Affirmations interim director briefs Ferndale council on programs, services and 3-year plan

Tracy Hall, interim executive director of Affirmations Community Center, presented an update to the Ferndale City Council on the nonprofit’s operations, strategic plan and services for 2025.

Hall told the council the organization adopted a three‑year strategic plan focused on fund development, health and human services, volunteer programming and board development. She said Affirmations revamped its mission statement to “improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Michiganders through education, programming, advocacy, and providing space for community connection,” and launched a new website at goaffirmations.org.

Hall reported service metrics for 2025: more than 1,100 mental-health sessions in the year to date, 40 social determinants of health screenings, over 50 participants in clinics (housing, legal, name change) and nearly 500 individuals served at a first-quarter food pantry. She also reviewed outreach partnerships, including statewide coalitions and collaborations with local schools and health-care providers.

Hall said Affirmations is in transition after a recent executive director departure; Hall’s official first day as interim executive director was the Friday following the prior week’s staff change, and the prior executive director will remain part-time during the transition. She invited council members to Affirmations events, highlighted the organization’s ongoing behavioral health expansion and thanked the city for “ongoing support and partnership.”

Questions from council touched on past presentations to groups and Hall clarified prior roles and collaborations. Council members welcomed the update and expressed appreciation for Affirmations’ local programs and upcoming participation in Ferndale Pride.