All youth programs are free of charge, open to anyone regardless of identity or residency.
For questions regarding Youth Programming, please contact Joe at jvolpe@goaffirmations.org or call (248) 398-7105.
Pride Prom
Ages: 12-18
When: Check back for 2024 details
Where: Affirmations | 290 W. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
An inclusive dance party complete with music, snacks, and fun themes. Attire is always come dressed for the theme or come as you are.
Carl Rippberger Youth Drop-In Center
Ages: 13-18
When: Fridays at 5 pm-8 pm
Where: Affirmations | 290 W. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
A safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to build community and have fun in a casual space. Our drop-in center is returning in 2023 in partnership with Stand with Trans. The Carl Rippberger Drop-in Center is equipped with a sensory station, board games, books, arts and crafts, streaming services, video games and more! We offer snacks, beverages, monthly pizza parties on the last Friday of each month, and a free gender-affirming clothing rack.
#FinnItForward Fund
Ages: All youth
Finn It Forward, a non-profit organization created to honor the legacy of Finn Huston, exists to support and reward individuals who exemplify kindness, leadership, courage, and creativity. This includes advancement in education, fine arts, and music as well as supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The #FinnItForward Fund was created by Finn It Forward, Affirmations, and other collaborative funders to assist LGBTQ+ individuals with emergency funding needs.
Youth Discord Server
Ages: 13-18
When: 24/7
Where: Discord
A virtual safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to connect and express themselves in different themed channels/chat rooms within our private server. This server is monitored by Affirmations’ staff and adult volunteers. To request an invitation, please email Elijah White at ewhite@goaffirmations.org.
Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Program
Ages: 14-18
When: Wednesdays at 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, September 6, 2023 – December 20, 2023.(Next Cohort: February 2024 – May 2024)
Where: Zoom
This is a 16-week, curriculum-based program that molds LGBTQ+ Youth into leaders by providing them with job readiness skills and advocacy tools. Topics include resume writing, interview skills, identity, LGBTQIA2S+ history, financial education, and more!
Participants who complete this program are eligible for internships across various departments of the organization.
Reading Rainbow
Ages: Grades 4-8
Timing: Fourth Tuesday of each month | 6 pm
Location: Ferndale Area District Library | 222 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI, 48220.
This is a social hour with a book discussion included. Kids don’t have to have finished (or even started) the book to attend the Reading Rainbow; the rest of the hour is free time dedicated to socializing/crafting/hanging out together.
For September’s book of the month on the 26th, we’re discussing Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff. Sign up below, and drop-ins are always welcome!
Participants are responsible for locating their own copy of the book. Limited copies are available at the Ferndale Area District Library and may be available at other local libraries. Contact the library to hold a copy.
Please contact Damon (damon@fadl.org) or Mary Grahame (marygrahame@fadl.org) at the Ferndale Area District Library if you have any questions or need help locating the book.
The Reading Rainbow is a partnership between Affirmations and The Ferndale Area District Library.
