What Affirmations Community Center does

Affirmations Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 38-2882823) operating Michigan's largest LGBTQ+ community center from a 17,000-square-foot facility at 290 W 9 Mile Road in Ferndale, founded in 1989 by Detroit activists and relocated to its current site in 2007. The organization functions as a multi-service hub rather than a single-product provider, offering affirming behavioral health services (12 therapists plus contract therapists and a Psychiatry PA delivering individual, couples, family, and group therapy via in-person and telehealth), peer-led support and discussion groups, youth programming (Teen Drop-In, Lavender Leadership Academy, Queer Utopia, Youth Prom), healthcare access (HIV/STI testing with Henry Ford Health and Unified/Vivent Health, vaccination clinics, harm reduction), basic-needs services (Lettuce Help Food Pantry, clothing closet, David B. Bohnett CyberCenter, gender-affirming supplies, safe showers), arts and culture programming through the Pittman-Puckett Gallery, event-space rentals, and LGBTQ+ inclusion training for corporate, government, healthcare, and nonprofit clients.

Revenue is assembled from seven streams rather than a single model: individual and corporate donations (monthly Aff GEMs program, one-time gifts, legacy giving), insurance-billed therapy and sliding-scale fees (Medicaid, Medicare, major commercial payers accepted), tiered event-space rentals ($50–$850 depending on space), flagship fundraising events (Garden Assembly, Velvet Assembly, Prom ReDeux, Pedal for Pride), corporate sponsorships ($250–$15,000 annual tiers), merchandise sales, and Kroger Community Rewards affiliate income. The distribution model is community-led: physical center walk-ins, telehealth delivered statewide, the CenterCore Partners initiative that exports capacity-building to rural Michigan centers, on-site corporate training, and an online Resource Guide directory. Approximately 230 volunteers, 9,000+ annual volunteer hours, and a board of directors anchor operations. Affirmations managed a record $2.1 million annual budget in 2023 and now serves 30,000–45,000 individuals and families annually across Southeast Michigan.

Name

Affirmations Community Center

Legal name

Affirmations Community Center

Website

https://goaffirmations.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Affirmations Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating Michigan's largest LGBTQ+ community center from a 17,000-square-foot Ferndale facility, delivering affirming therapy, youth programs, healthcare access, basic-needs services, arts programming, and inclusion training to 30,000+ LGBTQ+ individuals and families across Southeast Michigan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Community Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ community center
• Behavioral health services
• Mental health counseling
• Youth programming
• Affirming healthcare services

Headquarters

HQ city

Ferndale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: Affirmations relies on charitable contributions from individuals and corporations to fund operations. The organization offers monthly giving through its Aff GEMs (Give Every Month) program, one-time donations, and legacy giving through wills and estate plans.
2. Event Space Rentals: The center generates revenue by renting its 17,000 sq ft facility for private events including weddings, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. Rental fees range from $50-850 depending on space and duration. Proceeds support the organization's mission.
3. Fundraising Events: Affirmations hosts annual fundraising events including the Garden Assembly (spring brunch fundraiser) and Velvet Assembly (fall gathering). Ticket sales and sponsorship packages support therapy services and youth programming.
4. Mental Health Services Revenue: Affirmations generates revenue through accepted health insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and major commercial insurers. A sliding fee scale program provides discounted services for uninsured and underinsured clients.
5. Sponsorships: Corporate and small business sponsorships at various levels (Sidewalk Supporter $250 to Executive Visionary $15,000) provide revenue while offering brand visibility among the LGBTQ+ community.
6. Merchandise Sales: Pride flags and Affirmations branded merchandise are sold through the organization's shop to raise cash for operations.
7. Kroger Rewards: The organization receives a percentage of Kroger member purchases through the Kroger Community Rewards program using NPO number JF729.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Affirmations Community Center operates a 17,000 sq ft LGBTQ+ community center in Ferndale, Michigan, providing affirming mental health therapy, support groups, youth programs, basic needs services (food pantry, computer access), healthcare clinics (HIV/STI testing and vaccinations), arts programming, and inclusion training for individuals, families, and organizations in Southeast Michigan. The center delivers these services through licensed therapists, peer support, community partnerships, and annual fundraising events. Most programs are offered free or on a sliding-scale basis, with insurance accepted for therapy services.

Product overview

Affirmations Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Michigan's largest LGBTQ+ community center, serving Southeast Michigan since 1989. The center operates as a multi-service hub offering a unified portfolio of programs rather than a single product. Core offerings include LGBTQ+-affirming Behavioral Health Services (therapy and counseling with 12 therapists, plus support groups), Arts & Culture programming through the Pittman-Puckett Gallery, Basic Needs services (food pantry, clothing closet, CyberCenter computers), Event Space Rentals, Youth Programs (Teen Drop-In, Lavender Leadership Academy, Queer Utopia, Youth Prom), Healthcare Services (HIV/STI testing, vaccination clinics, tobacco cessation), and LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training. The center also runs signature fundraising events including Prom ReDeux (annual queer adult prom), Garden Assembly (spring fundraiser), Velvet Assembly (fall fundraiser), and Pedal for Pride (multi-day cycling fundraiser). An online Resource Guide connects community members with affirming resources. The center welcomes 30,000+ visitors annually and manages a $2.1 million annual budget.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LGBTQ+ Therapy Services Affirming mental health therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, groups, and families, including gender-affirming care, support letters for medical transition, and connections to psychiatrists. Delivered by 12 licensed therapists and student therapists, with 3,500 counseling visits in 2025.
• Support & Discussion Groups Virtual and in-person support and discussion groups covering identity-based, recovery, and topic-specific community support for LGBTQ+ adults aged 18+. Over 1,000 individuals took part in support or discussion groups in 2024.
• Youth Programs Multi-faceted LGBTQ+ youth programming including Teen Drop-In, Lavender Leadership Academy (leadership and job readiness), Queer Utopia workshops, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, and the Youth Advisory Council for ages 14-22.
• Youth Prom Annual pride-themed prom for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-18 providing a safe celebration environment with photo ops, dancing, and activities.
• Arts & Culture / Pittman-Puckett Gallery Gallery and arts programming featuring LGBTQ+ artists, including exhibitions, open mics, artist markets, music events, cinema, and digital media. Named in memory of co-founders Christine Pittman and Susan Puckett.
• Basic Needs Services Community basic-needs services including the Lettuce Help Food Pantry, clothing closet, toiletries, gender-affirming personal care items (binders, prosthetics), safe shower facilities, and personalized resource planning.
• David Bohnett CyberCenter Free computer and printer access for community members for job applications, education, printing resumes, and staying connected, located at the community center.
• Event Space Rentals Rental of community center spaces including Entire Center (17,000 sq ft, 300 people), Atrium, Theater, Pittman-Puckett Gallery, SkyDeck, Board Room, Conference Room, and Meeting Room. Proceeds support LGBTQ+ programming.
• Healthcare Services LGBTQ+-affirming health services including HIV/STI testing, vaccination clinics (COVID-19, HPV, flu, Hep A/B, TDap, pneumonia, shingles), tobacco cessation, and recovery/harm reduction support; 40 vaccination and testing clinics hosted in 2025.
• LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training Professional LGBTQ+ inclusion, diversity, and sensitivity training for businesses, government, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Includes the 60-90 minute LGBTQ+ 101 Workshop, panels, and keynote speakers, with 91% of participants reporting increased knowledge and comfort.
• Pedal for Pride Annual five-day cycling fundraiser across Michigan from Traverse City to Ferndale, raising funds and awareness for Affirmations' LGBTQ+ programs and services.
• Garden Assembly Annual spring fundraiser featuring a fairy garden-themed brunch event with wellness experiences, live harp music, and performances supporting therapy services and trauma-informed care.
• Velvet Assembly Annual fall fundraiser featuring an intimate night of storytelling and community celebration with jazz, food, drinks, and performances supporting LGBTQ+ youth programming and young adult leadership.
• Prom ReDeux Annual adult queer prom (21+) featuring DJ, drag performances, dancing, photo booth, cash bar, and VIP dinner options. Proceeds support LGBTQ+ programming at Affirmations.
• Family Programming Programming for queer families, parents, and allies including pop-up parent support groups, family pride activities, volunteer days, bike rodeos, and community art events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30,000 individuals and families engage with Affirmations every year through various programs and services
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stand With TranscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffirmations and Stand With Trans partner to create safe spaces for trans men and trans masc individuals. The Trans Men's/Masc Lounge is a jointly organized support group meeting 1st and 3rd Thursdays for community building and support.
• MiGen (Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMiGen partners with Affirmations to host Bridging Generations programming, including craft nights and open mic events that connect LGBTQ+ individuals across generations.
• Henry Ford HealthcoreTechnology or IntegrationHenry Ford Health Systems provides ongoing HIV testing clinics at the Affirmations center in a safe and confidential environment. Both walk-in and appointment slots are available throughout the month.
• Unified/Vivent HealthcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner organization provides HIV/STI testing clinics at Affirmations center on a regular schedule. Services include testing, counseling, and connection to care.
• Community Housing NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly clinics run by Community Housing Network at Affirmations to help people experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe environments find affordable housing solutions.
• Free Mom HugsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Youth Prom 2025 event, supporting LGBTQ+ youth programming at Affirmations.
• PFLAG DetroitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Youth Prom 2025 event, supporting LGBTQ+ youth programming. PFLAG provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
• CenterCore PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffirmations' statewide initiative helping smaller and rural LGBTQ+ centers access shared training, fundraising, and operational support. Invests in collaboration and capacity-building to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals across Michigan have access to affirming spaces regardless of geography.
• Fourth Tri SanctuaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the Garden Assembly 2026 spring fundraiser. Located at 23520 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220.
• Le Petit DéjeunerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCatering partner for Garden Assembly 2026, providing brunch and refreshments for the fairy garden-themed fundraiser supporting therapy services.
• AnJelicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDetroit-based professional harpist providing live music entertainment at Garden Assembly 2026 fundraiser.
• The OaklandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent venue partner for Velvet Assembly 2026, an intimate night of storytelling and community raising support for LGBTQ+ youth programming.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PFLAG National: National LGBTQ+ family and ally organization with local chapters (PFLAG Detroit is an Affirmations partner). Closely comparable in family programming, support groups, and ally education offerings.
• San Francisco LGBTQ+ Community Center: Bay Area LGBTQ+ community center providing mental health, substance abuse, youth, and arts services. Closely comparable multi-service LGBTQ+ center model with therapy, support groups, and community programming.
• Los Angeles LGBT Center: Largest LGBTQ+ community center in the U.S., offering mental health, youth, housing, and arts programming. Directly comparable as a multi-service LGBTQ+ center model with both clinical and community programming.
• Center on Halsted: Chicago's LGBTQ+ community center offering behavioral health, youth, senior, and arts programming in a multi-floor facility. Closely matches Affirmations' mix of therapy, youth services, and arts gallery.
• Fenway Health: Boston-based LGBTQ+ healthcare and community services organization offering behavioral health, primary care, and youth programs. Comparable integration of affirming therapy, healthcare, and community education.
• NYC Center (The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center): Iconic NYC LGBTQ+ community center offering mental health, youth, family, and arts programming. Directly comparable as a comprehensive LGBTQ+ center with therapy, youth programs, and event space.
• Howard Brown Health: Chicago LGBTQ+ organization combining community center programming with clinical health services including therapy and primary care. Comparable mix of mental health, healthcare, and community programming.
• The Montrose Center: Houston LGBTQ+ community center providing counseling, support groups, youth programs, and community education. Comparable mid-size LGBTQ+ center with therapy and community programming focus.

Emerging players

• The Trevor Project: National LGBTQ+ youth crisis intervention organization offering 24/7 digital crisis support and training. Adjacent peer focused on youth mental health crisis, overlapping with Affirmations' youth programming and training offerings.

Regional players

• Ruth Ellis Center: Detroit-area LGBTQ+ youth services organization focused on housing, mental health, and drop-in services for youth experiencing homelessness. Regional peer overlapping in youth LGBTQ+ mental health programming in Metro Detroit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@goaffirmations290
• Facebookfacebook.com/goaffirmations
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/affirmations
• Instagraminstagram.com/goaffirmations
• TikToktiktok.com/@goaffirmations

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Affirmations Community Center