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.
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.
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 April’s book of the month on the 30th, we’re discussing Spin With Me by Amy Polonsky. 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.
The Rainbow Caregiver Club
The Rainbow Caregiver Club is a new social group that’s open to any/all caregivers of LGBTQ+ kids. This group is scheduled to coincide with the timing of Reading Rainbow; however, there’s no need to have a child in attendance at that event to attend the Rainbow Caregiver Club.
Library staff are not present to facilitate this event; the group is self-run by(/for) the caregivers in attendance. No registration is required.
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, February 7, 2024 – May 22, 2024
Where: Zoom
Application Deadline: January 31st, 2024
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.
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.
