About Us
How It All Began
Rainbow Project Sioux Falls was founded in June 2023 with a powerful vision: to create inclusive, affirming, and supportive environments where LGBTQ2S+ youth, teens, and young adults can grow, connect, and thrive. What began as a Girl Scout Gold Award project has since evolved into a nonprofit rooted in community care, youth empowerment, and mental wellness awareness.
Our founder, a dedicated Girl Scout Ambassador, recognized the need for LGBTQ2S+ youth to have consistent, uplifting experiences that foster belonging and emotional well-being. Through her leadership, she launched events centered on connection, education, creativity, and support. Her commitment not only earned her the Gold Award but laid the groundwork for a lasting community resource.
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​Our Present and Future
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Today, Rainbow Project Sioux Falls offers mental wellness focused programs, creative workshops, peer-support activities, and community events designed to strengthen resilience, self expression, and confidence. Our work centers the mental and emotional needs of LGBTQ2S+ youth and other marginalized young people, acknowledging the unique challenges they face and providing affirming spaces where they can be themselves without fear or judgement.
As we grow, we remain committed to expanding mental health awareness, increasing access to supportive programming, and collaborating with community partners who share our belief that every young person deserves hope, healing, and belonging. What started as one young leader’s vision has become a grassroots effort to build a more connected, compassionate, and mentally healthy future for the next generation.
Mission Statement
Rainbow Project Sioux Falls provides community based programming that supports the mental wellness, belonging, and empowerment of LGBTQ2S+ youth and young members of other marginalized groups. Through creative workshops, peer connection opportunities, and wellness centered events, we foster resilience, reduce isolation, and help young people develop a strong sense of identity and purpose. We operate through volunteer leadership and partnerships that promote accessibility, equity, and care.
Vision Statement
Rainbow Project Sioux Falls envisions a future where every LGBTQ2S+ youth and young members of other marginalized communities feel emotionally supported, mentally strong, and proud to live authentically. We strive for a community where wellness is accessible, acceptance is the norm, diversity is celebrated, and all people have a place to belong.
Core Values
Inclusivity - We affirm all identities and experiences, creating environments where LGBTQ2S+ youth and marginalized young people feel welcomed, supported, and validated.
Wellness - We center mental and emotional well-being in everything we do, promoting awareness, education, and practices that help youth build resilience and confidence.
Empowerment - We uplift young people by encouraging leadership, creativity, and authentic self expression while equipping them with tools for personal growth and emotional strength.
Community - We cultivate meaningful connections and supportive relationships that reduce isolation, strengthen belonging, and create shared purpose.
Respect - We honor each person’s story and lived experience, ensuring every voice is heard with compassion and dignity.
Awareness & Advocacy - We amplify conversations around mental wellness, identity, and equity while standing for the equality, visibility, and rights of LGBTQ2S+ individuals and other marginalized groups. Through our work, we actively advocate for a more informed, inclusive, and affirming community.
Joy & Celebration - We recognize and celebrate identity, culture, diversity an community through affirming and uplifting experiences that inspire pride, connection, and hope.
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