Beading with Purpose: Pride Month Ends with Creativity, Connection & Community Care

Colton, CA — On June 30, 2025, a colorful and creative celebration brought Pride Month to a joyful close at The CENTER @ Joshua Home in Colton.
Beading with Purpose: Pride Edition, a hands-on Pride Flag Pony Bead Workshop, welcomed Two Spirit folks, LGBTQ+ youth, queer adults, allies, and community members for an evening of art, connection, and healing in a space centered on affirmation, visibility, and joy.

The free event was hosted by Joshua Home: an LGBTQ Safe Haven in collaboration with the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PCEJ) and the Riverside–San Bernardino County Indian Health (RSBCIHI). Guests of all ages gathered to design colorful Pride-themed keychains and keepsakes, eat together, and engage in healing-centered community care.

“LGBTQIA2S+ communities existed before colonization, and we are taking steps to dismantle transphobia and homophobia in our communities,”
— Kat, RSBCIHI

“It’s a dream come true to host an inclusive Pride event at the first and only LGBTQ+ center in my hometown of Colton.”
— Darby, People’s Collective for Environmental Justice

“This is the power of collective work. When community-rooted organizations come together, we create more than events—we create belonging.”
— Annette Patterson, Founder, Joshua Home

Guests were invited to visit The CENTER’s free Center Stage Closet, read queer-affirming books, rest in shaded bistro lounge areas, and take home giveaways like keepsake boxes, Starbucks tumblers, and donated gifts from RSBCIHI. Nearly all participants joined in the beading activity, with many expressing joy at finding a space where creativity, identity, and community could thrive together.

This event was made possible through the power of grassroots collaboration and local partnerships.
It was part of the IE Community Resources Alliance, a Joshua Home community outreach initiative where local nonprofits and other community-rooted groups connect, collaborate, elevate, and thrive together in service.

📸 Photos and video reels are available upon request.
🤝 For referrals, partnership inquiries, or to get involved with the collective effort, please contact us directly and we’ll get you connected.