Celebrating 20 years
Ruby Room Celebrates 20 years of Empowering Youth Through Fashion!
As we enter this new year, we wanted to take some time to reflect on the history of Ruby Room, and invite you to join us as we expand to better serve our community in the coming years.
Our History
Ruby Room –a 501c3 non-profit organization–was founded in 2002 and is dedicated to instilling confidence and a powerful sense of self in children and teenagers with diverse backgrounds in the State of Washington. With your support and donations, the Ruby Room has been able to impact thousands of youth and families for 20 years strong.
Over the years, Ruby Room has evolved from two different organizations –each inspired by the power of fashion– the Ruby Room (est. 2002) and F-Factor (est. 2008). These two organizations joined forces in 2016, officially debuting under the Ruby Room banner in 2020 under the direction of Ruby Room’s Executive Director, Ellen Young.
Ruby Room offers signature programs including Fashion Workshops and a Formal Wear Program uniquely designed to empower youth by channeling the strength of personal style as a tool for building confidence. All Ruby Room programming benefits youth in financial need; predominantly youth from under-resourced communities, foster care, and shelters in Washington State.
How Do We Help Youth In Need?
One of our most important programs, the Formal Wear Program, is directly responsible for touching the lives of youth who live in under-resourced communities and bringing a sense of personal pride to these youth through fashion.
Youth are brought to Ruby Room and guided through a personalized shopping experience where they choose a formal outfit for their special occasion, whether that be Prom, Homecoming, or another landmark event in their life.
They are dressed head to toe in finery donated to Ruby Room from major retailers or people just like you! This is an experience that many youths would not otherwise be able to have due to lack of financial resources. We take great pride in empowering youth to embrace confidence as they navigate the social events that mark their lives in these very important years.
How Can I Help?
As we step into 2023, we ask you to keep these youth in your hearts. Share with them the holiday spirit and get involved with Ruby Room. Help us make a difference in their lives by volunteering your time, donations –both financial and goods– or just share the word about our programs and the work we do. Following us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn is a free and wonderful way to easily show your support for the under-resourced youth of Washington State and Ruby Room. We cannot do this work without you.
Thank you so much for your love and support!
Ellen Young, Board Chair, Ruby Room
