The Greater Texas Community Partners grew out of a project in Dallas, Texas, started in 1989 when a group of concerned citizens created programs to help CPS caseworkers meet the unmet needs of the abused and neglected children in the CPS system. It was the first public private partnership of its kind and was so successful that in 1996, it was decided that the program should be replicated throughout Texas, as a cooperative effort between communities across Texas and the Child Protective Services program of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The Rainbow Room in Corpus Christi was opened by the Nueces County CPS Community Partners Board on June 12, 1997, as an onsite emergency resource center. Items are donated or purchased through direct contributions, grants or fundraising. Emergency resources provided include clothing, shoes, diapers, formula, personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies. With these resources, caseworkers are able to provide for the immediate needs of the children in their care and ease the stress on their families. Reduction in family stressors will help prevent further abuse and neglect and the necessity of removing children from their homes.
