Programs

It's Time to Start Taking Care of You

All support programs offer peer-to-peer support in a safe environment.

We are currently only meeting virtually via Zoom but this may change in future months.

Our goal is to protect the safety and confidentiality of everyone who participates in our meetings.
We will not post meeting details on social media.
Those who register for our various meetings will receive a notification from the Rainbow Rose Center with meeting details.

If you have not previously attended one of our meetings, but you would like to do so, 
please click the links for the meeting notifications and fill out the form.

HIV Support Group

The Rainbow Rose Center Living Proudly, HIV Support Group is an emotional support group for individuals 18 years and older in the York County area. The group is moderated by staff that have extensive experience in the field of HIV services. We seek to provide a safe space for people to be able to discuss issues related to being HIV positive without the worry of backlash or judgement. Therefore, we currently limit this space to individuals who have been diagnosed, and are living with HIV or AIDS and moderators that have worked in the field of HIV. This group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm. 

Sign Up to Receive Notifications

Queer and Trans People of Color Support Group

The Rainbow Rose Center Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) is a peer-led emotional support group for queer and trans-BIPOC in the York County area. We seek to provide a safe space for Queer BIPOC folx to be able to discuss issues related to Queer BIPOC folx without the worry of backlash or judgement. Therefore, we limit this space to Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color who identify in the spectrum of the LGBTQ+ Community. This group meets on the second Sunday of every month at 2:00pm. 

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TransecntralPA Website

Transgender Support Group

The Rainbow Rose Center and TransCentralPA host our York County Transgender Support Group Meetings, which are open to transgender individuals of all ages and their families. We provide community and conversation in a safe and affirming way. Our intent is to uplift transgender lives through understanding, acceptance, and pride. Wherever you are at on your transition journey, whether coming out or having lived your authentic life for years, we welcome you to join us in this opportunity to be yourself and be around others who understand and support you. 

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Tobacco Cessation Program

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking among LGBTQIA+ individuals in the U.S. is higher than among heterosexual/straight individuals. About 1 in 5 LGBTQIA+ adults smoke cigarettes compared with about 1 in 6 heterosexual/straight individuals.

Prioritizing the health and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community means acknowledging the risks and then confronting them. The Rainbow Rose Center is partnering with York Cessation Programs to provide tobacco cessation, education and support to LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly youth, in York County. If you need information on smoking cessation or are interested in quitting contact the Pennsylvania Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or contact the RRC Programs Committee at programs@rainbowrosecenter.org.

 

Tobacco Resistance Unit

The Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) is a movement in Pennsylvania to provide training to youth ages 12 to 18 to help them stay tobacco and nicotine-free. The TRU program focuses on teaching teens and helping them to pass their knowledge onto their peers.

Rainbow Rose Center is developing an LGBTQIA+ region chapter of TRU to advocate for stronger tobacco control policies in Pennsylvania and to promote youth empowerment. The goal, to decrease the obvious smoking-related health disparities for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Other Programs coming soon

The Rainbow Rose Center looks forward to supporting the following sections of our community through new support groups:

LGBTQIA+ Adult Support Group – August 2021

This group is an affinity space open to individuals 18 and up who identify as LGBTQIA+. Perhaps you have been on a journey of exploring your gender and/or sexuality but are still feeling isolated or you might be out already but would like to be around other people who share like experiences. Whatever the case may be, we welcome everyone who is searching for a space to navigate the complexities that arise in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why Support Programs

Peer support programs bring together those with shared experiences. They provide an opportunity to connect, to learn, to laugh, and to heal. 

  • Learn from Others' Experiences
  • See from Another Perspective
  • Connect with Those Who Understand You
  • Grow in Yourself and in Your Community

How You Participate

When you join a meeting, you enter a community that respects you and each other. You are welcome to engage at whatever level you feel comfortable, whether to share or to observe.

  • Listen Openly
  • Show Respect
  • Engage as Desired

Participation and Confidentiality

We take privacy and confidentiality very seriously at the Rainbow Rose Center. We want to make sure everyone in attendance feels safe to join us, and we acknowledge that many people come to the meetings with great uncertainty and possible personal risk. Therefore, we depend on all in attendance to adhere to the following Statement of Confidentiality:

  • What is said in our meetings, as well as the identities of persons attending, is kept strictly confidential.
  • Presence at these meetings does not indicate any particular identity or orientation.
  • No recording devices or cameras are allowed without consent.

All have the right to expect these protections and are obligated to extend them to everyone present.