“Imagine mortgaging your home for charity.” That’s exactly what Lenox and Heather Green did for the Rainbow Christian Centre. This place on Bronte Street stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication.
Rainbow Christian Centre opened its doors in 2003. Lenox and Heather envisioned a haven. It would be for underprivileged children and adults in Hulme. Lenox’s own upbringing fueled this dream. He knew what it was like to lack life’s luxuries. He wanted to create something different.
The Rainbow Christian Centre provides many services. It offers food, drinks, clothes, and shelter. It is a place where people can simply hang out. All of this is free. Lenox believed in freely giving. He felt that many churches charged for everything. Rainbow Christian Centre would be different.
The story of how the centre’s purpose was defined is quite remarkable. The couple bought the building. They weren’t entirely sure how to use it. Then, a young boy climbed onto the roof. Lenox asked him what he wanted to see happen there. The boy wanted a youth centre. He told Lenox what he and his friends would like. So, on day one, local kids set the agenda.
Initially, the Rainbow Christian Centre faced challenges. Some locals were unsettled by the noise. Despite a drop in local crime, the centre was burglarized. However, a friend warned the culprits off. This showed the community’s respect for Rainbow Christian Centre.
Lenox and Heather primarily funded the centre themselves. They remortgaged their home. They grew frustrated with the council’s lack of support. Lenox said this gave them freedom. They could run it as they wished. He felt a larger organization might interfere too much.
Rainbow Christian Centre focuses on community impact. Lenox emphasizes helping the estate. Statistics don’t drive him. People do. He finds satisfaction in making a difference in their lives.
Rainbow Christian Centre supports individuals. It also meets spiritual needs. The charity commission recognizes its activities. It is registered as charity number 1043339.
Financially, Rainbow Christian Centre has seen fluctuations. In the year ending March 31, 2024, total income was £530. Total expenditure was £6,217. There are three trustees overseeing the centre.
Rainbow Christian Centre provides services for children and young people. It also supports families. Its work includes addressing homelessness and individual poverty. Food drives are also a key activity. The centre operates on a national scale.
Lenox dreams of one day dedicating more time to the centre. He would like to offer classes and workshops. The small team of volunteers provides gym facilities and a crèche. Lenox feels he gets as much out of it as the people who come here. He considers it a privilege.
Rainbow Christian Centre is indeed a unique centre. Lenox hopes it makes a difference. He wants to offer the kind of support he wished he had as a child. The people involved share the same vision and beliefs. Lenox will never regret the time and money he invested in Rainbow Christian Centre. It has been truly rewarding.