Christine Bennett has been working professionally with youth for almost ten years. Her partner, Danielle, has been with the Oregon Youth Authority for a year and half. They both felt compelled to be involved with Rainbow Youth when they learned of the group at Salem Speaks Out in 2004, after the painful experience of Measure 36. They wanted to be of service to the community in a concrete way that voters and legislators couldn't get their hands on. It is a big part of their lives now and are both so grateful for the opportunity.
They have said, "It is exciting to be around so many out and proud young people - so different than our experiences as adolescents - and that was only about 13-14 years ago. We get so much more than we give in this situation—the intrinsic rewards are innumerable. We look forward to adopting an older child in the future—but in the mean time we are committed to making Salem a safer, friendlier community for all people."
