At Rainbow Homestead Initiative, every connection we make helps shape our path forward. This February, we had the privilege of engaging in a deeply meaningful conversation that reminded us of the power of grassroots wisdom and community care.
We met with Catherine Martinez of Child & Family Services of Saginaw, whose insight and generosity offered invaluable guidance as we continue building the foundation of our nonprofit.
Catherine introduced us to three remarkable organizations—The Well of Saginaw, Mustard Seed, and others—each of which operates without federal funding. These groups stand as powerful examples of resilience, creativity, and community-driven support.
“These organizations are proof that care doesn’t have to come from the top down—it can grow from the ground up.”
Our conversation with Catherine emphasized the importance of:
Collaboration over competition
Sustainable, community-led models
Listening to those who’ve walked the path before us
We’re eager to begin conversations with these organizations, learn from their models, and explore ways to work together in service of our shared values.
This meeting reminded us that we’re not alone in this work—and that building something meaningful takes time, trust, and relationships. We’re deeply grateful to Catherine for her time, encouragement, and belief in our mission.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sharing our journey with you—because every connection we make contributes to the greater vision of Rainbow Homestead.