Inclusivity, Community, Belonging, and Love During this Year’s Pride
Staff and participants ride on the float during the Franklin County Pride Parade.
ServiceNet was joined by many new and familiar faces at this year’s Franklin County Pride Parade in Greenfield, with attendance higher than ever before.
Staff members and program participants from ServiceNet, River Valley Counseling Center, Prospect Meadow Farm, Family Empowerment, and Autism Connections joined the march to celebrate love, community, inclusivity, and belonging.
“This year marked our largest Pride presence yet, with Pathlight legacy and RVCC community members joining us and representation at three events across Western Massachusetts,” said Amy Diehl, senior director of communications and development at ServiceNet. “Reaching more people and more communities than ever before is a reflection of what Pride means to our community. We are also so grateful to the staff and participants at ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm, who steward our float each year and this time brought along Mina the goat, who stole the show and many hearts!”
Mina the goat captured the hearts of many parade attendees.
Programs collaborated on a float for the parade, decorating it with rainbows, balloons, and Pride flags. Staff and program participants on the float waved and cheered alongside Mina, dubbed the “goat on the float.”
ServiceNet community member and program participant DJ Pinkie drummed along as he marched near the float, keeping everyone engaged and excited during the festivities. Marchers handed out candy and other goodies, such as the fan favorite ServiceNet Pride plush teddy bear, during the parade.
Program participant DJ Pinkie motivated the crowd with his drum.
ServiceNet also tabled alongside River Valley Counseling Center at the Chicopee Pride event, spreading the word about the array of programs and services the organization offers.
ServiceNet and River Valley Counseling Center will also be in attendance at the upcoming Pride Fest June 27 in Holyoke.
