Healthy Communities
Regions that promote healthy living have more productive and satisfied residents. In healthier communities, residents tend to live longer and become more engaged in their neighborhoods. Healthy communities provide residents with access to quality health care, including exceptional hospitals and health care systems, but they also provide access to services to sustain or improve an individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. The Community Foundation has actively engaged in regional efforts to promote healthy communities for the last 33 years.
Ruth Ellis Health and Wellness Center
The Ruth Ellis Center Inc. is leading the effort to serve high-risk LGBT youth and young adults, a group that is often disregarded. The center has been successful in providing short- and long-term residential safe space and support services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth. With support from the Community Foundation and the DMC Foundation, the center will expand its health care services in a unique partnership with the Henry Ford Health System. The new Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Center will provide services such as primary medical care, behavioral health, and HIV testing and prevention. The late Ruth Ellis’ legacy as an LGBT rights activist will continue through the creation of a fully integrated health center for homeless youth. Centered in Highland Park, the new Health & Wellness Center
will work with youth from across the region.
You can read more on our programs and grants in the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan 2017 Yearbook.