Rainbow Connections
Rainbow Connections is an MHSA Innovations Project led by Monterey County Behavioral Health designed to interconnect youth-serving systems with community-based organizations and provide conditions to cultivate environments of support, inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ+ youth across home, school and community settings.
We are thrilled to share that The Diversity Center is proudly partnering with Monterey County Behavioral Health and the Rainbow Connections collaborators, who are making meaningful strides for LGBTQ+ youth and families throughout Monterey County.
TDC’s contributions to this effort include:
Facilitating Welcoming Schools curriculum and Social Emotional Learning workshops to create inclusive, affirming school environments.
Strengthening school clubs and culture to support LGBTQ+ students and allies.
Sharing Family Acceptance Project resources to empower parents and caregivers in their journey of support.
Creating affirming youth events that celebrate authentic self-expression in safe, welcoming spaces.
We are inspired and deeply grateful to join this group of community-based organizations committed to making a lasting difference for LGBTQ+ individuals, now and into the future.
Thank you, Monterey County, for your warm welcome. We are honored to work alongside you!
Request a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Workshop for your school!
Peace Through Painting: A Youth Friendly Paint + Sip
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: The Epicenter
737 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
Ages: Middle and High School Youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/PeaceThroughPainting
Join the Youth Empowerment Council’s first event, a youth friendly Paint and Sip! Enjoy refreshments, connect with community, and express your creativity through painting! At this event, you will find peace through the art of creating! All paint materials and beverages will be provided.
Please RSVP to ensure we can prepare the appropriate supplies.
Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo
Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: One Main Street
1 Main Street, Salinas
Ages: Educators, Parents/Caregivers, Students
RSVP: tinyurl.com/RCSWE2026
Join us for the 3rd Annual Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo, a dynamic and welcoming space to learn, connect, and uplift LGBTQ+ students and families. This year, we’re excited to feature a student panel along with interactive activities designed to spark conversation, reflection, and connection.
The expo brings together school leaders, educators, parents/caregivers, youth and allies to explore how we can work together to strengthen mental health and wellness support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council
Date: First and Third Thursday of Every Month
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: Monterey and San Benito County Middle and High School Youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/montereyrcyec
🌈 Join the Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council! 🌈
✨ Be the visionaries behind Rainbow Connections youth events!
✨ Learn leadership and community-building skills.
✨ Meet other LGBTQ+ youth and co-create a safe space where we can share resources and receive peer-to-peer support.
This youth leadership group is co-facilitated by Rainbow Connections Partners, The Diversity Center, and the Epicenter.
