The Rainbow Cafe started in 2009 as a partnership between the Cresskill Congregational Church, United Church of Christ and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).  Since then, we have grown to roughly 50-75 teenagers who regularly attend our events from towns and boroughs all across Bergen County, New Jersey. 

The events of our Rainbow Café are varied but always include at least four dances a year, although we do tend to change up the dance days.  Over the years, we have had a Pumpkin Dance in October, a Holiday Dance in December, a Snow Dance in January, a Valentine’s Dance in February, a St. Patrick’s Day Dance in March, and a Gay Prom in June. 

We also host a Rainbow Cafe Lounge that occurs on months when we do not have a dance. Our lounge events has an open mic, board games, and watching LGBT movies followed by a discussion.  We have watched Trick, Beautiful Thing, Kinky Boots, and But I’m a Cheerleader.?

Check out our events page for a current schedule of activities.

We are continuously working to ensure our youth group stays relevant to the youth who participate.  As such, we provide a variety of programs and services.  Currently, we share information through our website and by hosting a Facebook page. 

While our programs and activities are important, our main purpose and mission is to model particular core values in order to give the youth the necessary life-tools they’ll need to live their lives.  These values include integrity, courage, kindness, compassion, and honesty.  We believe that modeling these values encourages and empowers the teenagers to be themselves, to stand up for themselves, to make better life decisions, and champion the causes and hopes of their generation.

The Rainbow Café is led by an openly gay pastor and a team of volunteer advisors who all have regular background checks and who serve in particular ways.  Parents can be assured that their youth will be protected and in a safe environment.  Our volunteers include social workers, licensed clinical therapists, nurses, professionals, and a host of caring straight, gay, and trans adults and parents who want to ensure all kids have a safe and fun time.  Fortunately, the police station is located right next door to the church where all the dances and activities happen.

If you are interested in the Rainbow Café and have any questions, please feel free to contact Carolyn Schinkel at [email protected]. 

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Last Updated: 08/10/23