Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont internship, for the Times Argus
The Rainbow Bridge Community Center in downtown Barre provides a refuge for people of all gender identities, offering support groups, a library and a monthly pancake breakfast. Founded in June 2022, the center was instrumental in helping the city rebuild after two consecutive years of flooding. But the nonprofit has recently come under threat from financial strain. One of the co-directors, Poa Mutino, discusses the organization’s triumphs and troubles.
Q. When did you first get involved with Rainbow Bridge?
A. I was asked to come in and facilitate a trans and nonbinary support group three years ago, and this was our natural home base. We still meet once a month. I came into a leadership position here as co director when I saw that there was a need for extra support.
Q. What led you to leading the nonbinary support group?
A. I had attended a similar group about a decade ago, and it had been really helpful for me. When I learned that it was going to be re-formed and they were looking for a facilitator, I felt like a natural fit for that. My background is as a clinical social worker, and I think that groups are an awesome way for people to help one another.
Q. What kind of work do you do alongside the nonbinary support group?
A. We host Pancakes for the People here on the first Sunday of every month. It’s about community building and nourishment and has existed for six years. Just doing that community building, bringing people together who wouldn’t otherwise eat together. We offer a full breakfast with pancakes and eggs cooked to order and usually some seasonal greens or other vegetables. It’s all pay what you can. No one is turned away for lack of funds. We offer it here so people have the dignity of eating indoors in a warm space. Food access is a passion of mine, and I’m also beginning a fundraising campaign so that we can continue to meet our expenses and stay open.
Q. Is Rainbow Bridge under financial threat?
A. We are. We had a lot of funding come in through flood recovery times, and we dispensed a lot of that through our Rainbow Relief Fund. Now we are in a bit of a funding shortfall, so we need to make up the deficit. We have a backup plan if we close the brick and mortar space temporarily—to be set up at the Aldrich Library and one or two local churches—but my plan is to prevent that and to be able to continue offering groups out of this space.
Q. What is the one thing you want people to know about Rainbow Bridge?
A. We have groups for all ages, and we offer social connection in a time where social isolation is rampant. We think that we’re stronger together, so we are interested in having people be as socially knit together as possible and supporting one another for the long haul. If people want more information about us, they can visit our website, which has our full calendar of events and ways to be in touch with us.