The Ruth Ellis Center, based in Highland Park, works to create a supportive environment and community for young people in the LGBTQ+ community. Founded in 1999, the center offers trauma-informed services with an emphasis on young people of color, experiencing homelessness, involved in the child welfare system, or facing barriers to health and well-being. It offers outreach and safety-net services, skill building workshops, and HIV prevention programs. Its health and wellness center operates in partnership with Henry Ford Health System and offers visits for general and long-term medical issues, vision and hearing screenings, transition care for transgender youth, birth control, behavioral health services, and screening for need of emergency services. The organization’s drop-in center offers food, computer labs, clothes, recreation space, and other necessities. Other services include a treatment unit for youth who are under guardianship of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ child abuse and neglect or juvenile justice divisions as well as job and education support. While the center is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessities are still available. The organization’s Ruth Ellis Legacy Walk will take place virtually Sept. 25-27.
