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.
Our Present and Future
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+ and young adults, 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 safe, people based holistic programming that supports the mental wellness of LGBTQ2S+ young people. Rooted in inclusivity, we welcome and celebrate individuals of all races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Vision Statement
Rainbow Project Sioux Falls envisions a future where every LGBTQ2S+ young person feels empowered to live authentically and be proud of who they are. We strive for a community where mental wellness is accessible, acceptance is the norm, diversity in all its forms is celebrated, and every LGBTQ2S+ young person has a place to belong.
Core Values
Inclusivity - We affirm all identities and experiences, creating environments where LGBTQ2S+ young people feel welcomed, supported, and safe.
Wellness - We center mental and emotional well being in everything we do, promoting awareness, education, and practices that help LGBTQ2S+ young people build resilience and confidence.
Empowerment - We uplift LGBTQ2S+ young people by encouraging 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 LGBTQ2S+ young people's isolation.
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+ young people. Through our work, we actively advocate for a more informed, inclusive, and affirming community.
Joy & Celebration - We recognize and celebrate identity, culture, diversity, and community through uplifting experiences that inspire pride and hope.