Eastaboga, AL – In a significant recognition of its commitment to quality and delivery, Rainbow Omega, a non-profit organization in Calhoun County dedicated to serving adults with developmental disabilities, was recently honored with a prestigious national award from Honda. The award celebrates Rainbow Omega’s outstanding performance in assembling owner’s manual kits for vehicles manufactured by Honda in Alabama. The recognition marks the third time Rainbow Omega has received this honor, with previous awards in 2016 and 2022.
The award ceremony, held at Rainbow Omega’s work center, was attended by several notable guests, underscoring the importance of this achievement. Among the attendees were Lincoln Mayor Lew Watson, who expressed his appreciation for the work being done at Rainbow Omega. The event also saw representation from U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt’s offices. Melissa Battles attended on behalf of Senator Britt, while Cindy Pate represented Senator Tuberville. Additional attendees included Rodney Williams, Legislative Director for the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Alabama, and Nathaniel Ledbetter from Rainsville. Both were recognized for their support and longstanding connection with Rainbow Omega. Also present, were Senators Lance Bell and Keith Kelley.
Jeff Helms, Vice Chairman of Rainbow Omega’s Board of Directors, was present to receive the award on behalf of the organization. Helms, who has served on the board for many years, expressed his deep connection to Rainbow Omega, particularly because of his personal experience as a father of a special needs daughter. “I want to make sure that there’s a place like Rainbow Omega here if [my daughter] ever needs it, because y’all are all great folks. You’re special people, and this is a great community to be part of,” Helms remarked during his speech.
Honda’s Michelle McGarrity, who has been involved with Rainbow Omega since the inception of their partnership, presented the award. “It’s hard to believe that it has been 18 years since we began this journey with Rainbow Omega,” McGarrity said. “Since then, Rainbow Omega has shipped over 6 million owner manual kits to the Honda plant in Alabama. Every Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Passport on the road today has an owner’s manual kit made right here by you guys. This is truly a global impact.”
Honda has recognized suppliers for excellence in quality, delivery, and sustainability for 36 years. This year, less than 5% of mass production suppliers and less than 2% of service suppliers achieved this recognition. Rainbow Omega’s award for excellence in quality and delivery places them among an elite group of suppliers who have consistently delivered high standards of work.
Rainbow Omega’s CEO, Tim Hodge, spoke to the Calhoun Journal and who expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the resident workers. “We are very proud of the resident workers at Rainbow Omega being recognized again by Honda with this national award! Almost every resident touches what Rainbow Omega produces for Honda in some way, so this is truly an award shared by everyone. Gail Tillman, Scotty Poe, and the entire group of vocational trainers are incredible. This award is proof that a sheltered workplace setting is a successful solution to employment opportunities for the individuals served by agencies like ours.”
Senator Keith Kelley also offered a heartfelt while speaking with the Calhoun Journal after the ceremony. “Well, I really say something kind of from the heart, because this is something that’s important to me. When I was in high school, I worked with people who had some special needs and other students there whenever I had time between classes and that sort of thing. So I’ve had a passion for those types of things ever since. And for Rainbow Omega to have the quality of program coaching as many lives as they have is tremendous. On top of all that, to develop their skill sets into three awards from Honda, a National Excellence Award from a global corporation like that, speaks to the value of what can be accomplished. I think too many times we limit ourselves by what we think in our own mind. And so I believe when you open your mind up, anything’s possible. And these folks did a tremendous job. Especially to have been recognized on a national level. I mean, how cool is that?”
Rainbow Omega’s work center serves as a vital part of the organization’s mission, offering meaningful employment opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities. The center currently accommodates about 88 residents, who engage in various tasks such as assembling owner’s manual kits, preparing firewood, and working on other projects. These activities provide the residents with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and the opportunity to earn a paycheck.
In addition to the work center, Rainbow Omega operates a garden center where residents grow and sell a variety of plants, including mums, poinsettias, and spring garden plants. The garden center is a popular destination for local community members and supports the organization’s sustainability efforts.
The award from Honda underscores the success of Rainbow Omega’s model in providing a supportive environment where individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive. The organization’s ongoing partnership with Honda is a testament to the high-quality work produced by the residents and the dedicated staff who support them.
As Rainbow Omega continues to expand its services and impact, the recognition from Honda serves as a reminder of the importance of community, collaboration, and the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Video by Shasta Jones:
