope for a bright and colourful future.