1st Quarter 2008

Musical Merriment Fills the Hall for 18th CELEBRATION Concert

Soprano Nancy Gustafson and Benefit Chair
Keith Harris Three fabulous female vocalists. Four amazing male soloists new to the CELEBRATION stage. What did they have in store for the packed house of music-lovers and Rainbow supporters? The first notes came suddenly from the rafters and aisles. The song was “Tonight.” And it set the stage for a toe-tapping, humdinger of a show that will long be remembered. If you missed this spectacular event, please plan to be there in 2008!

Shining stars: Vale Rideout, Jonathan Beyer, Kristin Okerlund, Nancy Gustafson, Sylvia McNair, Denyce Graves, Matthew Worth, Paul LaRosa

Music That Makes Us Smile

West Side Story, Showboat, Camelot, South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun. It doesn’t get any better than this, and CELEBRATION had it all.

But what of those who came to CELEBRATION 2007 to hear opera stars singing classical music? They too were thrilled. Filling the air were favorite arias and duets from Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Cosi fan tutte, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Pagliacci.

Then came the grand finale: a moving Holiday medley. And a standing ovation for all.

Pre-concert anticipation throughout the house

Photos by Judy Brown and Beth Elder

Applause for Nationally Respected Real Estate Executives Who Have Joined Rainbow’s Cause

Becky Finnigan, Mary Ann King, Keith Harris

Rainbow board member Mary Ann King has used her multifamily real estate expertise to further Rainbow developments for nearly two decades. Now she has assembled a world of additional intellectual capital in real estate, as well as generous financial support. Our thanks to benefit chair Keith Harris and Bennett Neuman of Laramar Group; John Powell of Red Capital; Matt Nix of Opus; Nick Anaclerio of Ungaretti & Harris; David Neithercut of Equity Residential; and Tom Moran and Tony Rossi of Moran & Company/RMK Management.

During a tour last June of The Gustafson Apartments in Waukegan, Keith, John and Matt saw for themselves just how well Rainbow’s housing concept meets a very critical need. All have joined Mary Ann in boosting Rainbow’s quest to serve the housing, job training, and employment needs of men and woman with physical disabilities.

In particular, we acknowledge a generous gift from Opus that will allow us to enhance the training and services provided by Arboretum Business Center, where many residents of Hill Arboretum in Evanston learn and work each day.

Mary Sullivan, John Warlikowski, Linda Simos

Nick Anaclerio, Keith Harris, Mary Ann King, Bennett Neuman,

Tony and Mary Ann Pasquinelli, Marie and Tony Rossi, Kathryn and

The Beat Goes On

Year after year, young and old, people who are physically able, and those who are physically challenged come to the concert hall with hope and dreams. We salute the many friends who make our annual CELEBRATION benefit so successful. Pictured here are just a few. Thank you for joining us.

Pete Fawcett, Chris O’Donnell, Jack Neal

George Elder, Susan Layton, Brad Busscher

Keith Harris with parents Joel and Judy Harris

John Twombly, John Schoser, Christine Akins

Stephanie Stockstill, Tara Maazel, Nancy Gustafson, Lauren Agosta, Marie Abele

Nancy and George Bodeen, Bev Shaw, Gordon Segal, Sylvia McNair, Ellard Pfaelzer

Photos by Judy Brown and Beth Elder

Rainbow Board Restructured

Rainbow has restructured its Board, creating separate Association, Emeritus, and Advisory Boards. We have also established five Affiliate Boards to guide our properties, along with four Committees to focus on critical needs and activities. The restructuring builds a more powerful fundraising capability and enables us to meet our primary mission: developing and operating barrier-free apartment buildings and creating job opportunities for low-income adults with physical challenges. We salute the generous service of our Emeritus and Advisory Board Members (see dates following their names). These individuals remain an inspiration to all of us.

Kirwan Named Board Chairman

Since joining the Board nearly nine years ago, Leo Kirwan has been a compelling voice. Simultaneously, he has served on our staff—from Benefit Operations Manager to Property Manager, HUD Coordinator, and Director of Operations—and also served on the Evanston Human Relations Commission. Now Leo becomes Chairman of Rainbow’s Board of Directors. Commenting on his new role, Leo said, “I believe the Board wanted someone who could fully represent our mission from the perspective of a person with disabilities. I have the will and the heart to help Rainbow move forward in a changing, challenging climate that will necessitate increased, year-round support from the private sector.”

Under Leo’s guidance and with the added strength of several outstanding new members, the overall Association Board will focus on fundraising, strategic planning, and new developments in more Illinois communities.

Over The Rainbow Association Board
Leo Kirwan Chairman Ed Wittenstein Treasurer	Dick Busscher Secretary	Matt Howard Executive Committee	Eric Huffman ex officio	Ed Bjorncrantz Immediate Past Chairman Brad Busscher, John Cammelot, George Elder, Scott Harding, Keith Harris, Dan Laughlin, Ian McPheron, Michael Sullivan, Tom Wiegand
Emeritus Board Don Gustafson, Chairman Emeritus (1985) Bob Fallon (1987) Susan Gustafson (1983) Sandy Herbst (1990) Irene Landau, PhD (1974) Lita Passen (1974) Marv Stern (1988)	Advisory Board David Chen, MD (2003) Diane Cisek (2002) Mark Gruen (1999) Nancy Gustafson (1990) Judith Bultman Meyer (1999) John Robinson (2003) Peg Thomson (1985)	Belden Apartments Board Joe Dunn Eric Huffman, President Irene Landau, PhD Lita Passen, Secretary	Hill Arboretum Board John Cammelot Joe Dunn Sandy Herbst Eric Huffman, President Irene Landau, PhD Lita Passen, Secretary	Gustafson Apartments Board Dick Busscher, Secretary Sandy Herbst Eric Huffman, President Leo Kirwan, VP/Treasurer
Matteson Supportive Housing Board Eric Huffman, President Leo Kirwan, Secretary Ed Wittenstein, VP/Treasurer		Rockford Supportive Housing Board Diane Cisek Eric Huffman, President Leo Kirwan, Secretary Ian McPheron, VP/Treasurer
Resident Relations Committee John Cammelot Joe Dunn Sandy Herbst Leo Kirwan Irene Landau, PhD Lita Passen	Property Committee Dick Busscher Diane Cisek Mary Ann King Mike Sullivan	Finance & Audit Committee Ed Bjorncrantz Ian McPheron Ed Wittenstein	Development Committee George Elder Scott Harding Keith Harris Matt Howard Mary Ann King Leo Kirwan Dan Laughlin

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

You can help Rainbow develop innovative, independent living options. Please consider the following opportunities to help us maintain and enhance existing facilities and programs and build even more advanced new facilities.

$145,000: Capital Improvements
The Belden and Hill Arboretum Apartments are 18 to 26 years old, with small replacement reserves. We must repair and replace carpeting, appliances and cabinetry, upgrade heating systems, renovate bathrooms, and refurbish lobbies.

$125,000: Arboretum Business Center Funding needs for Rainbow’s new developments have forced us to scale back operations for the business center attached to Hill Arboretum. We are beginning to reinvigorate this beneficial program so that residents can experience the self-esteem and income that come from productive employment.

$90,000: New Building Development
Program Our ongoing effort to increase the supply of barrier-free housing for adults with physical disabilities requires people and funding. Although the salaries of our Executive Director and Director of Development, who are charged with “growing the platform” and building more apartments, are funded in part by restricted grants and management fees, we need your help to pay Rainbow’s portion of these salaries. $50,000: Name the Community Room or a Garden at Rainbow’s new properties in Matteson and Rockford.

$40,000: Enhanced Hill
Arboretum Meal Package Because this building serves residents with the most severe physical disabilities, many find meal preparation difficult. Rainbow subsidizes five meals a week at a minimal cost to each resident. We would like to expand the program to include one hot breakfast and one weekend dinner each week.

$25,000: Name an Apartment at our Matteson or Rockford apartment community.

Capital Improvements
Upgrade heating at Hill Arboretum (sponsored) Replace worn carpeting Replace broken appliances Repair/replace broken cabinetry Convert tubs to wheel-in showers Purchase furniture for lobby Install emergency alert system Install 20 automatic door openers Purchase 30 electronic keys Total Capital Giving Opportunities	$60,000 22,000 23,500 20,000 10,000 2,000 7,500 40,000 3,000 $188,000
Arboretum Business Center
Hire marketing manager (sponsored) Hire business center supervisor Purchase mailing machine Upgrade computer hardware Purchase assistive devices Purchase medical billing software Total Business Center Expenditures	$60,000 25,000 6,000 6,000 8,000 20,000 $125,000
General Operating/Administrative Needs
Staffing and development support Total General Needs	$90,000 $90,000
Meal Plan Enhancements
Weekly hot breakfast Weekend dinner Total Meal Plan Enhancements	$15,000 25,000 $40,000

Good News From Rainbow Properties

Rockford Supportive Housing

We broke ground on a warm day in December for this 20- unit apartment building in Rockford, Illinois. We expect to “top-out” the building in June, with completion in November 2008. We are considering incorporating a room in which computer training can be offered. Prospective tenants should please call 847-328-6633 for an application. Building and room naming rights are available. For information, call Melissa Jones at 847-328-1607.

Hill Arboretum Apartments, Evanston, IL

The latest news from Rainbow’s 33-unit flagship, completed in 1990, is all good. For example, in the attached Arboretum Business Center, residents work throughout each week on bulk mail and other projects for local businesses, churches and associations.

Belden Apartments, Chicago, IL

Rainbow’s first apartment building, which opened in 1982, remains fully occupied, with a waiting list. Located in one of downtown Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods, Belden Apartments is home to residents with varying degrees of physical challenges. Many work outside their homes.

Matteson Supportive Housing

The doors to this 25-unit building will open this summer. Local leaders and neighbors are thrilled about the addition of this property to their community. For an application, contact Dorothy Archer at 847-328- 6633. To learn about building and room naming rights, call Melissa Jones at 847-328-1607.

The Gustafson Apartments, Waukegan, IL

The beautiful Gustafson Apartments opened last May to rave reviews by new residents, community officials and Rainbow supporters. The building is now fully occupied with 31 tenants.

Next Up...

Harvard Supportive Housing

(16 units in Harvard, IL). Rainbow serves as sponsor and co-developer. Freeport Elder Care (23 units in Freeport, IL). Rainbow serves as consultant on this project. Rainbow is awaiting HUD’s 2008 announcement of available funding for future projects.

STAFF NEWS

Dorothy Archer, Director of Properties and Business Services

Now that Rainbow has hired John Sykes as Controller, Dorothy Archer will be able to dedicate more time to our growing property management portfolio, the services and operations of Arboretum Business Center, and, potentially, additional job resource facilities.

John Sykes, Controller

John Sykes, Rainbow’s new Controller, has supervised finance and accounting for prominent banks. He was a Regional Finance Manager overseeing those functions for 19 Harris community banks, a Corporate Services Officer for Harris Bank Libertyville, and Assistant Vice President/Comptroller for Lake Forest Bank & Trust Co. He is experienced in preparing budgets, generating financials, maintaining financial records, reporting, and performing payroll and loan administration functions.

Melissa Jones, Director of Development (Fundraising)

An experienced fundraiser, event planner, and volunteer coordinator, Melissa Jones has joined Rainbow to expand and oversee fundraising and marketing. She has frontline experience as liaison to donors and boards and in utilizing cutting-edge software to manage data and communicate with supporters. Melissa previously was the Assistant Director of Development-Alumni Relations with Chicago’s Francis W. Parker School and earlier was an Assistant, Resource Development with Lakefront Supportive Housing.

Rainbow Residents: In Their Own Words

	Claudia Alvarez	Tony Graves
How long have you lived in a Rainbow apartment?	Since August	15 years
Which building do you live in?	Gustafson Apartments	Hill Arboretum
Where were you living before?	A nursing home	Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education, preparing to live on my own
How did you hear about Rainbow?	From friends at Hill Arboretum and Belden	From an ICRE board member and Lisa Davis, a Rainbow tenant
How long did it take you to get in after you applied?	Four years	I was lucky. It took less than a year, as the building was brand new.
What do you like best about your home?	Coming and going as I please	The freedom to do what I want, when I want
How has your apartment changed your life?	At the nursing home, I didn’t even want to get out of bed. Now I look forward to every day.	Not being dependent on other people
What do you like to do in your leisure time?	Go to the movies, but it’s so expensive that I can’t go very often	Listen to music and hang out with family and friends
Do friends or family visit your apartment?	My sister from Mundelein	Sometimes family from Chicago and Maywood
Who are your heroes?	My parents and five siblings, who never turn their backs on me	I’ll have to think more about that!
What is your biggest accomplishment?	Graduating college in 1995	Living on my own and having choices
What is your biggest goal?	To get back to work	To get my family back together and have my daughter back in my life
What would you like to say to the people who make Rainbow housing possible?	Thank you. Please help to spread the word that there is a great need for more housing like this.	Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live independently.