UH Rainbow Connects

What Is UH Rainbow Connects?

We know that health goes beyond medical visits. It includes feeling safe, supported and cared for every day. UH Rainbow Connects helps families access essential resources like diapers, utility support, clothing and transportation for medical appointments.

But we’re here for more than just practical needs. UH Rainbow Connects also offers a listening ear, a caring presence and someone to turn to during times of stress or uncertainty. Our goal is to meet you where you are with kindness, compassion and respect for your whole journey.

This program is made possible through generous philanthropic support, which helps us provide dedicated staff and critical resources to serve our community.

Program Highlights

Some of the services UH Rainbow Connects offers include:

Diaper Program

Families who are up to date on their healthcare visits are eligible to receive two packs of diapers each month. Our goal is to ease the financial burden and help parents care for their children with less stress.

One-on-One Support

Sometimes just talking to someone makes a difference. Our dedicated volunteers and community health workers are here to listen and help connect you to the resources you need.

Community Distribution Events

Each month, UH Rainbow Connects hosts events where families can access essential items like clothing, hygiene supplies and food. During colder months, we also provide winter coats, hats and other seasonal necessities. Families are encouraged to sign up in advance to reserve their spot.

Healthy Harvest Mondays

Every Monday, we offer free fresh fruits and vegetables through our Healthy Harvest program. Produce is distributed at the UH Rainbow Connects Resource Center and is available to all University Hospitals patients. Distribution starts at 9 a.m. until produce runs out.

Partnership With Community Outreach

We work closely with our partners at UH Rainbow/MacDonald Community outreach, who offer the following programs and events:

• Injury Prevention Center’s Safety Squad
• Spring Resource Fair
• Wymer Arts Inspired Learning
• Bunny Breakfast
• Trunk or Treat
• Other special events

How Does UH Rainbow Connects Work?

• Phone or in-person help: Our community health workers and volunteers are available to work one-on-one with patients and families to support their specific needs. Call us and will be happy to help you.
• Drop-in resource center: Our drop-in resource center, located on the second floor of UH Rainbow Ahuja Center for Women and Children, is the heart of our program. Our staff and volunteers are available at the center to help our UH families during appointment and walk-in hours.
• Community partners: Working with community partners such as the Cleveland Regional Food Bank, Bright Beginnings and others, we help to supply our families with needed resources, connections and support.

Our Staff

We have a lot of great people who are committed to our patients, including:

• Community health workers: Our community health workers are trusted advocates, educators and navigators. They have a deep understanding of the Cuyahoga County community.
• Student volunteers: Student volunteers from Case Western Reserve University, John Caroll University, Cleveland State University and other area universities assist patients and families, providing a direct connection to resources. These student volunteers come from medical and public health degree programs. They are highly trained volunteers who have a deep commitment to the mission of UH Rainbow Connects.

How to Connect

Other Ways to Contact Us

• Call: Contact us at 216-675-6635 during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Visit: Come to the UH Rainbow Connects resource center during our walk-in hours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Appointments are preferred to guarantee that we can see you when you arrive, but we will do our best to meet with you upon your arrival.
• Ask your provider for a referral: Your UH provider can help you by placing a referral with us. When we receive the referral, we will contact you to discuss how we can best support your needs. Your provider will also be notified that we have followed up.