SFA’s Jacks Council on Family Relations donates items to Rainbow Room for Child Protective Services

The table was decorated in a baby shower theme with a blue tablecloth and a pastel “Baby” sign draped over the edge. But the bottles, diapers, lotions and other items on display were being gifted to multiple families across the state.

Recently, members of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Jacks Council on Family Relations collected items to donate to the Rainbow Room, which is a 24/7 resource center located within Child Protective Services offices. Items in the Rainbow Room are available for CPS caseworkers to use for children whose lives are in crisis.

“Many of us often take for granted the fact that we grew up in a home where we felt loved, secure and were taken care of,” said Dr. Jennifer Newquist, JCFR advisor and assistant professor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences. “Donating these items was our way of giving back to the community and hopefully impacting a family for the better. It makes me feel good to provide students the opportunity to give families what they need to stay together.”

Donations to the Rainbow Room help CPS caseworkers provide for children who come into their care. Items in the Rainbow Room also are given to families in need so the children can stay in their own homes.

JCFR members presented dozens of items to Ragan Haygood, community engagement specialist for CPS Region 5, who came to SFA’s campus recently to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and CPS services. At a recent JCFR meeting, Haygood delivered a presentation on CPS, its services, how to recognize abuse and neglect, CPS’ rights, adoption and more.

“Listening to Ragan was a learning experience because she discussed actual field experience that brought what we talk about in class to life,” said Kelsey Ticer, JCFR president and counseling graduate student from Wolfe City. “We were so thankful Ragan shared her work experience with us, and we hope our contributions to the Rainbow Room will one day make a positive impact on a child’s life.”

JCFR is an SFA student-led organization that works to build networks and help families within the community by learning from each other and professionals within related fields. Currently, there are more than a dozen members.