Rainbow Connection unveils grant-funded welcome mural
Tuscarawas Arts Partnership Executive Director Wilma Mullet, left, and Rainbow Connection Executive Director Perci Garner
Funded in large part by a Tuscarawas Arts Partnership Support Grant, the new welcome mural at Rainbow Connection sends a clear message: They’re here to help.
“We know when people come through our doors that they’ve been through a lot,” Executive Director Perci Garner said. “They’re sick or injured, facing a bill that is outside their budget, and now they have to ask for assistance. We can’t change the circumstances that bring them to us, but we want them to know they’re not alone.”
Garner said the goal of the project was to welcome applicants into a bright, comfortable space that makes the process less intimidating.
“We know asking for help is hard — and so is our application. They have to disclose their household income, expenses, debts, and the situation and costs that brought them here. It’s a lot, so we do everything we can to make it easier. We’re so thankful to Wilma Mullet and the TAP board for helping us do that with this mural,” Garner said.
The Tuscarawas Arts Support Grant is awarded to projects and programs that focus on arts, culture and creativity in Tuscarawas County. The grant supports arts-based projects that positively impact local communities. Rainbow Connection received a $1,500 TASG in 2024.
Dover artist Hannah Johnson was commissioned to complete the mural. Her design highlights local schools and references several of the services Rainbow Connection assists with including hearing aids, medical transportation, handicapped equipment, medical bills and medical alert devices. The mural also includes tributes to former Executive Director Carmel Hauter and Garner’s time pitching for the 2016 Cleveland Indians.
“It’s amazing that you guys are here in our community, and your mural says it perfectly,” a recent applicant said. “You’re here to help. Our community is here to help.”
Rainbow Connection provides financial assistance to Tuscarawas County’s disabled and disadvantaged residents, as well as to schools and organizations that support them. Funds are raised through the agency’s annual telethon, which brought in a record-breaking $352,503.13 at its 52nd annual event in March. All funds go directly to support applicants.
“We cannot thank our community enough for the support they showed us in March and continue to show us,” Garner said. “We didn’t meet in March to review cases because of the telethon, so we had 27 cases to present to the board last week. That’s a new record for me.”
At the April board meeting, Rainbow Connection approved $72,806.27 in assistance to Tuscarawas County individuals and schools. That total includes nearly $48,000 in medical and dental bill assistance; more than $17,000 in handicapped equipment, hearing aids and communication devices; and close to $8,000 for prescriptions, medical supplies and transportation to medical appointments.
Visit www.tuscrainbow.org or call 330-343-8686.