While the sound of saws and hammers filled the air at their Downtown Duluth
campus, the leadership team at Rainbow Village was busy planning a show of gratitude for some of its most fervent supporters. With just a matter of months to go on its Building Homes, Building Hope Capital Campaign – expanding their current transitional housing capacity from 30 to 66 families for up to two years – the nonprofit dedicated to bringing Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to families experiencing homelessness hosted a very special awards ceremony. The First Annual Volunteer Appreciation Awards was held on April 24, recognizing everyone from individuals and youth-founded nonprofits to local and national companies, at the end of the nationally celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week.

“Rainbow Village is made stronger every single day because of our volunteers who choose to give their time, their energy, and their heart to our families,” said Melanie Conner, the 501(c)(3) organization’s CEO. “Whether they served a meal, led an activity, packed donations, mentored a family, volunteered at an event, or simply showed up wherever there was a need, their presence made a difference. Volunteering is more than checking a box or completing a task. It is creating moments of relief for a parent, joy for a child, encouragement for a struggling family, and connection for a community working toward stability.

The kindness and consistency that our volunteers bring to each task remind our families that they are seen, supported, and not walking this journey alone.”

The recipients of the 2026 Rainbow Village Volunteer Appreciation Awards included:

Partner with a Purpose – Perimeter Church – for its dedication to walking alongside the families Rainbow Village serves through every season. Perimeter Church has been a longtime partner of Rainbow Village, consistently showing up through volunteer service, including their youth-led Rush conference, outreach initiatives, and ongoing support that reflects its deep belief in the mission and families served.

Behind-the-Scenes Hero Award – Subaru of Gwinnett – for its generosity and willingness to step in wherever needed. Subaru of Gwinnett has named Rainbow Village its Hometown Charity through the annual Share the Love Event for over 10 years, hosts Operation Warm each winter to provide children with new coats and continually supports the organization in meaningful ways both seen and unseen.

Outstanding Leadership Award – Happy to Help, Inc. – with its young founder, Maxine Acosta, at the helm, this organization leads by example. Over the last year, Happy to Help Inc. has created meaningful opportunities to serve, inspired others in their community to get involved, and demonstrated consistent leadership rooted in purpose and community impact. Acosta was also the recipient of Rainbow Village’s 2025 Joel P. Hudson Humanitarian Award.

Volunteer Group of the Year – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter – for bringing both energy and intentionality to every service event. Over the last year, members of the sorority have consistently shown up, ready to serve our youth, strengthen Rainbow Village programs such as the Women’s Giving Circle, and make a lasting impact on families through their teamwork, enthusiasm, and commitment.

Rising Star Volunteer Group Award – Sri Sathya Sai Center of Northeast Atlanta – for quickly making a strong and meaningful impact within the Rainbow Village community by consistently providing volunteers and meals during the organization’s evening programs. Though newer to Rainbow Village, the group has already stood out through its enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to jump in wherever help is needed.

Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year – Sandy Barber – for faithfully supporting Rainbow Village for more than 12 years. Barber is often one of the friendly faces at event sign-in tables and has continually strengthened Rainbow Village’s connection to the community through her advocacy, volunteerism, generosity, and unwavering support of the mission.

Family Engagement Volunteer of the Year – Carol Berlin – for her part in creating a strong sense of connection and belonging within the Rainbow Village youth community. Berlin regularly steps in wherever help is needed, offering encouragement, building relationships with families, supporting community activities and events,  and creating meaningful connections with the children and families she serves.

While Summer 2026 volunteer opportunities are limited, Conner shared that following the expansion, Rainbow Village will require more volunteers than ever before as the organization more than doubles the number of families it currently houses. Future volunteer opportunities span the gap from preparing apartments for incoming families and supplying dinner on Family Meeting Nights to working the reception desk at fundraising events and stuffing snack bags for the Rainbow Village Academy program – just to name a few. Anyone interested in volunteering with Rainbow Village is encouraged to complete the online volunteer interest form and plan to attend the Volunteer Interest Meeting in August. For those who wish to help but are unable to devote the time, Rainbow Village gratefully accepts donations and contributions to its Building Homes, Building Hope Capital Campaign. For more information about Rainbow Village and its mission, please visit
www.RainbowVillage.org.