Monterey County Behavioral Health Bureau

02/19/2026

How Kindness Supports LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health and Well-being:
It’s often the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impact. For LGBTQ+ youth, kindness isn't just about being "nice", it’s a powerful tool that builds safety, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging.

We asked our Monterey county youth how simple acts of kindness have changed their perspective. From feeling "heard" to finding a community that truly "has their back," their answers highlight why affirming spaces are so vital for mental health. Swipe through to see how kindness transforms lives and read what our youth have to say about its powers.

Let’s keep building a community where everyone feels welcome to be their authentic selves. 🤝✨

02/13/2026

🌈 Rainbow Connections: Meet the Team! 🌈
Today, we’re proud to spotlight our incredible partners, DragonFly Forward—true leaders in school mental health systems integration. Their work is transforming how schools support LGBTQ+ youth and create inclusive, caring environments.

💚How they share their hearts:
Integration Strategy: Aligning provider offerings to build interconnected ecosystems of care across home, school and community settings
Rainbow Connections Digital Blueprint: Establishing LGBTQ+ Affirming Standards of Care that schools and districts nationwide can adopt and implement.
Rainbow Connections Documentary: Elevating the importance of LGBTQ+ youth mental health and showcasing the impact of the Rainbow Connections Project

We deeply appreciate their dedication and expertise in shaping mental health systems that ensure every student feels safe, supported, and celebrated ✨

📢 Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the amazing individuals behind this life-saving work!
-
+AffirmingCare

02/13/2026

🌈 Rainbow Connections: Meet the Team! 🌈
Today, we’re proud to spotlight our incredible partners, DragonFly Forward—true leaders in school mental health systems integration. Their work is transforming how schools support LGBTQ+ youth and create inclusive, caring environments.

💚How they share their hearts:
Integration Strategy: Aligning provider offerings to build interconnected ecosystems of care across home, school and community settings
Rainbow Connections Digital Blueprint: Establishing LGBTQ+ Affirming Standards of Care that schools and districts nationwide can adopt and implement.
Rainbow Connections Documentary: Elevating the importance of LGBTQ+ youth mental health and showcasing the impact of the Rainbow Connections Project

We deeply appreciate their dedication and expertise in shaping mental health systems that ensure every student feels safe, supported, and celebrated ✨

📢 Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the amazing individuals behind this life-saving work!

02/11/2026

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. 🏳️‍🌈✨ When we asked LGBTQ+ youth what kindness means to them, they gave us a blueprint for a better world. To them, kindness is defined by unconditional care, consistency, and above all, genuine effort. 📝💜

This powerful feedback is exactly what drives the mission of Rainbow Connections. We are more than a network of LGBTQ+ Affirming services and supports; we are a collective of amazing humans connected through our hearts that value and prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of our LGBTQ+ youth. 🌈🤝

We believe that by weaving these youth-defined values into our work, we aren't just sharing information—we are building a culture of belonging for ALL. When we lead with the intentional kindness our youth described, we create a community where everyone can thrive exactly as they are.

02/11/2026

🌈 February Theme: Lead with Kindness 🌈
This month, Rainbow Connections is embracing the power of KINDNESS—and we invite YOU to join us! For LGBTQ+ youth, even the smallest gestures—a warm “How are you?” or a moment of validation—can make a world of difference in helping them feel safe and valued.

💬 All year long, we’ll be surveying Monterey County LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, asking what each monthly theme means to them. Then, we’ll share their insights and wisdom right here to inspire a culture of care across our community!

🔎 See what today's design reveals—authentic quotes from local youth reminding us that kindness isn’t just an idea—it’s action that communicates care and creates belonging.

✨ Stay tuned as they continue share their powerful voices that will help us create spaces where every young person feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
—

02/11/2026

Last Friday evening was oh so special!✨✨✨✨
Our Rainbow Connections Hearts of All Kinds event brought together an incredible community to celebrate authenticity and the power of connection. Thank you to everyone who made it beautiful and intentional.

This is what Rainbow Connections is all about 🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙🩵🌈

02/07/2026

🌈 February Theme: Lead with Kindness 🌈
This month, Rainbow Connections is embracing the power of KINDNESS—and we invite YOU to join us! For LGBTQ+ youth, even the smallest gestures—a warm “How are you?” or a moment of validation—can make a world of difference in helping them feel safe and valued.

💬 All year long, we’ll be surveying Monterey County LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, asking what each monthly theme means to them. Then, we’ll share their insights and wisdom right here to inspire a culture of care across our community!

🔎 See what today's design reveals—authentic quotes from local youth reminding us that kindness isn’t just an idea—it’s action that communicates care and creates belonging.

✨ Stay tuned as they continue share their powerful voices that will help us create spaces where every young person feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
—

01/20/2026

🌈 Rainbow Connections is thrilled to kick off our 2026 Digital Campaign, Everyone Belongs: Connecting Hearts, Cultivating Care.

Each month, we’ll spotlight an essential practice that supports the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth—because every young person deserves to be supported and embraced, just as they are.

✨ This month’s focus: EMPATHY.
Empathy is more than understanding—it’s also about showing up, listening deeply, and holding space for others without judgment or trying to change their experience. It’s about seeing through their lens and honoring their truth while remaining fully present.

Rainbow Connections uplifts the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and remains committed to creating spaces where Everyone Belongs.

💜 Together, we are building communities rooted in heart to heart connection, compassion and care throughout 2026 and beyond!

01/14/2026

January is Mental Wellness Month 💚 A reminder to prioritize your mind, body, and soul. Your mental health matters—today and every day. Let’s make 2026 a year of self-care, growth, and positivity —for ourselves and each other.

12/29/2025

📅 MHRC Project Update Upcoming Meeting Notice
The next Board of Supervisors Update on this topic will be provided on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM.

Thank you for staying engaged!

12/24/2025

12/23/2025

While the holidays bring joy for many, they can also be really tough for some. Our free and confidential WellScreen tool is a simple step towards understanding your needs and connecting you with local and self-help resources. Learn more at WellScreenMonterey.com
Wellness