Affirmations says demand surged to 30,000 people last year and visits are already up in 2026

Affirmations, the LGBTQ+ community center in Ferndale, reported substantial growth in use of its programs during a presentation to the Ferndale City Council. Tracy, a representative of the organization, said that more than 30,000 individuals and families used Affirmations’ services in 2025 and that the center delivered over 3,500 counseling visits last year.

"Last year more than 30,000 individuals and families came through our programs and services," the presenter said, listing counseling, support groups, wellness programs, food assistance and resource navigation among its offerings. She added that the center ran 40 vaccination and testing clinics and relied on more than 230 volunteers who helped run the food pantry, health outreach and peer-led groups.

The presenter emphasized that demand has continued into 2026: "So far this year, just through May, over 11,000 folks have already walked through our doors," she said, describing the pace as likely to surpass 2025. She also highlighted cultural and youth programming: a reopened gallery in partnership with the downtown development authority, and an annual youth prom that drew about 30 attendees.

The presentation framed Affirmations as a local hub for mental-health services, arts and community connection and thanked Ferndale for ongoing support. The center asked the council to continue collaborating with local partners and stressed that volunteer engagement and business partnerships were central to sustaining services.

Council members did not indicate any formal action on the presentation; it was delivered as an informational update. The council then proceeded with its regular agenda.