SHENANGO VALLEY - The Shenango Valley Pride Alliance announced Wednesday that it will be dissolving on June 1 due to "funding challenges that continue to affect nonprofits nationwide."

The group's annual Pride Picnic on May 23 will mark its final event. The nonprofit began its LGBTQIA+ support groups in 2021, offering members drop-in hours, events and resources. As Mercer County's first LGBTQIA+ community support center, the Alliance said in its release that it hopes people continue to reduce social isolation and support others in the Shenango Valley.

"We opened our doors to anyone who needed help regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and hope that the thousands of people we were fortunate to meet and help over the years will continue to build a stronger and more inclusive Shenango Valley," the organization stated.

The Alliance added that it is currently coordinating with several local organizations to continue support services for the LGBTQIA+ community:

  • New Castle Prism Initiative
  • Rae's Safe Haven
  • Mahoning Valley Queer Action
  • Full Spectrum Community Outreach 
  • PFLAG Mahoning Valley