Special thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities and United Way of Southeast Michigan, Southeast Michigan Healthy Youth Healthy Senior Fund and Visteon for providing support for this program. For more information, contact Ryan Oliver, Youth Program Manager.
YEP Staff
Ryan Oliver- YEP Program Manager
Ryan got his start at Affirmations working in the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) as a part-time YEP staff member. He has been with the organization for nearly 2 years. August 2009, Ryan became Youth Program Manager and with his staff, implemented the Center on Halsted’s Membership Model, and enhanced the educational programming available to youth participants at Affirmations. Ryan has an MA in Sociology, School, Society, and Violence from Eastern Michigan University (EMU). He received a BS from EMU in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology. Ryan has a strong passion for working with LGBTQ youth and youth of color on prevention through education. He is currently active on the Affirmations Diversity & Inclusion committee and is a member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC).
Program Areas: Educational Attainment Resources, GenderNoise, Job and Vocational Skills
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, basketball, dining out, listening to poetry and music
Liz Griggs- YEP Staff
Liz has raised two daughters, helped with three step-kids and assorted others that call her “Mama Liz.” She did that while going to school to get her Master’s Degree in Counseling. Liz has experience with mental health problems, school and legal difficulties, and self-mutilation. She is an active member of a predominantly GLBT church, has lived in two foreign countries and traveled to 45 of the 50 United States.
Program Areas: Getting Political, Self Injury & Harm, God Adores You
Hobbies: Reading, backpacking, travel
Alfredo Smith- YEP Staff
Alfredo has been with Affirmations since September 2008. Nearly two years later, Alfredo continues to work deligently within the YEP Program to empower youth by encouraging them to be their creative, authentic selves. In addition Alfredo is also Small Groups Coordinator for the REC Boyz (Real Enough 2 Change) MPowerment Program. He facilitates HIV 101's, Safer sex workshops, as well as youth program membership classes. When not working to save his community, Alfredo enjoys just kicking back with some good music. Alfredo is currently working on his BA in Psychology at Wayne state University.
Program Areas: HIV/AIDS Prevention, Safer Sex, Performing Arts Collective (AFF Youth Glee Club and Aff Dance Crew)
Hobbies: Singing, Hip hop Dance, and watching talent-based reality TV shows
Victor Walker- YEP Staff
A published author, poet actor (and vegetarian), Victor began at Affirmations as a volunteer fall 2009 where his interaction with youth in the YEP Program inspired him to be more active in the program. He studied African American Studies and Theatre Arts at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). As a staff member, Victor is responsible for mentoring youth and planning special events for the YEP Program, including the annual Prom and Homocoming. When time permits, Victor facilitates LGBT 101 discussions at middle schools, high schools and universities in the community. He is currently active on the Affirmations Diversity & Inclusion committee.
Program Areas: African American History, Poetry, Literature and Theatre Arts, Diversity & Inclusion, Performing Arts Collective (AFF Contemporary Theatre)
Hobbies: Reading, writing poetry and traveling
Erin Tripp- Volunteer
Erin started with Affirmations as part-time YEP staff almost two years ago. Since then she has stepped down as staff but dedicates her free time to the youth as a volunteer. She is currently a medical case manager for Aids Partnership Michigan (APM). Erin also provides additional community resources to the staff and youth here at Affirmations. Erin received her BA in Women Studies and African History from Michigan State University (MSU), and her MSW from Wayne State University in Community Practice and Social Action.
Program Areas: HIV/AIDS Treatment, Community Liaison and Feminine Mystique
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies and being vegan
Angel Carrion - Jr. YEP Staff Member
Angel Carrion has been involved with Affirmations and its youth program for almost three years. At only 19 years of age and within the short period of time he has participated at Affirmations he has received his certification as a Medical Assistant from Everest Institute. He is certified with the State of Michigan in HIV Prevention providing counseling to those that receive testing through Aids Partnership Michigan, and is the assistant supervisor to the Oakland County Substance Absue Prevention Team at Affirmations. Affirmations welcomes its first Jr. YEP staff member, Angel Carrion!
Hobbies: Sports, travel, rollercoasters, and watching movies
Program Areas: Substance Abuse Prevention, HIV/AIDS Prevention Specialist, Medical Advocacy
Stop in or contact any youth program staff/volunteer [Ryan |Liz|Fredo|Victor|Angel | Erin] for more information on scheduling for an intake and/or orientation to become an official member of Affirmations' new youth program.
New Programs and Events
*Remember - MUST HAVE ID* All youth Program participants must have valid Aff Youth Program picture ID's or Temporary Visitor Passes to participate in youth program events, classes or just to hang out!
Youth Camping Trip Must be a member of the Youth Program to participate. Contact Ryan Oliver for more information. This is by special invite only! Takes place from Friday, July 30th - Sunday, August 1st.
Photography Workshop Youth will learn the basic skills to photography then head out into local Ferndale area to put their newly learned skills to the test. The photos will be placed throughout the lower level in the Youth Space for display. Takes place Saturday, August 14th from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
Trip to Cedar Point Limited space available. Tickets are $35.00. Transportation and additional expenses included. Contact Ryan Oliver for more information. Takes place Saturday, August 28th - all day.
GED Prep Program Volunteers are available to help youth prepare for the GED course online prep curriculum. Upon successful completion the GED Exam, youth will receive a new laptop for their hard work and accomplishments. Takes place on Tuesdays from 4:00pm - 7:00pm.
GED Prep Program - Volunteers Needed The Aff Youth Program is looking for volunteer tutors for the GED Prep Program. We are seeking retired principals, teachers, seasonal tutors, substitute teachers, etc. Contact Ryan Oliver for more information.
Ongoing Activities
Youth-only HIV Testing
AIDS Partnership Michigan (APM) APM will provide free confidential and anonymous testing for youth ages 14-24. Results are available in 20 minutes with OraQuick Advance Rapid Testing. Offered every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC) MAC will provide free confidential and anonymous testing for MSM youth ages 14-24. Results are available after two weeks and include a followup HIV/AIDS prevention workshop. Testing offered the 1st Friday of every month from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Coping with Stress Are you having a hard time figuring out how to deal? Join us and learn positive methods for dealing with the everyday stresses that can get you down. Takes place 1st and 3rd Fridays from 4:00pm-5:00pm.
Game Night Meet new friends and laugh with old friends while playing various games in a safe and fun environment. Takes place Wednesdays from 5:00pm-6:30pm.
GenderNoise A youth only support group for youth who disagree with or are interested in challenging traditionally defined gender roles. Takes place 2nd and 4th Fridays from 7:00pm-9:00pm.
Youth Drop-In Zone Finish your homework, start a book or do some research online. Takes place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00pm-7:00pm. **Please note new hours** Clothes Closet The Youth Clothes Closet is available for young people between the ages of 14-24. We are always accepting donations of gently used, fashionable clothing geared toward young people. Available Tuesday - Saturday from 4:00pm-9:00pm. X The Line - Peer Outreach Team Provides awareness and training for Gay Straight Alliances and other groups surrounding the topics of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Performing Arts Collective Shine on or off stage by getting involved with the new Affirmations Performing Arts Collective. Help produce plays, dance, sing or act with all of your friends at The Aff. This collaborative group tackles the issues facing our community, and explores them through the performing arts. Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) Looking for other LGBT youth? Try YEP Night. Meet new people and have fun without even trying. YEP Night is a drop-in space for youth ages 14-24, where you can dance, play pool, listen to music and much more! Come find out what you've been missing. Offered every Friday 4:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday from 4:00pm-10:00pm.
Youth Services Advisory Board The Youth Services Program is looking for leaders. Apply today to join the Youth Services Advisory Board and create the kind of program you want to see. Advise the Youth Staff, represent Affirmations at community events and get to know the Affirmations staff and board. For an application, contact Ryan Oliver.
Volunteer
Youth Program Adult Volunteer Training Interested in sharing your time and talents with the hundreds of LGBT Youth who utilize our programs and services? Attend this new training and learn about our program, how to build and maintain effective youth/adult partnerships, transgender youth issues, the ball scene, Gay Straight Alliances, and much more! Be a part of our drop-in programs, support groups, youth prom, and access many more mentoring opportunities. Lunch is provided.
Check out our tobacco prevention video!
Affirmations Youth Program Intake Process and Membership Levels
*Please Note: Becoming a member of the Youth Program is free of charge
What's an intake?
An intake is a confidential, one-on-one interview with a trained staff member or youth program intern designed to identify resources.
YEP Program Membership Levels
1st Level: Drop-in
Expectations: Complete intake
Complete Orientation
Privileges: Attend Youth programs, events, and activities.
Computer Access 3-7pm (T-Th) and 4-10pm (Fri & Sat)
2nd Level: Member
Expectations: Complete Drop-in Expectations
Complete Membership Class I: Language
Complete Membership Class II: Responsibility and Accountability
Attend three groups/activities within a month
Privileges: Drop-in Privileges
Receive gift card and lanyard for ID
3rd Level: Volunteer
Expectations: Completed Drop-in and Member Expectations
Complete at least 1 Volunteer Training Class (Facilities, Front Desk, Café, Youth Orientation)
Provide 5 hours of volunteer work per month at the Center – may include facilities/set-up, cleaning, working the front desk, working in the café, introducing new youth to the space, etc.
Privileges: Drop-in and Member Privileges
Assist Youth Leadership Council in planning monthly calendar
Assist Youth Leadership Council in leading groups, including orientation and membership classes
After 5 hours completed a month youth can receive Bus Pass
4th Level: Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
Expectations: Completed Drop-in, Member and Volunteer Expectations
Complete Youth Leadership Council Application w/ assist from YEP staff
