Donor Spotlight: Jay Belanger
- kentlr0
- 36 minutes ago
- 1 min read
"Every person deserves to know that they belong and that there is a place where they will be accepted for who they are."
For Jay Belanger, supporting the Jim Toy Community Center is an investment in community, belonging, and a future where LGBTQ+ people can thrive.
As Assistant Public Defender for Washtenaw County, Jay has dedicated his professional life to serving others and standing up for those in need. Those same values inspired him to become a sustaining monthly donor to JTCC.
"The Center has been a constant source of advocacy, education, and community," Jay says. "I wanted to play a small part in ensuring that work continues."
What resonates most with Jay is the Center's role as a visible and welcoming resource for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.
"Whether through Pride celebrations, educational programming, or simply providing a welcoming space, JTCC reminds people that they are not alone," he says. "That visibility and sense of belonging can have a profound impact, especially for young people or those who may be struggling to find community."
Jay hopes his support helps ensure the Center remains a vibrant resource for generations to come, fostering understanding, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for people to connect across backgrounds and experiences.
"We all deserve a place where we can be ourselves," he says. "The Jim Toy Community Center helps make that possible."