By Sahar Chmais
Sometimes, a child gets removed from an abusive household in the middle of the night without warning, leaving with nothing but the clothes on his or her back. Following this traumatic event, some stability and resources need to be provided to these kids.
In January, the Remme Rainbow Room became that small sanctuary for children transitioning between abusive households and their new living situation. Hays County Child Protective Board (HCCPB) found the perfect place to take kids in these dire situations to pick up clothes, take a warm shower, eat a meal, watch television and find a secure space.
When a child walks into this newly renovated room, they instantly see the decorated walls with rainbow cat and dog paintings. The lounge room has more paintings of animals, space and a wall collage of a fox gently floating with balloons in its hand. There is a television, rocking chairs, a play kitchen, books and other entertainment options to draw the kids attention to peaceful activities. Even the children’s bathrooms are decorated for the appropriate ages.
The room has been open to kids just a few months old, up to 18 years, said Samantha Tuzo, HCCPB vice chair.
Prior to opening the Remme Rainbow Room, kids had to go to a small and formal room at the Child Protective Services (CPS) building, Tuzo explained. This new room helped the kids and the caseworkers, as everything became centralized in one place.
Caseworkers can wash children’s dirty clothes, pick up hygiene and feminine care products, clothes for all ages, shoes, formula, baby bottles, bassinets, donated backpacks containing pajamas, comfort toys, blankets and more.
Beside providing a transitory space between an unsafe environment and a new home, the room serves as a place for kids to stay as investigations occur, Tuzo said.
Plans for the room began in 2017 and it came together from a collective of governmental and private donations. Hays County contributed $100,000, the Remme family provided funding for the room, architectural services, furnishing and ongoing financial support. The Jerry and Anna Farr family donated to stock storeroom shelves and decorate the playroom.
Hays County Master Gardeners Association contributed landscaping expertise. Marilyn Davis and Marilyn Love led a team to design a colorful plan that uses hardy perennials for the beds in front of the building. Laura Gass and Karen Malinowski, with the team of volunteers, installed the stone, soil, plants and mulch. Brightly painted benches and planters were added to a patio area thanks to Dale Davis and Ric Love. County staff renovated the county building. County counsel staff provided legal expertise to questions presented.
While this collective effort has funded the creation of the Remme Rainbow Room, the organization will continue to rely on the support of the community to sustain donated items such as clothes, formula and hygiene products.
To find options to donate, visit www.hccpbtx.org.
