Feb 26, 2026 | News
The Erica Anderson Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Erica Anderson, who was lost to domestic violence in Marinette County in October 2024. Established by her family, this scholarship reflects their courage and their commitment to turning grief into purpose — and into lasting change.
The scholarship offers $1,000 to a high school senior who creates the best 1.5″ – 2″ sticker promoting domestic violence awareness. By reaching young people through creative expression, the scholarship both supports education and sparks vital community conversations about an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
Feb 5, 2026 | News
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Empowering Young People to Build Healthy Relationships
Every February, communities across the nation come together to raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote healthy relationship behaviors among young people. At Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services, we believe that prevention starts with education, and that every young person deserves to experience relationships built on respect, equality, and safety.
The Reality of Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize. Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner before they become adults. For LGBTQ+ youth, the rates are even higher. This form of abuse can have serious long-term effects on a young person’s physical and mental health, academic performance, and future relationships.
Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence
It’s important for parents, educators, and teens themselves to recognize the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship:
| Extreme jealousy or possessiveness – Constantly checking up on their partner or accusing them of cheating |
| Isolation – Trying to keep their partner away from friends and family |
| Explosive temper – Frequent anger, mood swings, or threatening behavior |
| Control – Dictating what their partner wears, who they see, or how they spend their time |
| Digital abuse – Demanding passwords, excessive texting, or using social media to monitor or harass |
| Pressure – Forcing their partner into unwanted sexual activity or other behaviors |
What Makes a Healthy Relationship?
Healthy teen relationships are characterized by mutual respect, trust, honesty, equality, and open communication. In a healthy relationship, both partners support each other’s independence, respect boundaries, resolve conflicts peacefully, and never use violence or threats to get their way. Young people should feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves.
How Rainbow House Can Help
Rainbow House is committed to supporting teens and their families across Marinette, Oconto, and Florence Counties in Wisconsin, and Menominee Michigan. Our services include:
24/7 Crisis Support: Teens can call or text our crisis line anytime for confidential support and safety planning.
Youth Advocacy: Our trained advocates provide free, confidential support to teens experiencing dating violence, including safety planning, support groups, and connections to community resources.
Community Education: We offer prevention education programs in schools and community settings to help young people recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Parent and Educator Resources: We provide guidance to adults on how to talk with teens about healthy relationships and how to support a young person who may be experiencing abuse.
Take Action This February
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to take action. Talk with the young people in your life about what healthy relationships look like. Listen without judgment if a teen confides in you about relationship concerns. Learn the warning signs and trust your instincts. And remember that help is always available.
Together, we can create a culture where all young people are empowered to build relationships based on respect and equality, and where teen dating violence is no longer tolerated in our communities.
| Need Help or Information?
Rainbow House is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Crisis Line: 1-715-735-6656
All services are free and confidential.
Serving Marinette, Oconto, and Florence Counties in Wisconsin
and Menominee Michigan |
Jan 26, 2026 | News
We are deeply grateful to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Stephenson, MI and Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Wallace, MI for their incredible generosity through their Giving Tree program. Under the leadership of Pastor Brenda Greenwald, these two sister congregations worked together to collect essential items for the families we serve through their Christmas Giving Tree program.
When our team member Irene and her volunteer husband Curt arrived to pick up the donations, they were overwhelmed by what awaited them. The gifts literally filled our van from floor to ceiling! The thoughtful collection included toys and puzzles for children, household essentials like vacuum cleaners and toasters, personal care items including body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant, cleaning supplies from laundry detergent to all-purpose cleaners, household necessities like towels, shower curtains, paper products, and first aid supplies, and backpacks for children starting fresh.
Every item represents more than just a material gift—it represents dignity, hope, and a fresh start for survivors rebuilding their lives. These donations will directly support families as they transition from crisis to safety and stability.
Thank you to Pastor Brenda Greenwald and the entire congregations of St. Stephen’s and Gethsemane Lutheran Churches for embodying the spirit of “God’s Work. YOUR hands.” Your compassion makes a profound difference in our community.
Dec 23, 2025 | News
Rainbow House Exceeds Giving Tuesday Goal with Community Support
Rainbow House is incredibly grateful to our community for their overwhelming support during this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign with CoVantage Credit Union’s CoVantage Cares Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout our region, we exceeded our fundraising goal of $12,000, raising an amazing $26,003.61!
This incredible outpouring of support will directly benefit survivors of domestic violence and their children across Menominee, Marinette, Oconto, and Florence Counties during the holiday season and beyond. These funds will help provide safe shelter, crisis intervention, advocacy services, and support programs for families escaping violence.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Julie McCain and the entire CoVantage team for selecting Rainbow House as their Giving Tuesday partner and for amplifying our mission throughout the community. We are also deeply grateful to every individual, business, and organization that contributed to this campaign. Your compassion and commitment to supporting survivors demonstrates the strength and caring of our community.
For families facing domestic violence, knowing that their neighbors stand ready to help makes all the difference. Thank you for being that hope and support when it matters most.
If you or someone you know needs help, Rainbow House’s 24-hour crisis line is available at 715-735-6656. All services are free and confidential.
Dec 23, 2025 | News
For a number of years now, a local couple has done something extraordinary! Theresa and Scott Saylor put together and deliver Blessing Bags filled with hygiene, kitchen, and laundry supplies. This year’s holiday delivery included 66 baskets for survivors and their children. Thank you for your kindness this holiday season!
