The Rainbow FRC is a budding initiative with a long journey ahead.
As a brand new resource to Santa Cruz County, it will take time and dedication to be able to build our programs, but we are so excited to get started! We are currently accepting donations towards establishing our collective and building a Capitola-based family center where we will roll out and provide many of our services & resources.
MISSION, VALUES, & VISION
Our mission & values are a reflection of our core beliefs, which shape our organization's culture and motivate us to do the work that we do. Our vision is what we aspire to achieve when serving the community. Scroll on to learn about the "what and why" behind the Rainbow Family Resource Center!
Our Mission
Our mission is to support, affirm, and validate individuals and families with diverse neurotypes, developmental needs, and disabilities by providing connection tools, support services, and resources from birth to end of life.
Our Vision
Our vision is of a community that values the presence of all individuals and families, empowers people of all neurotypes and abilities to thrive, and deeply appreciates the unique strengths, styles, and contributions that emerge when diversity is championed.
Our Values
Our values are what shape our daily practice. They can be thought of as the other side of the coin for our mission. If the mission & vision are "what" drives us, our values are our "why."
Community Growth & Collaboration
Neurodiversity & Disability Affirmation
Cultural Literacy
Accessibility & Inclusion
Advocacy & Empowerment
Compassion
OUR FOUNDER
The Rainbow FRC is being formed by a dedicated community members pulling from a wealth of knowledge and experience as neurodivergent individuals, parents to neurodivergent & disabled children, and professionals who have worked to support children and parents in similar fields.
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Abigail Vargas, AA-T ChAD
Abigail Vargas is an AuDHD adult and mom to an AuDHD daughter (plus a fun-loving toddler!) She is an early childhood educator who has worked with young children for over ten years as a preschool teacher and early interventionist. Abigail has a passion for understanding neurodiversity and its impact on marginalized groups and those who have been forgotten in medical research and literature. She works closely with neurodivergent parents and parents of neurodivergent children through her private coaching practice. Abigail's background in early intervention and her close work with families is what inspired her to get involved with The Rainbow FRC, where she hopes to make resources and support even more accessible to her community! Beyond her work and family, Abigail loves art, writing, cooking, and rock climbing!