It was a fabulous event as ARC and Empowerline participated in the 2023 Atlanta Pride Festival in October. Despite the unusually cool temperatures, thousands were on hand at Piedmont Park amid a rainbow of colors, festive spirit, and an impressive marketplace snaking throughout the historic park. Vendors displayed an array of information, services, food, and wares captivating young and old.
Represented by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the Metro Atlanta region and part of Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) network, Empowerline and swag were on full display at the annual festival, the first year ARC participated in this event. The festival’s operator, the Atlanta Pride Committee, is Georgia’s oldest non-profit agency serving the LGBTQ community and serves as an advocate of, and resource to, gender and sexually diverse communities in Atlanta and the Southeastern United States.
ARC seeks to expand awareness and outreach for the information and referral service by tapping into communities otherwise overlooked and underserved. In March, Empowerline earned the SAGECare credential by completing requirements in cultural competency training to ensure a more positive experience for LGBTQ+ older adults. Participation in this year’s festival is ARC’s further commitment to ensuring broader outreach to include others, particularly in the LGBTQ+ older community, often misunderstood, marginalized, and less likely to seek services and resources for fear of discrimination and inadequate care.
The Empowerline booth was on full display with plenty of swag and plenty of information to share with festivalgoers. Swag including fans, tote bags, and koozies were a hit as volunteers engaged with others about Empowerline’s purpose as an information and referral source for all.
If you would like more information about SAGECare training, visit sageusa.care.
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