Our Journey, our heart
Learn the story behind OTR — an organization built from lived experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for our community. Our mission is to stabilize lives, restore dignity, and empower individuals on their journey toward healing, wellness, and independence.Whether you’re looking for support, community, ways to give back, or opportunities to make a difference, we invite you to be part of the movement.
Join the OTR community today by signing up, volunteering, or donating through the form below.
Our story: born from lived experience
OTR was created through lived experience, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to land. We understand what it feels like to struggle in silence, feel unsupported, and try to rebuild life while carrying pain, trauma, or instability. Over the Rainbow was built to be the kind of space many of us wish we had—a space where people feel seen, heard, valued, and supported without judgment.
Mission Statement
To stabilize lives, restore dignity, and create pathways toward healing, wellness, and independence through community support, accessible resources, and safe, affirming spaces.
Vision Statement
To create a world where no one feels alone in their struggles and every person has access to the support, compassion, and opportunities they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
A Message from DeVante
For a long time, I kept saying “one day.”
One day I’ll start the nonprofit.
One day I’ll create the safe space I wish I had.
One day I’ll turn my pain into purpose.
Well… that day is finally here. 🌈
I’m officially launching Over the Rainbow (OTR), an LGBTQ+ nonprofit built from lived experience, compassion, and community care.
This organization is personal to me because I’ve lived through many of the struggles the people we serve face every day — addiction, instability, trauma, isolation, judgment, and trying to rebuild life while still healing from it.
OTR was created for the people who don’t always feel seen, heard, safe, or supported.
We are building safe, affirming, judgment-free spaces for individuals navigating:
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ support
🫶 Recovery & wellness
🏡 Housing instability
🔄 Re-entry & rebuilding life
🧠 Mental health & community connection
Our mission is simple:
Lead with compassion.
Support without judgment.
Build community through lived experience.
Everything is already being put into place — the foundation, programs, structure, and vision. Right now, I’m actively working to secure funding and grants so we can officially launch and begin serving the community in a bigger way.
I’m currently raising support for startup costs, outreach efforts, supplies, and community resources.
If you feel connected to this mission, you can support by:
💛 Donate (any amount truly helps)
📲 Share this post
🙏 Send encouragement, prayers, or resources
To everyone who has supported me, believed in me, or simply reminded me to keep going — thank you.
This is bigger than me now.
This is about creating the kind of space many of us wish we had growing up.
Because life really does get better over the rainbow.
Core Values
At Over the Rainbow (OTR), our work is guided by values rooted in compassion, lived experience, and community care.
- Respect & Inclusion — We believe every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and accepted exactly as they are. At OTR, everyone belongs here.
- Accountability & Growth — We recognize that healing and change take honesty, responsibility, and support. We encourage personal growth while creating space for grace and second chances.
- Community & Connection — No one should have to struggle alone. We believe healing happens through meaningful relationships, support systems, and genuine human connection.
- Access & Equity — Resources, opportunities, and support should be accessible to the people who need them most, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance.
These values shape every program, partnership, and interaction at OTR, helping us create a welcoming and empowering environment where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.
"from crisis to purpose: a story of transformation with otr"
One individual, newly released from incarceration and facing homelessness, found OTR during a time of profound disconnection. Navigating identity and without support, they were met not with judgment, but with a conversation.
We provided basic necessities like clothing and meals, but more importantly, consistent support and guidance. What began as a moment of crisis transformed into a journey toward stability. Now, they are actively working toward employment and reconnecting with a sense of purpose. This is the heart of OTR—meeting people where they are and walking with them until they thrive.
Beyond the ordinary
This is where our journey begins. Get to know OTR and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.