Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can find support and unconditional acceptance, and where they can learn, grow, socialize and have fun. Affirmations is an evolving community center where all who gather are embraced and are free to be their authentic selves.

Description:
Centrally located in vibrant downtown Ferndale, just a mile from the Detroit City border, Affirmations is the center for LGBT activities throughout the community. In keeping with its vision, Affirmations is the hub of the community, celebrating wellness, personal growth and development, centered in a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility that is financially secure. Because of its ability to change and meet community needs, Affirmations, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, has become not only the largest LGBT organization in Michigan, but also one of the ten largest in the United States.

Programs include a nationally renowned Youth Services program, Health Services program, discussion and support groups, and Social and Recreational activities. Resources at the center include our toll-free Helpline, the Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery, Game Room, General Motors Foundation Media Center and Bayard Rustin Library, and our Volunteer and Leadership Development program.

History:
In 1989, Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center was formed to serve the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and questioning individuals in Southeastern Michigan. During our first two years of operation, the organization was run entirely by volunteers. Originally known simply as the "switchboard," the first service offered to the LGBT community was a toll-free Helpline for information and referral, 1-800-398-GAYS (4297), which still exists today.

In 1991, Affirmations appointed its first Executive Director, Jan Stevenson. Under her leadership, group offerings expanded to include bisexual women's rap group, coming out groups, men's rap, silver foxxes, young men's group, youth group and many more. It also became the home for 12-step groups specifically designed for those who were lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

In 1992, the Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery was opened and established in the name of Susan Pittmann and Christine Puckett, two co-founders of Affirmations who were murdered by their neighbor in an apparent hate crime. The first-ever LGBT youth prom was also held this year at Backstreet.

In 1994, the Youth Services Program experienced tremendous growth and was able to meet community needs, due in large part to the estate of the late Carl Rippenberger, who left a $150,000 donation to Affirmations. By the end of 1995, youth services accounted for 50% of Affirmations' staff and 35% of the center's usable space.

In 1995, Affirmations' first Executive Director, Jan Stevenson, resigned in 1995 to become the publisher of Michigan's statewide LGBT newspaper, Between The Lines. Julie Enzer became Affirmations' second Executive Director and served for the next two years.

In 2000, Leslie Thompson became the center's current Executive Director, and was charged with re-vitalizing the organization.

In 2001, the Board of Directors decided to move forward with a feasibility study to determine the capacity of the local community to support the building of a new home for Affirmations.

In 2002, the Health Services Program was launched, providing information and resources on the health disparities faced by LGBT people, and including weight reduction and smoking cessation classes.

In 2003, after a positive outcome on the feasibility study, the Board of Directors voted to move forward with plans to build a new community center. Launched on Valentine's Day, Affirmations created a Domestic Partnership Registry. Later, in collaboration with Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Michigan, Affirmations' DP Registry was used to offer healthcare benefits to partners of employees with this insurance plan. Later that year, the award-winning group, Coming Out Over Coffee, developed and quickly gained a successful reputation.

In 2004, Older Adult and Community Outreach programs were developed at Affirmations. A photographic journal called, The Heritage Project was created to celebrate and share the stories of our LGBT elders.

In 2006, the Capital Campaign fundraising goal of $5.3 million was successfully met with the help of landmark contributions from all of the "Big 3" automotive companies. Affirmations launched two new programs: Civic Engagement and Social & Recreation.

In 2007, Affirmations moved into its new, 17,000-square-foot building, re-opening for business on April 9th. The new building design included environmentally-friendly features, cyber cafe with 15 public-access computers and free wireless internet, a beautiful 2-story art gallery, an outdoor rooftop sky deck and library & media center.

Contact people:

Cassandra Varner, Communications Manager, (248) 398-7105, (email) Bashar Makhay, Community Organizing Coordinator, (248) 398-7105, (email) Carrie Copeland, Special Events Manager, (248) 398-7105 x224, (email)

Office fax number: 248-541-1943

Address:

290 West Nine Mile Road Ferndale, MI 48220 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.GoAffirmations.org