Business Details
31 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Residential & Community Care for Developmental Disabilities
Rainbow Guardian has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of developmentally challenged individuals since its founding in 1995. Established by Teresa Caprio to support her intellectually challenged daughter, the organization provides residential care and rehabilitation services in a nurturing environment. Our mission focuses on fostering independence while offering essential resources to families navigating the challenges of developmental disabilities. With a team of experienced professionals, we deliver 24/7 personalized care through services including in-home support, respite care, and supported employment. Our Southwest Ranches facility houses up to eight young women with developmental disabilities, providing structured guidance to help them achieve personal goals. We combine decades of direct care expertise with advocacy to improve community understanding of special needs populations.Our commitment to dignity and respect extends to rigorous staff training, ensuring all team members pass thorough background checks and receive specialized instruction. Through educational outreach and community engagement, we work to dismantle misconceptions surrounding developmental disabilities while maintaining transparency in all our operations. The organization's longevity and founder's lived experience establish our authority in this specialized field, while our financial accountability through Medicaid programs and private donations underscores our trustworthiness. By maintaining strong partnerships with Florida's disability service networks, we continue expanding access to quality care for those who need it most.
Services
Residential Habilitation
In-Home Support
Personal Care Assistant
Respite Care
Supported Employment
Companion Services
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We provide 24/7 personalized care for individuals with developmental disabilities since 1995
- All staff complete rigorous background checks and specialized care training programs
- Our Southwest Ranches facility offers structured residential support for special needs women
- We offer Medicaid Waiver Program compliance and private pay options for families
- Founders maintain 25+ years combined experience working with developmental disabilities
Services
Residential Habilitation
Our Southwest Ranches facility provides 24/7 residential support for up to eight developmentally challenged young women. Personalized care plans focus on daily living skills and community integration. Residents receive continuous guidance from trained professionals in a secure, loving environment.
Personal Care Assistant
Trained assistants provide essential support with dressing, bathing, and other daily activities for individuals experiencing functional impairments. All staff complete specialized training programs. Services adapt to each recipient's specific developmental needs while maintaining dignity.
Respite Care
Short-term care services provide temporary relief for primary caregivers. Available for specified hours or weeks, our program ensures continuity of care while giving families much-needed rest. Staff follow established care protocols during each transition.
Supported Employment
We help individuals develop workplace skills and secure meaningful employment. Services include job skills assessment, workplace training, and ongoing employment support. Our coaches work with employers to create inclusive work environments for special needs individuals.
In-Home Support
Professional caregivers provide personalized assistance within clients' private homes. Services focus on teaching daily living skills while maintaining family routines. All staff undergo thorough background checks and specialized training before entering homes.
People
Teresa L. Caprio
President/Founder
Established Rainbow Guardian in 1995 after decades of navigating care systems for her daughter. Created Florida's first specialized residential facility for developmentally challenged females. Recognized by United Cerebral Palsy for policy advocacy and caregiver training innovations.
Samantha Caprio-Negret
VP/Director of PR
Co-founded Rainbow Guardian and designed its original branding. Manages public relations and fundraising initiatives including the successful golf tournament that funded the residential facility. Journalism graduate with media production experience and children's book author.
Angila O'Connor
Group Home Manager
With over 25 years in special needs care, she has managed Rainbow Guardian Ranch since 2008. Prior experience includes United Cerebral Palsy in various leadership roles. Specializes in resident safety and staff development for adults with developmental disabilities.
Melisa Caprio
Office Manager/Administrator
Handles Medicaid billing and creative development for the organization. Accomplished photographer and author with expertise in manifesting creative visions. Hosts weekly radio show focused on creativity and personal growth for special needs advocacy.
Questions
What services does Rainbow Guardian provide?
We offer residential habilitation, personal care assistance, respite care, supported employment, and community companion services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept Medicaid Waiver Program funding, traditional Medicaid coverage, and private pay arrangements for all our services.
Are your staff members trained in special needs care?
All caregivers complete comprehensive training programs and pass rigorous background checks before providing any level of care.
Do you serve adults and children with developmental disabilities?
Our residential program specifically serves young adult females, while community support services are available for individuals of all ages.
How long has Rainbow Guardian been operating in Florida?
Since 1995, we've provided continuous support for developmentally challenged individuals and their families throughout South Florida.
