Named in honor of a resilient Detroit icon, Ruth Ellis Center works to create a supportive environment and community for LGBTQ+ young people.

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We are dedicated to embedding Racial Equity and Transformative Justice in all of our work.

Racial Equity Statement

Working to create a supportive environment and community for LGBTQ+ young people.

Our mission is to create opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their vision for a positive future.

Our vision is a world where LGBTQ+ young people are safe and supported no matter where they go.

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Upcoming Event

VOICES: Celebrating 25 Years

Join us at The Colony Club on Thursday, September 26th, beginning at 6:30 PM, as we commemorate 25 years of unwavering support for LGBTQ+ youth in metropolitan Detroit. This year’s celebration will welcome the return of the one and only Sandra Bernhard, and the musical talents of incredibly talented musician, Wyn Starks.

Join us for Voices: Our 25th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the resilience of the youth we serve and the partners who’ve supported us. Together, we’ll reflect on our journey and look ahead with hope and advocacy for the most vulnerable.

Let’s honor the voices that have shaped our past and will guide our future.

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🌟 STAR POWER! 🌟 Performer, actress, singer, author. Fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Bold champion for the Ruth Ellis Center. The incredible Sandra Bernhard is hosting this year’s VOICES 25th Anniversary Gala 🎤✨ Hear Sandra use her VOICE to amplify the resilience, strength, and spirit of the young people we support. Join us: Thursday, September 26, The Colony Club, Detroit. Buy tickets now at the link in bio. 📷 Brian Ziegler #WeAreRuthEllisCenter #VOICES2024 #ColonyClubDetroit #Detroit #RuthEllis #LGBTQ #LGBTQDetroit

✨Gratitude and Warmth✨ Celebrating 25 years of service requires community support and involvement. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors. Your generous contributions have made this milestone event possible, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. From all of us, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make a difference. Here’s to many more years of partnership and success! #25thAnniversary #WeAreRuthEllisCenter #RuthsLegacy #ColonyClubDetroit #Detroit #HighlandPark #SEMich #Michigan #SouthEastMichigan #RuthEllis #RuthEllisCenter #LGBTQ #REC25 #RuthEllisCenter25 #LGBTQDetroit

Tickets are now on sale for VOICES 25th Anniversary Gala! Join us on September 26th to celebrate Ruth Ellis Center’s 25 years of unwavering dedication to serving LGBTQ+ young people. Get yours today at the link in bio. #NonProfit #LGBTQ #LGBTQYouth #Michigan #Inclusion #Advocacy

✨Voting While Trans 🏳️‍⚧️✨ Trans folks face additional barriers to voting compared to cisgender individuals. Voting can bring heightened anxiety for trans individuals. To make sure you feel safe casting a ballot and having your voices heard, we have put together information for your FAQs. For even more information, visit michigan.gov/sos/elections

SAVE THE DATE for Ruth Ellis Center’s VOICES 25th Anniversary Gala. This year marks a milestone and a powerful call to action for our young people. Join us to commemorate our past achievements and pave the way for LGBTQ+ young people to envision a future that is entirely theirs. SEPTEMBER 26 The Colony Club, Detroit #NonProfit #LGBTQ #LGBTQYouth #Michigan #Inclusion #Advocacy

🌟 Join Journey Ahead: Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth🌟 Hey there! We’re excited to announce Journey Ahead, a free 6-week virtual program just for LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-21 in Children’s Service Agencies. 📅 Start Dates: - Monday, August 19th - Thursday, August 22nd 🕔 Time: 5 PM - 7 PM Why Join Journey Ahead? - Life Skills: Get tips on education, jobs, and housing - Well-being: Learn about physical and mental health - Community: Make new friends and build connections Cool Perks: - Fun adventure restorative sessions - Earn $25 per session, totaling $150 for full participation How to Join: You or your case manager can sign up. It’s that easy! We welcome everyone, no matter where you are in your self-identity journey. Repeat participants are encouraged! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity! 🌟 #JourneyAhead #LGBTQYouth #YouthEmpowerment #FosterCare #WeAreRuthEllisCenter

Young People

Ruth Ellis Center welcomes young people and supports your housing, health and wellness needs. Click to learn more.

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Ruth Ellis’ legacy is not ours alone. The Center is a community-driven effort. Learn how you can support.

Our Approach

Boom! It was a whole community. It was like multiple people came together to create Ruth Ellis Center.

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