May 2025 Newsletter

Greetings Aff Community,

The start of 2025 brought uncertainty and stress for many in our community. As we continue to navigate the impact of shifting state and federal funding, one thing is clear — the need in our community is growing. This has been especially evident in our care management, health, and mental health services. Both individual and group therapy have reached record attendance, reflecting the urgent demand for affirming support.

We are proud to say that Affirmations is meeting this moment with clarity, strength, and momentum.

We owe deep gratitude to our outgoing Executive Director, Cheryl Czach, whose steady leadership helped guide Affirmations through a critical period of growth and stabilization. Cheryl’s last full-time day will be May 15, and she’ll continue in a part-time support role through August to ensure a smooth handoff. Her dedication and care have left a lasting impact and her work has laid a strong foundation for the chapter ahead. Interim Executive Director, Tracy Hall, has stepped in with energy and vision, working alongside Cheryl and our Board since December to lead Affirmations through this exciting transition. With thoughtful planning, we’re poised to continue growing as a statewide leader in LGBTQ+ equity and support.

Although Cheryl is embarking on a new journey, her impact will fortify the center for many years to come. Among her many contributions, the spearheading of a three-year strategic plan is the most ambitious. We invite you to explore our new community-driven strategic direction — 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. 

This is a bold, actionable roadmap built from community, donor, board, and staff input. It outlines priorities across health & human services, fund development, and volunteer programming, while deepening our commitment to advocacy and connection. 

This work is already in motion. Health & Human Services continues to expand, with therapists, workshops, and clinics reporting record-high attendance. Our Volunteer Network now has more active participants than ever before. And under Tracy’s leadership, along with support from our visionary Board Co-Chairs, we’re also scaling programs, strengthening infrastructure, and growing our Board to reflect the diversity and brilliance of our community.

Fund development is another major pillar of the plan. We’re thrilled to welcome our new Development Director, Ryn Moravec, and launch the Development & Ambassador Committee. This dynamic group of volunteers and board members will help drive forward our fundraising and social engagement goals. The 2025-2026 Development Strategy is currently in progress and new opportunities to give, gather, and grow will be rolled out in the coming months.

You’ll also notice strategic changes in how we connect and communicate. Check out our newly redesigned website, be on the lookout for community impact snapshots, and a legacy & beneficiary storytelling project led by our marketing team. These efforts align with our commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and deep community connection.

There’s never been a better time to get involved! As we reflect on the uncertainty that opened this year, we recognize how vital strong leadership and community support are to navigating challenges and change. From Cheryl’s lasting legacy to Tracy’s community work experience, regional ties, and forward-focused leadership, Affirmations is stepping into this next chapter with purpose and pride.

And speaking of pride, this Pride season, we’re not just celebrating — we are organizing, we are preparing, and we are taking bold action and investing in the systems and people who carry this work forward. Whether you’re a volunteer, client, or guest, we look forward to spending this June with you.

Thank you for standing with us,
Your Affirmations Team