Rainbow Connection Supports Tuscarawas County Community & School Projects

The Tuscarawas Society for Children & Adults, Inc. (better known as Rainbow Connection) is supporting numerous community and school projects throughout Tuscarawas County this summer, including the Newcomerstown Historical Society, Lacey PAC Adaptive Movement Center, Tuscora Park, Newcomerstown Schools, and Starlight Enterprises.

“I get asked a lot, ‘how many people benefit from Rainbow Connection’s support each year,’ and it’s an impossible answer,” Executive Director Perci Garner said. “We can calculate the number of individuals who apply and receive assistance: that number is easy. But where do you begin with these larger community projects that benefit not only Tuscarawas County residents but often those who visit.”

These projects include:

- Newcomerstown Historical Society, $15,985.00, for the construction of a handicap-accessible ramp at their Temperance Tavern Museum;

- Starlight Enterprises, $30,684.00, for the purchase of a new handicap-accessible van;

- Lacey PAC Adaptive Movement Center, $1,249.00, for the creation of a sensory room;

- Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools, $1,072.95, for the purchase of sensory equipment and the creation of sensory spaces for students.

“The term 'sensory' can be vast and overwhelming to parents and caregivers,” wrote Newcomerstown EVSD Director of Special Education Christopher Lipinski. “We hope that in creating sensory spaces within our classroom and building, that we will also be able to share some ideas with parents and caregivers that can be implemented at home in a cost-effective way. A team approach is always most effective when working with students with complex needs.”

In addition to these new awards, the handicap-accessible train project at Tuscora Park was finished earlier this summer. Rainbow Connection previously contributed more than $115,000.00 toward the new train and facility upgrades. The front seats in both train cars now allow for wheelchair transfer. A structure was also built to allow for safe entry and departure from the train as well.

At the Rainbow Connection’s June and July board meetings, the board approved almost $68,000.00 of assistance to local residents, nonprofits, and schools. The organization has awarded more than $159,000.00 of the $352,503.13 raised at its March 2025 Telethon.

“The ongoing support from our community allows us to provide these improvements in addition to the aid we give to individuals,” Garner said. “Both types of assistance have huge impact, but these large scale gifts that benefit the entire community ensure that the contributions we receive directly support as many Tuscarawas County residents as possible.”

If you or someone you know needs assistance with health or medical expenses, visit tuscrainbow.org or call 330.343.8686 to apply.