Rainbow Village Raises Historic Funds as it Welcomes New Director

Rainbow Village, the only non-profit in the St. Louis Metropolitan area that focuses solely on providing long-term, affordable and quality neighborhood homes for adult Missourians with developmental disabilities, announces that Joanna Jones-Raymond has joined the organization as its new Director of Development.

In her role, Jones-Raymond is responsible for strategic and growth initiatives, branding, public relations, marketing, communications and fundraising for Rainbow Village. Coming in on the heels of a historic $300,000 raised in funds from its 23rd Annual Somewhere Over the Rainbow event, she will continue to build upon its record-breaking success.

“We are thrilled to have Joanna come on board as our new Director of Development,” said Michael Rae, Executive Director of Rainbow Village. “Joanna has not only proven herself as a leader but whole-heartedly believes in our mission and shares our passion to support the dignity and worth of all people through the most basic need of housing for adults with developmental disabilities.”

Jones-Raymond has over 20 years of experience establishing valuable relationships with clients and members of the community. Before joining the team at Rainbow Village, Jones-Raymond served as the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Friendship Villages of St. Louis where she helped navigate more than $300 million in multi-site expansions to ensure quality senior living and services.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of the team at Rainbow Village,” said Jones-Raymond. “I have admired the organization for many years and the significant impact they have in the community.

As a parent of a teen with Down syndrome and autism, the thought of “what’s next” has been out there on the horizon. Parenting any young child is a challenge, and as a parent of someone with special needs, you think VERY long term in addition to encouraging their next steps. I’ve known that Rainbow Village is a unique and trusted resource in my community where someone like my son can thrive and lead an independent life. I think of the founders, whom we call the “gang of nine.” These were nine sets of parents, incredibly persuasive and visionary mothers. I know the deep value of what they created, not just for the benefit of their children but for countless others. I recognize the entrepreneurial talents that launched our first seven homes on a special Creve Coeur campus and grew to become 89 neighborhood homes throughout the St. Louis metro area. I feel a tremendous debt to our founders, whose children are now senior adults, still living in our homes today. It is a privilege to join the team and to “carry the torch” for a while. It’s my deepest desire that Rainbow Village continue to grow and thrive so that my son, and his friends like him, will have the benefit of safe neighborhood housing and receive the compassionate care provided by our many agency partners.”

Founded in 1973, Rainbow Village provides 89 homes to more than 300 residents with developmental disabilities in 26 neighborhoods throughout the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area.

About Rainbow Village

Rainbow Village is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing safe, affordable, and well-maintained neighborhood homes. Our 89 neighborhood homes provide our 300 residents with an affordable, accessible home where they can safely age in-place for years to come. Rainbow Village is the largest provider of community-based housing for persons with developmental disabilities in the St. Louis metropolitan area, and owns and operates an inclusive, accessible community center for recreational, therapeutic and educational opportunities for people of all abilities. www.rbvstl.org