The Ruth Ellis Center (REC) is a social services agency in the Detroit area that serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) youth.

REC is named in honor of the life and work of Ruth Ellis, who was an African-American lesbian from Detroit known for her service to people in need.

The Ruth Ellis Center operates five main programs: Youth Programs (Health, Equity, and Outreach, formally Drop-In; and Center for Lesbian Queer Women & Girls or CLQ), Supportive Housing, Integrated Health Services, Community-Based Family Support Services, and the Ruth Ellis Institute.

A group of community activists including John Allen, Kofi Adoma,[3] and Courtney Wilson - founded the Ruth Ellis Center in 1999,[4] the same year Ruth Ellis celebrated her 100th birthday.

[5] Wanda Sykes has been an outspoken supporter of the organization after the staff sent her a letter asking her to visit during her 2010 tour's stop in Detroit.