invites you to

Meet the New Director of Rainbow Seniors
at our
Holiday Potluck

Kenneth Mercure

A message from the outgoing director:

My dear Rainbow Seniors and friends,
I am delighted to introduce you to Kenneth Mercure, the new Director of Rainbow Seniors.

Kenneth is a born organizer. A Berkshire County native, Kenneth’s earliest effort was the founding of an LGBTQ youth program in Great Barrington – at age 15! The group flourished for two years.

Kenneth began working as a Lyme disease community organizer and patient advocate in 2010. Kenneth went on to found the Lyme Alliance of the Berkshires, which has grown from a support group into a full-fledged organization that holds monthly meetings and workshops. Kenneth works directly with those affected to help them educate themselves and their families and to guide them in the direction of the care they need. To date Kenneth has moderated 70+ meetings.

I first became aware of Kenneth last year when he contacted Rainbow Seniors to learn if we were planning a countywide Pride celebration. We weren’t, so Kenneth assembled a large and enthusiastic volunteer team and they created one – last June’s successful Pride Festival in the Pittsfield Common, attended by over 500 beautiful and diverse people.  It was a wonderful example of inclusivity that gave the emerging LGBTQ community a voice. Berkshire Pride has since grown to be more than just a festival and is now working to help grow the community through a variety of events.

I was delighted when Kenneth expressed interest in the job of Director, and after a few conversations about our shared sense of the Rainbow Senior’s mission (including securing funding to support our activities and services into the future), Kenneth was hired.

We will work as co-Directors for a month or two, until Kenneth gains his sea legs and is ready to lead Rainbow Seniors into a solid future.

I am proud of Rainbow Seniors and feel confident that Kenneth will preserve and grow our merry band.