For Pride Month our Nonprofit Spotlight is on Jim Toy Community Center
The Mission Statement of Jim Toy Community Center : We envision an inclusive community where people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are visible and live together in equality, respect, and happiness.
Our goal is create programming and provide support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We are here to be part of the discussion, create change, and change lives.
Details
Events to support Jim Toy Community Center
ZMO Warehouse Shop Fundraiser Sale
June 14, 2024
9:00 am –9:00 pm
Come to Zingerman's Mail Order's Warehouse Shop at 710 Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor on Friday, June 14th! All of the sales that day from the in-person shop will be donated to the Jim Toy Community Center! The shop is open from 9am to 9pm and is full of incredible deals on some of Zingerman's favorite foods. Stock up for the weekend and support this wonderful cause!
Ann Arbor Pride
August 3, 2024
First celebrated in 1995, Ann Arbor Pride (previously known as OUTFest) is a weekend festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan, celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer identities, community, and allyship hosted by the Jim Toy Community Center. Ann Arbor Pride brings entertainment, community, vendors, fun, and most importantly, Pride. This event is free and open to all. It takes place in downtown Ann Arbor.
History of Jim Toy
The person for whom Jim Toy is named was a pioneer of Queer rights in Michigan. Jim Toy was known as the first publicly "out" man and had been a major advocate since the 1970s. His work was crucial to establishing rights, educating, providing safety, and working towards equality for the LGBTQIA+ community locally and beyond. The Jim Toy Community Center continues his mission in the Washtenaw County area and seeks to empower Queer and Ally individuals and groups as we work to provide belonging for all.
Resources
The Jim Toy Community Center is aware that the needs of individuals in our area are just as unique and important as the people themselves so they take a multi-faceted and flexible approach to how to best serve the community. They specialize in a variety of programs providing things like legal support, referral services, community support and organizing, and grants through the Jim Toy Community Foundation. JTCC also organizes the annual Ann Arbor Pride event, bringing together our community to celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
How to support
JTCC is always accepting donations, which allow them to pay for great programs, create events, and support the organization. But they also welcome anyone who is looking to have their voice heard. They have so many amazing committees and groups that they work with so they are always looking for more people!
People can volunteer with their programs, committees, Ann Arbor Pride, and marketing. People can be as connected or separate as they want, and support on whatever level makes sense for them. JTCC values collaboration but wants to fit with what the community needs as well so they take an adaptive approach to all their work.
Why Zing Loves JTCC
Zingerman's is deeply passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our businesses have always strived to support missions in the community working to ensure that people in marginalized groups like the LGBTQIA+ population are granted rights, have the opportunity to be heard, are provided safety to be who they are, and are truly celebrated for the wonderful things they bring to our community at large. Zingerman's holds itself to a high standard as an organization to stay true to these values and we are grateful to be able to support nonprofits like Jim Toy Community Center. We are honored to show our support of their crucial work and hope you'll join us!