The Rainbow Center provides a variety of services to the public.
We are open for walk-ins at the following times:
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Monday - Friday
Saturday
During these times, patrons can surf the Web on our public computers, peruse our constantly growing library of materials available for checkout, play a game of pool, watch a movie, get referrals to local services or just come in for a talk with our staff and volunteers.
The Rainbow Center provides advocacy through representation in community groups including CenterLink and the Non-Profit Center.
The Rainbow Center staff and volunteers actively seek collaboration with other organizations in the South Puget Sound so that the issues our community members face are represented in local decision-making.
The Rainbow Center publishes a bi-monthly E-Newsletter with information about upcoming events and late-breaking news in order to provide consistent communication to those who care about the LGBTQIA community.
The Rainbow Center publishes an annual resource guide that lists LGBTQIA-friendly resources and services in the South Puget Sound area.
The Rainbow Center proudly hosts other like-minded organizations for business meetings and special events. If you have a group that would be interested in the use of the Rainbow Center, contact the office! To learn more about the groups we work with, see our partnerships page.
The Rainbow Center often serves as the initial support for newly out LGBTQIA community members. We provide a friendly ear to those beginning their coming out journey. We provide information, referrals and resources to those expressing a need.
Crime Victim Service Center
24-Hour Crisis Hotline
1-800-346-7555
If you or someone you know has been a victim of crime, THERE IS HELP! Trained Victim Advocates will assist you in understanding and coping with the trauma and the long-term aftermath of victimization. Police reports and citizenship are not requirements for services. All advocacy services are free.
The Rainbow Center has been awarded a Victims of Crime grant that allows us the opportunity to work with victims of crime in marginalized communities. We serve individuals who have been victims of: assault, child physical abuse, DUI/DWI crashes, elder abuse, fraud, hate crimes, identity theft, property crimes, robbery, vehicular assault, homicide/attempted homicide, bullying, human trafficking/exploitation, kidnapping and/or missing person, and other crimes not listed.
Through the grant, we are able to provide our client's with one-on-one advocacy time with staff, resources and referrals, as well as therapy vouchers for mental health services. We are currently working on extending our outreach efforts in order to get the word out that there is help for LGBTQ individuals who have been victims of crimes. If you or someone you know has been a victim of one or more of the above listed crimes please contact Cherise at the Rainbow Center for assistance cherisea@rainbowcntr.org.
The Rainbow Center Resource Guide
The Rainbow Center publishes an annual resource guide that lists products, services and organizations which support the LGBTQIA community throughout the South Sound area. For information on being listed in the Resource Guide, please email us at info@rainbowcntr.org.
Rainbow Center 2011-2013 Resource Guide
Programs & Services
The Rainbow Center offers a variety of services to special interest groups and the general public:
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All Ages Karaoke
On the 3rd Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm. Rick B with Good Time Entertainment , a local KJ, joins the Rainbow Center for family friendly fun and song.
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Board Games and Pool!
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Rainbow Center has board games and a pool table open for use, free-of-charge to our community.
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Library
The Rainbow Center maintains a library of materials of interest to the LGBT community. All materials are available for check out.
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Open-Mic Nights
An All-ages time to hang-out on the first Friday of every month.
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Public Computer Access
The Rainbow Center maintains a computer for use by our community free-of-charge.
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Queer Collective
on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10am. Queer Collective is a forum exclusively for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and queers. Contact queercollective@aol.com for more information.
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Rainbow City Book Group
Open to book-lovers in the LGBTQIA Community, this group seaks to enhance our community as well as the knowledge and experience of all members.
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Recovering Couples Anonymous
Sundays, call David at 253-310-7365 for info.
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Speaking Engagements
In collaboration with representatives from other organizations, the Rainbow Center can provide speakers on a variety of topics of importance to or about the LGBT community.
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Tacoma T-Men (Transmen Discussion Group)
A discussion and support group of transmen. Open to those who identify as such. Contact Transmen@rainbowcntr.org for more information
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What Now? (Transgender S.O.F.F.A Group)
Significant Others of Transmen -(SOT-Men) On the 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm. A social and support group for Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies of transgender people.
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Workshops
the Rainbow Center facilitates educational opportunities to our community through collaboration with professionals from a variety of fields.