HIGHLAND PARK-
Metro Health Foundation is continuing its support for the Ruth Ellis Center for a second year with a $10,000 grant to help fund the center's Health Care Navigation Program. Ruth Ellis Center is the only organization in the Midwest, and one of only three in the nation, dedicated to homeless, at-risk and runaway youth who are LGBTQ. The Health Care Navigation Program helps the youth access medical care and case management services.
"Lack of health care services for LGBTQ homeless youth is an ongoing problem that needs ongoing attention," said Laura Hughes, executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center. "The continued support from Metro Health Foundation is helping our youth receive medical attention now that will serve their health for the future. We are so thankful for the assistance to fund our Health Navigation Program. "
The Health Care Navigator Program is part of Ruth Ellis Center's Transitional Living Program, which provides housing and life skills training for homeless LGBTQ youth ages 17 to 21 years for up to 21 months as they establish a smooth transition to independence.
The Metro Health Foundation is a private Detroit grant-making foundation supporting Michigan organizations in healthcare and health-related fields.
The Center's mission is to provide short-term and long-term safe space through Ruth's House, a full-time residential program that is a State of Michigan licensed Child Caring Institution; and the Drop-in Center, a facility that offers youth resources such as full meals, gender identity support groups, on-site mental health therapy, laundry facility and clothing, a cyber center, and recreation.
For more information, visit Ruth Ellis Center's website at http://www.ruthelliscenter.org or its Facebook page.
