BOSS Interview: David Garcia of Affirmations
“One day I might be talking about something as important as eliminating conversion therapy in Michigan and the next hour I’m up on the roof looking at an HVAC system that’s about to give out,” he said.
Dave Garcia to Return as Affirmation’s Director
Dave Garcia to Return as Affirmation’s Director (Crystal A. Proxmire, March 13, 2019) Ferndale, MI – Former Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia is returning after five years of working for Los Angeles LGBT Center in California. Garcia left affirmations early in 2014 to take the lead of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which has six…
Erspamer Resigns, Transgender Activist Reyes Named Affirmations Interim Director
Erspamer Resigns, Transgender Activist Reyes Named Affirmations Interim Director (Crystal A. Proxmire, March 29, 2018) Ferndale, MI- After two years as Executive Director of Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center in Ferndale, Susan Ersparmer has resigned in the midst of financial concerns and staff issues. Following Erspamer’s resignation, the Board of Directors voted Wednesday night to appoint…
Jewish Ferndale Puts Down Roots with New Community Center
Jewish Ferndale Puts Down Roots with New Community Center (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 6, 2016) Ferndale, MI – The walls that divided the tiny rooms of a dentist’s office have come down and a front yard full of fruit trees has been planted to grow up as the Ferndale Jewish Community Center gets settled in…
Affirmations, State’s Largest LGBT Center, Ends Helpline Program
Affirmations, State’s Largest LGBT Center, Ends Helpline Program (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 10, 2015) Ferndale, MI – Where can LGBT people, and those seeking information about LGBT issues, turn when they need someone to talk to about the unique problems faced by being in the queer community? For the last 27 years, that answer has…
The Changing of the Board at Affirmations
Other exciting news included the changes that have happened over the past year, plus the plans in place for future growth. The center is now open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., six days a week with special programing on Sundays. Several smaller organizations are now calling Affirmations home
Affirmations Moves Ahead…(video)
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.
Potential Donors Get Answers from Affirmations
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.
Affirmations Steps Back
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.