For my Birthday, I am once again asking for your love and support. If you find it in your heart to make a donation to support Affirmations, I would be so grateful. As most of you know, I have served as a board member for a number of years. 

As with many things, our current health crisis has also impacted Affirmations. For the second year in a row, our largest fundraiser has had to be postponed.  I would not ask you to this without having skin in the game. So Rob and I will be matching your donations dollar for dollar.

This message appears on our website and was written by our executive Director.

Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center was founded in 1989 with a mission to provide a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultures can find support and unconditional acceptance, and where they can learn, grow, socialize and feel safe.

Our goal then was to fight for acceptance and basic human rights for our LGBTQ+ community. We proudly celebrate Ferndale Michigan as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States.

Today, we have seen how quickly threats can reemerge in our community. LGBTQ+ lives are still threatened at home and abroad. As I write this, LGBTQ+ people can still legally be denied housing, public accommodation, and be fired from their jobs in many states around the country, including Michigan. Health disparities throughout the LGBTQ+ community are vast and there is much more work to do. We will always remember our history as we build our future, and will never stop.

We will be visible, reminding the world that we are strong, vital members of our community.

We will be inclusive, because we know what it means to be left out.

We will be connected, linking needs to resources and people to one another.

We will stick up and fight for everyone in our community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and we will need your help to do so.

Participate in our hundreds of groups and activities presented each year, volunteer your time, and get involved.

Affirmations belongs to you – the community. Affirmations is so much more than a beautiful building in the heart of a vibrant city. Affirmations protects our right to live our authentic lives safely and with integrity. Affirmations is the hopes and dreams of our youth and the antidote to isolation for our seniors. Affirmations is the promise of recovery to those that struggle with addiction and a safe harbor for those struggling to come out.

Affirmations is a chosen home for a chosen family.

You are welcomed here.