Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why should I contribute toReece's Rainbow?

            There is no more profound a way to help an orphaned child than to increase his/her chances of being chosen for adoption.  Adoption expenses prohibit many families from reaching out in this way.  Whether they are childless and hoping to have a family, or if they just feel called to reach out to a child with special needs, ANSWERING GOD'S CALL IS RARELY FREE!   Even a contribution of just $20 gets added to the available funds, and can truly be the difference between a child coming home or being left behind.

 

How can I help if I am not able to donate at this time?

    Spread the word!!  Share our web address and mission with as many people as you know.  Word of "e-mail" is so powerful!!!  We are able to accept donations from countries all over the world through Paypal.  Make presentations to your church group and have a fundraising event.  Every individual and group will be properly credited for their compassion and mercy!   How To Help

 

Are there any faith-based restrictions to sponsor or adopt through Reece's Rainbow?

        NO.   Donations are made on behalf of the child, and you are not required to be a Christian to sponsor, adopt, or be eligible for grant funds through Reece's Rainbow.   Any family who is approved through their home study and who meets the particular country's requirements to adopt is eligible to receive whatever grant funds a child may have available.  Legally, we are classified by the IRS as a public charity. 

 

Is my donation tax deductible?   

         YES.    Our Tax ID # is 20-5466141.  We are 501(c)3 registered.  Every donor will receive a receipt from Reece's Rainbowat the end of every calendar year for tax reporting and deductions.  This goes for donations to Waiting Children Grant Funds, Family Sponsorships, and anything else you give.  We even accept gift donations in honor of loved ones.

Will I get a receipt?

YES.   Donations made online through Paypal will recv an e-mail copy of your receipt.   You should also print out a copy of your donation transaction and keep for your own records.   Donations recvd via check or money order will be sent a hard copy for the FIRST donation, but not again until year end.  All sponsors will recv a year-end statement of donations for tax purposes in February of each year.   

 

How many children with Down syndrome have been adopted through Reece's Rainbow since the beginning of the ministry (June 2006)?

            As of May 12, 2008, (34)  children have been brought out of orphanages from around the world (the adoption process takes 6-12 months generally).   At this time, we are expecting (48) more adoptions to be completed by the end of 2008.     We believe this success rate to be unprecedented.  We are so grateful to God for His hand in this ministry, and His blessings upon each of our children, adoptive families, and generous donors.

 

How much money have you disbursed as adoption grants?

            As of June 5, 2009, we have disbursed more than $200,000to our families, in the form of waiting child grant funds and family sponsorship earnings.   Grants are disbursed when families are given a travel/court date for their adoptions by the foreign governments.  We keep detailed records of every penny donated to the ministry, exactly what it is donated for, and when the grants are disbursed.    Reece's Rainbow is a completely non profit and volunteer ministry.  There is no salary given of any kind, and only donations to our Raising Awareness fund help to pay for operational expenses such as web hosting, advertising, postage, and office supplies. 

 

Why are there so many restrictions and obstacles to adopting?

Any family requirements/restrictions (such as allowing single parents, not permitting same sex couples, limiting parent age, limiting family size, travel requirements, etc) are designated by each individual country , and do not reflect any stated policy of Reece's Rainbow.  Reece's Rainbow is not involved in the approval or rejection of any potential adoptive family.   All donations are legally made on behalf of the child, and there are no faith based or other restrictions to be eligible to adopt through or recieve grant funding from Reece's Rainbow.

 

What other activities is Reece's Rainbow involved in?

        Reece's Rainbow is also an international orphan advocacy group.  We raise awareness for the plight of children with Down syndrome overseas through our adoption grants and offering exposure to waiting children to find a forever family.  We work with orphanages and foreign governments to plant the seed of truth about these children, and to offer them guidance in early intervention techniques.  We support humanitarian aid groups to help improve the quality of living conditions in foreign orphanages.  We also work to develop new birth parent Down syndrome support groups in foreign countries....currently in Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Austria.

 

How much of my donation goes to pay a salary for officers?

    ZERO.   Reece's Rainbow is truly a non profit organization.   Your donation is placed with whatever child, family, or other fund you designate.  Only funds donated to the Voice of Hope Fund go to help cover our operational expenses, which includes Executive Duties and Leadership, Paypal fees, postage, and advertising costs.  Effective July 15, 2009, donations made to waiting children will be shared 90% with the child and 10% with our Voice of Hope fund, so we may continue to serve all of the waiting children!   Donations made to adopting families are still given at 100%.

 

Is Reece's Rainbow a licensed adoption agency?

        No, we are not an agency at all.  We are a ministry, a connecting point for families and waiting children only.  We do not facilitate or process adoptions in any way.   When you choose one of our children, you will work directly with the licensed agency who referred them to us.  They will assist you with all of your documentation requirements to complete the adoption.   However, you are strongly encouraged to join our Yahoo groupand remain in contact with all of our other adopting families for the duration of your adoption and beyond.   This group is a wonderful resource for fellowship, guidance, and sisterhood.    Men and women are both welcome to join, but our group is primarily mothers, and membership is reserved for those seriously considering adoption of a child with Down syndrome, in the process of adopting, and those who have adopted children with Down syndrome previously.

 

Can Reece's Rainbow help us with a home study?

        No, we do not handle any formal approval of potential adoptive families.  International adoption is a very stringent and lengthy legal process, one which all adoptive families must go through to be approved by our own USCIS (Immigration and Customs) and that of the foreign government's adoption authorities.    Home studies can only be provided by fully licensed, professional social workers and agencies.  Reece's Rainbow is not involved in the approval process for any of our waiting children at any level.  It is tragic, but sometimes things just do not work out once a child is home with their new family.   Reece's Rainbow can not be held liable or responsible for these situations in any way.

 

Does Reece's Rainbow offer any counseling services?

    No, Reece's Rainbow does not provide any professional counseling services.   We are always happy to share our experiences as the birth parent of a child with Down syndrome, and the beauty these children bring to life, but there are no fees for our moral support and encouragement.     When contacted about a prenatal diagnosis or a new birth, it is always our recommendation that you KEEP your child!  But if in your own decision making process you feel you must place your child for domestic adoption, we can put you in touch with others who can assist you with that.  We are not involved in domestic adoption in any way.

 

Does Reece's Rainbow do any domestic adoptions or placements?

NO.   We are not a licensed agency and are not involved in domestic adoptions whatsoever.   Our ministry is strictly for the INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION of orphaned children overseas, and raising grant funds to help families afford the cost of rescuing them from life in a mental institution.    However, families needing to place their child for adoption, or families seeking to adopt a child with Down syndrome domestically can contact Robin Steele, who coordinates all of these placements in the US.

 

What happens if something goes wrong?

    International adoption is a moving target, at best.  Some programs are more stable than others.  The referral process differs in each country.  Reece's Rainbow provides as much information as possible prior to making a commitment, but we are a 3rd party and are giving information to you which is given to us.   There are no guarantees in international adoption, just as there are no guarantees in domestic adoption.  Reece's Rainbow serves our families and our children IN ALL GOOD FAITH.   We are honest and ethical in every way, and have no intention of misleading anyone in any way.  Our only goal is to find families for these children, so providing information which we know to be false makes no sense.  That said, we can not be held liable for unforeseen circumstances that are completely beyond our control.    This applies to situations occurring both before and after the adoption is final.  We will work with you and your agency to devise the best outcome for your family, but we and the agencies many times are at the mercy of the foreign governments.  We have no say in their processes or decisions.

 

How can I contact you with additional questions?

        I am available roughly 14 hours a day, 7 days a week via e-mail.  My name is Andrea Roberts and I am the Founder and Executive Director of Reece's Rainbow.  Anyone is welcome to write me at bamaroberts@comcast.net    You will hear from me usually within hours, if not minutes, of your message.