I am an ally for humanity. I use my art as a vehicle to engage people in the art making process, inspire creativity and bring awareness to their cause. In addition to the Affirmations Spring Bash, I was involved with
The theme of family love was evident in the Ferndale Pride planning. The kids’ tent was run by local moms and dads, and the Rainbow Run had a short family “run” where kids could join their parents and get paint thrown on them too. And in the afternoon a local family spoke about their experience adopting a gay teenager.
The buzz at Affirmations isn’t just about the electric bill. There is a palpable increase in warmth and energy from the volunteers, staff and members who make it a true community center.
Pride planning is now under way around Southeastern Michigan as Hotter Than July and Ferndale Pride both held their first organizational meetings Feb. 23. Both groups had higher than expected turnout and anticipate growing the events this year. HTJ will hold its 17th annual event in Palmer Park beginning Tuesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 29. Ferndale Pride, now in its second year, will take place over Father’s Day weekend beginning Saturday, June 16 through Sunday, June 17.
Affirmations was packed to capacity as the David Garcia, the new Executive Director, spoke about his vision for the community center and its role in connecting those interested in moving Michigan towards equality.
Judy Lewis of the Jewish Gay Network has a vision of unity in the LGBT community. She and representatives of over 30 organizations hosted a large Coming Out for Equality Event on Oct 11 at Level One Bank in Ferndale.
The Second Annual SE Michigan Dyke March took place on June 4, 2011. 500 marchers chanted for equality as they moved through Downtown Ferndale and ended at Geary Park for an afternoon of music and memories.
A passionate group of volunteers quickly got together to create events that celebrate Ferndale’s diversity on Pride Weekend, while not conflicting with the larger Detroit event.
Off the bat there were over 20 volunteers, led by…
The Summit was put on by a coalition of groups and individuals, including: ACLU of Michigan, Adult Well Being Services, Affirmations, Citizens for Better Care, Equality Michigan, Jewish Gay Network, the Jim Toy Community Center, and S.P.I.C.E. Information collected at the summit will be used to guide the coalition in working to solve the problems faced by the aging LGBT population.
…“This is one of our essential services,” said Affirmations Interim Executive Director Kevin Howley. “We are working on grant writing right now to keep this program funded because it serves the community in so many ways. Knowing that 43 more counselors are out there with a better understanding of LGBT client needs makes it a worthwhile way to not only help people here who need it, but the community as a whole. It’s great to think of LGBT acceptance spreading this way.”…
“The plan for 2011,” Howley said…
Longtime Affirmations volunteer, and Board President from 2008-2010, George Westerman has taken on the task of leading the “Campaign for the Future,” a drive to raise the $1.25 million needed to give Affirmations a strong balance sheet and capital structure. Thus far the campaign has raised $540,000, although only $350,000 has been collected.
The congregation was silent when Rev. Deb Dysert asked if anyone from Corey Jackson’s family or circle of friends wanted to share anything about the young man who took his own life on Oct. 18.
An era of growth and expansion has come to a halt at Affirmations, where new leadership has taken a look at the organization’s books and greatly reduced the hours that the doors of the recently-constructed community center will be open to serve the public, and the scope of services they will be able to provide, for at least the next year while the organization regroups.
Members of the University of Michigan Dearborn Gay Straight Alliance wanted to know everything they could about Craig Covey’s experience as the first openly gay Mayor in Michigan. That’s why they invited him to speak at their Oct. 7, 2010 meeting…. (read more)