Upcoming events

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• RF Sober Parenting Support Group

  • Start
    01/28/2023
  •  
  • End
    04/22/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  
  

  Rainbow Families is pleased to offer our newest support group, this one for LGBTQ+ parents (and prospective parents) dealing with sobriety's mental and emotional challenges.  These group sessions are a space for members of our community to share and learn from one another in a caring, safe environment.  Participants will agree to our standards of confidentiality and respect.

  During each session, the group will discuss topics related to experiences in sobriety, including parenting in sobriety.  Topics may include habits, triggers, self-care, mindfulness, negative thinking, forgiveness, and alternative sober activities.

  2023 Spring Series Dates:     Jan 28    |  Feb 25   |  Mar 25  |  Apr 22

  
  

  Sessions are Virtual - Available Nationwide - Rainbow Families Membership Not Required
  No Charge for Rainbow Families Members

   It is hoped registrants will attend all sessions to receive the most benefit from this type of support group.   Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy and safety to interact.  It is important to note that our support groups are not counseling or therapy.

  If you would like a fee waiver, reach out in confidence at support@rainbowfamilies.org
  No refunds. Dates/times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.

  
  

  
   

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• Rainbow Families' Adoption Support Group

  • Start
    01/28/2023
  •  
  • End
    04/29/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  
  

   
  Rainbow Families is pleased to offer our recurring support group for prospective LGBTQ+ parents going through the adoption process.  Participants should be about to start their home study, up to waiting for your child...and all steps in-between.   These are not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.   Here, you can share and learn from one another with your shared experiences, fears, frustrations and joys, from other future LGBTQ+ parents.

  New:    FOUR sessions instead of three!

            This Series Dates:     Jan 28 |  Feb 25  |  Mar 18 |  April 29, 2023

            Sessions are Virtual - Available Nationwide - Rainbow Families Membership Not Required
            No charge for Rainbow Families members

  The group is facilitated by an expert in the field of therapy, family counseling, mental health, youth, and families.  Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy and safety to interact.

  If you would like a fee waiver, reach out to us in confidence at support@rainbowfamilies.org   No refunds.   Dates/times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.

  
  

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• Maybe Baby Jan/Feb 2023

  • Start
    01/29/2023
  •  
  • End
    02/26/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  

  Jan/Feb 2023 Series

  
  

  This series will be run virtually

  
  

  Rainbow Families' Maybe Baby was designed over 30 years ago for prospective LGBTQ+ parents (single, married or partnered) thinking about parenthood and interested in learning more about the many options and considerations in building a family.   The safety and value of programs like this, created BY our community FOR our community, are tremendous.

  
  

  We cover a broad range of topics including readiness for parenthood, overview of creating family through adoption, assisted reproduction and foster care/older child, financial and legal issues, building a support network, interracial and intercultural families, the joys and challenges of being an LGBTQ+ headed family and more.  The class is designed to provide a balance of active discussion and sharing, as well as to gain practical information that helps set the foundation for moving forward.  Like all Rainbow Families programs, this is a safe and welcoming space.

  
  

  
  

  Click HERE for Full Agenda

  Assistance:   If the registration fee presents a hardship for you, please email our Executive Director in confidence.
  Our 4th session 2/19 is on Presidents Weekend.  We hope all attendees can join from their phone/laptop even if out of town for the weekend.

   

  
  

  Cancellation note:   Cancellations received 15 or more days prior to the course start will receive a 50% refund.  Cancellations received 14 days or less are not eligible for refund.
  

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• Non Gestational Parent Support Group

  • Start
    02/05/2023
  •  
  • End
    04/02/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  
  

  Rainbow Families proudly continues our Support Group for LGBTQ+ parents (and about-to-be parents) who are non-gestational carriers, regardless of gender or path to parenthood, to discuss concerns, roadblocks, triumphs and experiences related to being a non-gestational parent.
  

  2023 Spring Series Dates:     Feb 5   |  March 5   |  April 2 

  
  

  Sessions are Virtual - Available Nationwide - Rainbow Families Membership Not Required
  Free for Rainbow Families Members

  During each session, the group will discuss topics related to experiences as a non-gestational parent ranging from pre-conception through parenting children up to age 5.   Topics may include legal concerns, medical concerns, social concerns, parenting concerns and experiences/concerns of being "othered."

   It is hoped registrants will attend all sessions to receive the most benefit from this type of support group.   Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy and safety to interact.
  

  If you would like a fee waiver, reach out in confidence at support@rainbowfamilies.org
  No refunds. Dates/times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.

  
  

  
   

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• Rainbow Families Valentines Dance

  • When
    02/11/2023
  •  
    2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Burgundy Farm School, 3700 Burgundy Rd, Alexandria, VA 22303

  Register

  Join us as we return to our Valentines Dance tradition!

  With our special guest and Rainbow Families fave, Tara Hoot,
  for a fun story time.
  
  We'll have coloring, dancing, snacks, a selfie photo booth and more.
  This is for all our beautiful LGBTQ+ families; plus feel free to bring grandparents, aunts/uncles, your kids' BFF.

  No charge for children under 13

  If registration fees are prohibitive, please email  us in confidence for assistance.  

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• Expecting & New Parent Support Group

  • Start
    02/19/2023
  •  
  • End
    03/19/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    1

  

  
  

  Rainbow Families is delighted to continue our Support Group for LGBTQ+ people who are currently expecting a child (via adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, foster, pregnancy), or new to parenthood with a child under 9 months.  

  
  

  This program is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in reproductive health.  These are peer-based groups and not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.

  Dates:   January 8, February 19, March 19, 2023
  Registration closes once series begins.  

  Sessions are virtual and open to participants nationwide

  No Charge for Rainbow Families members

  
  

  Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy and safety to interact.

  If you would like a fee waiver, reach out in confidence at support@rainbowfamilies.org
  No refunds. Dates/times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.

  
  

  
  Facilitated by:  Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington

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• Pre-Conception Support Group

  • Start
    02/19/2023
  •  
  • End
    03/19/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    4

  
  

  Rainbow Families is pleased to continue our Support Group for LGBTQ+ people seriously considering or going through Assisted Reproductive Technology as part of their family planning journey.

  This program is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who specializes in reproductive health.  These are peer-based groups and not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling.

  Dates:    January 8 |  February 19  |  March 19 - 2023
  Registration Closes once Series Begins 

  Sessions are Virtual - Available Nationwide - Rainbow Families Membership Not Required
  No Charge for Rainbow Families Members

  If you would like a fee waiver, reach out in confidence at support@rainbowfamilies.org
  No refunds. Dates/times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.

  
  

  
  

  
  Facilitated by:  Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington

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• Single Parent by Choice Support Group

  • Start
    02/21/2023
  •  
  • End
    03/21/2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  
  

  
  Rainbow Families is pleased to continue this very well-received support group for Spring 2023.   This VIRTUAL support group is for current LGBTQ+ single parents, and for prospective parents considering single parenting.   In these meetings, we'll discuss the joys, concerns, questions, even frustrations of being a single LGBTQ+ parent, PLUS choosing to do so without a partner.  This group is facilitated by a highly regarded Psychologist, for two years running. These peer-based groups are not to be considered a replacement for therapy or counseling, however.

  
  

  2023 Spring  Dates:    Jan 17  |  Feb 21  |  March 21  

  
  

  Sessions are Virtual - Available Nationwide - Rainbow Families Membership Not Required

  No Charge for Rainbow Families members

  It is hoped registrants will attend all 3 sessions to receive the most benefit from this type of support group.   Space is limited to help maintain a sense of privacy, intimacy and safety to interact.

  If you would like a fee waiver, reach out in confidence at support@rainbowfamilies.org
  No refunds. Dates/times may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated immediately.

  
  

  
  

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• Family Camp Weekend 2023

  • Start
    09/02/2023
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    09/04/2023
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Camp Tockwogh, 24370 Still Pond Neck Rd, Worton, MD 21678

  
  

  Family Camp Weekend 2023
  We had an incredible Camping Weekend in 2022 -  Swimming, Dance Party, Toddler Zone, Story Times, S'mores, Boat Rides, Archery and so much more!
  

  Registration and Info to follow soon. 

  Mark your calendars!

  As always, this will sell out shortly after registration opens.

  

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• Annual Family Picnic at Hillwood Estate

  • When
    09/24/2023
  •  
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

  
  

       
  

  One of Rainbow Families Most Treasured Events For 15 Years

  Connect with other LGBTQ+ families at the historic Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens'  gorgeous urban oasis. This event is open to all - members, families, allies.
  

  
  

  Registration Info to follow soon!

  
  

         Festivities scheduled to include:

  • Pack a picnic from home or purchase food from Merriweather To Go to enjoy outdoors  on Hillwood's spacious Lunar Lawn
  • Play games on the lawn, such as hula hoop, ring toss, and jump rope
  • Practice your putt on the Putting Green
  • Create an art project to take home after exploring the mansion
  • Explore the special exhibition Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior
  • Arrive by 12 noon to join Rainbow Families for welcoming remarks and our classic three-legged race on the lawn at 1 p.m.   Hillwood remains open until 5 p.m. You are welcome to stay and enjoy all the estate has to offer.

  PICNIC INFO:

  • Please bring your own picnic blankets for seating on the lawn. Visitors may wish to bring bug spray.  Hillwood's liquor license does not allow patrons to bring in outside alcohol.  Food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be available from Merriweather To Go.
  • Click here to see how Hillwood is following the latest health and safety guidance.
  • This is rain or shine.  In the event of rain, picnicking will take place under the shelter of the tent in the C.W. Post Courtyard and the art project will take place indoors
  • Registrations  (on the Hillwood link, posted soon) are between you and Hillwood, however you agree to Rainbow Families standard rules & terms

  
  

  Important:   Rainbow Families does not want financial constraints to prohibit attendance at our events.  If you need registration assistance for this or any event, please email our Executive Director, Darren Vance  in confidence.   
  While  this is a Hillwood Estate hosted event; please review our standard terms & conditions here regarding liability and photos.

  
  

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• Great Wolf Lodge Weekend 2023

  • Start
    10/06/2023
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    10/08/2023
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg VA
  • Spaces left
    40

  Mark Your Calendars!
  Rainbow Families' Annual Great Wolf Lodge Weekend is Set

  

  REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 2022

  Another fantastic discounted rate -   $ 229 per room, per night 
  

  • PLUS -  $30 daily resort fee?   WAIVED!     
  • PLUS -  Free WiFi 
  • PLUS - 10% off on all Food & Beverage purchases
  • Limited availability -  First-come, first- served.  Minimum participation is required to qualify for this rate
  • Check in 4 pm Friday.  Check out 11 am Sunday.  You can arrive earlier to pre-check in and receive passes to enjoy the waterpark until check in time
  • We plan to gather together for dinner Saturday as a group

  Great Wolf Lodge has been extremely supportive of Rainbow Families. 
  It feels good to support businesses who support us

   

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