15th Annual Rainbow Families Conference
Minneapolis, MN / April 10, 2010

Mark your calendars! The 15th Annual Rainbow Families Conference will be taking place on April 10, 2010. Every year we bring together hundreds of LGBT families, allies and educators to learn and have a space to celebrate. To learn more about this exciting event click here.

Rainbow Families is the Midwest office of Family Equality Council. Previously one of the strongest local LGBT family organizations in the country, Rainbow Families joined the Family Equality Council in June of 2008. Rainbow Families continues to provide local programs to the LGBT families, extended family members and allies in the upper Midwest region while also joining Family Equality Council in its efforts to secure family equality in all 50 states.

Click here to read more about Rainbow Families joining efforts with Family Equality Council.

Family Camp Date Announced for 2010!

Family Camp!
Date: July 23-25, 2010
Location: Pilgrim Point Camp, Alexandria , MN

Once again Rainbow Families is proud to announce that we have secured the dates for this summer's Family Camp.Mark your calendars as we are set to have another wonderful, fun-filled weekend for LGBT Families at Pilgrim Point Camp. The weekend will be packed with all of the favorites: family meals, campfires, crafts, swimming, games and more! More information will be available in the coming months. If you have any questions please contact Sara Leckey at sara.leckey@familyequality.org.

Healthy Families Workshop Series 

1. Sugar Blues- The Truth about Kids, Sugar and Health
Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Concerned about how much sugar both you and your kids are eating? Confused by contradictory information about sugar and feeding a healthy family? What is appropriate for kids to drink and what is not? We will share with you the truth about how much hidden sugar is in our diet and show you ways to reduce your family’s intake.

2. Healthy Eating at Home- A Simple Guide to a Healthier Pantry
Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Confused by thousands of food choices? Bewildered by health claims on packaging? Do you want to prepare meals and snacks that not only taste great, but will make you feel that way? This workshop is designed to give you a clear understanding of what a healthy pantry looks like, plus ideas for encouraging your kids to enjoy healthy foods.

3. Healthy Eating Away From Home - Healthy Choices for Eating Out and On the Road
Thursday, April 22, 2010

The final key to a healthy diet for the whole family is to master healthy eating while out of the home. What food should you pack for a road trip? What should you eat at a restaurant? We will provide you with useful and easy to follow advice for feeding your family in a healthy way while away from home.

Where? All workshops will be held from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in conference room S-127 at the Griggs-Midway Building (home to Rainbow Families, Midwest Office of the Family Equality Council, 1821 West University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104). Plenty of free parking.

How Much? $20/workshop or 3 workshop series/$50. 25% of the proceeds go to support the work of Rainbow Families.

Registration? Please send an e-mail to register@shinehealthcounseling.com.

Shine Health Counseling. Workshops are presented by Johanna Eager and Jill Randerson, queer co-owners of Shine Health Counseling (www.shinehealthcounseling.com). Johanna and Jill are passionate about food, nutrition and healthy cooking. They are founding members of Out 4 Wellness, an LGBTQ wellness organization. Johanna and Jill counsel individuals, families and groups on how to integrate healthy food and lifestyle choices into busy lives.