Ruth Ellis Center
About Ruth Ellis Center
Named in honor of Ruth Ellis, a resilient Detroit icon, Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park, MI embodies a vision of safety and support for LGBTQ+ young people everywhere. Founded in 1999, the organization has grown into a nationally recognized leader in youth services, driven by a fundamental belief that all LGBTQ+ young people deserve environments where they can thrive. The center's mission centers on creating meaningful opportunities for young people to build their own vision for positive futures, recognizing their agency and potential even in the face of significant challenges. Ruth Ellis Center serves as a beacon of hope for some of the most marginalized youth in the community—those experiencing homelessness, navigating the child welfare system, or facing systemic barriers to health and wellbeing. What sets Ruth Ellis Center apart is its unwavering commitment to centering the voices and experiences of young people of color within the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging the intersecting challenges they face. Operating in Highland Park, the organization has established deep roots in the local community while maintaining connections to a national movement for LGBTQ+ youth rights and wellbeing. Through trauma-informed approaches and genuine relationships built on trust and respect, Ruth Ellis Center creates not just services but a genuine community where young people feel seen, valued, and supported in their journey toward self-determination and healing.