Love Thy Neighbor

A Valentine From Our CEO, Melanie Conner

A Heartfelt “Hello” to the Village Beyond Our Village!!

During this month associated with the giving and receiving of Valentine’s Day cards and gifts, I can’t help but think what a compelling gesture it is for someone to stop what they’re doing and actively, INTENTIONALLY demonstrate their love of others.

As Mark Chapter 12, Verse 31 tells us, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” It’s a phenomenon I get to witness every day at Rainbow Village. From our team members, residents, board members, volunteers, corporate partners, faith partners, and donors, it’s a daily lesson in the powers of love and community.

Community Building



As I did in my greeting, I often refer to the village beyond our Village. We simply cannot do all that we do without the love and support of our community. For that reason, two of our superstar team members are devoted to the role of “community engagement” – Michelle Alcorn and Brittany Lowe. They have the monumental task of going out into the world – AND bringing the community into our little corner of the world – to share our mission every chance they get. What we’ve learned in the 34 years since we opened our doors is that once people hear our mission and understand the impact we can have on families experiencing homelessness, they want to be a part of it. It’s community-building in one of its most meaningful forms.

The Role of Community in Family Success



But that impact is felt far deeper than at the organizational level. It goes right to the heart of families who need our love and support to thrive. Those in the throes of homelessness often lack a sense of community. When they arrive at Rainbow Village, they are immediately anchored by connections forged with other residents who have been where they are, our team members who help push them in the right direction and arm them with the tools needed to succeed, and our surrounding community who fuels their journey with pure love and much-needed support.

Studies show that the role of community in family success is fundamental. It makes parents feel upheld and empowered and makes children feel safe and part of something bigger than themselves. When families feel loved and supported as individuals, it strengthens connections within their family – and the ripple effect from that is profound. Strong family dynamics foster nurturing environments, long-term emotional development, and greater performance at work and school.

Love is Life-Changing

So, in this Valentine’s Day letter to the members of our community, I wish to THANK YOU for all the love you’ve shown me, my team, and the families we serve. That love and belief in what we’re doing gets us up every morning and keeps us going – even on the most challenging days. We sincerely hope you know how much we love you right back!

Peace and Blessings,

Melanie Conner - CEO

Rainbow Village

SAVE THE DATE!

Rainbow Village has been chosen as one of the lucky beneficiaries of an awesome event hosted by the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville! We’d love for you to join us and be part of the fun!

Hosted at Topgolf Buford, the evening will be packed with a silent auction, plenty of time to mingle and network, delicious dinner, refreshing soft drinks, and opportunities to play – all for a great cause!

When: Thursday, March 13th

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Topgolf Buford

2935 Buford Dr., Buford, GA 30519

Northside Hospital Steps Up as the 2025 Rainbow Village Presenting Sponsor for the 5th Year in a Row!

Northside Hospital – a leading healthcare system in Georgia – has been dedicated to the health and wellness of the communities it serves for 55 years. With a focus on taking care of Georgians, it has found an ideal nonprofit partner in Rainbow Village – an organization committed to bringing Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to families experiencing homelessness. On the heels of the launch of Rainbow Village’s “Building Homes, Building Hope” Capital Campaign to drastically increase its impact on family homelessness in Metro Atlanta, Northside Hospital signed on as the nonprofit’s Presenting Sponsor for the 5th year in a row.



“Both Northside Hospital and Rainbow Village want our community to live life to its fullest,” said Debbie Bilbro, Northside Hospital Gwinnett and Northside Hospital Duluth CEO and Rainbow Village Board Member. “While Northside is focused on the medical side of wellness, Rainbow Village focuses on financial health, family stability, and mental wellness through its programs. While every year is important at Rainbow Village, this year is a particularly strategic one as the nonprofit seeks to more than double its capacity and improve its programs to deliver the best possible outcomes for the families it serves. I’ve never seen or been part of an organization that is so successful at living out its mission and vision statement. They help their residents turn their lives around, go forth, and be fruitful. Through accountability and success coaching, they’re making it happen for families in need. In 2025, we’ll work together to expand Rainbow Village’s reach and enhance its impact.”

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