Our Mission And WOrk

Who We Are

Since 1989, Affirmations Community Center has continued to evolve and grow, while remaining true to its mission: to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Michiganders through education, programming, advocacy, and by providing space for community connection.

At Affirmations, we envision an equitable world where LGBTQ+ individuals have the right to love, live, and thrive.

Where We Work

Located in the Metro Detroit region, Affirmations serves individuals, families, and allies across Southeast Michigan, including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. Each year, the center welcomes tens of thousands of visitors through programs in mental health, resource navigation, youth and family services, health and wellness, arts and culture, and community engagement.

Through its CenterCore Partners initiative, Affirmations extends its impact statewide, helping smaller and rural LGBTQ+ centers access shared training, fundraising, and operational support. By investing in collaboration and capacity-building, CenterCore ensures that LGBTQ+ individuals across Michigan, regardless of geography, have access to affirming spaces, critical resources, and a strong sense of community connection.

What We Do

Affirmations enriches the lives of Michiganders through a wide range of programs and services, including affirming therapy and counseling, resource navigation for housing and healthcare, and peer-led support groups for youth, adults, and families.

The center also offers community events, youth leadership programs, health and wellness services, advocacy and education, and vibrant opportunities in arts, culture, and recreation. Through these initiatives, Affirmations builds connection, belonging, and pride across Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community.

Our Impact

30k

Individuals and families engage with Affirmations every year through counseling, support groups, learning workshops, vaccine clinics, sport and wellness activities, youth programs, food pantries, artist markets, and more!

230

Volunteers currently support our work in 2025, enabling community access to a range of resources for the LGBTQ+ community, like our food pantry, discussion and support group, and variety of healthcare services for all ages!

3.5k

Counseling visits in 2025. Individuals and groups participate in a variety of supportive services facilitated by our incredible team of 12 therapists and student therapists.

40

Vaccination and testing clinics hosted in 2025 to promote the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.

How We Serve

Belonging: We build compassionate LGBTQ+ spaces where individuals can thrive by connecting, healing, and celebrating the joy of their intersectionalities.

Empowerment: We provide the education, resources, and supportive networks to partner with LGBTQ+ people to recognize their inherent strengths, make autonomous choices, and live authentically.

Intentionality: We take a sustainable and community-driven approach to our programs, resources, and interactions to address needs.

Transformation: We commit to meaningful impact by providing innovative services, dismantling systemic barriers, and cultivating accessible spaces so LGBTQ+ individuals can flourish.

Equity: We recognize and address the unique barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community by amplifying marginalized voices and creating pathways to justice that honor each individual.

Our Reports

In order to best serve our LGBTQ+ and metro Detroit communities, we aim to be a trustworthy steward of our financial resources and provide transparency in both our programs and operations.

Give with Confidence

Affirmations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Charity Navigator rates Affirmations a 4 out of 4 based on our financial health, accountability, and transparency.