An Incredible First Year for Ruth’s House
A lot can happen in a year!
Last summer, Ruth’s House opened its doors for the first time, welcoming mothers and children into a home we had carefully remodeled, furnished, prayed over, and filled with love. Families settled in—bringing their own personalities, preferences, and hearts to our home and turning four walls into a sanctuary of healing, hope, and possibility.
Over the past year, we have seen transformation happen. We’ve watched moms graduate from training programs, get new jobs, and achieve important certifications. We’ve cheered as babies took their first steps and learned to use the potty. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and grieved. We’ve lived full, rich lives—together.
Ruth’s House has become what we always envisioned it to be—a home known for restoration, opportunity, and grace. A home that welcomes people in and gives them a space to become the best versions of themselves.
Years ago, before we had a building, we tested our approach with a woman named Julie. When we met her, she was in danger. Trapped in an abusive relationship, Julie didn’t have anywhere to turn until her supervisor, Marcella, introduced her to Jeanne, Ruth’s House’s founder. Jeanne welcomed Julie into her home and gave her a place to find her path.
As Julie explains, “I didn’t know where the future was taking me because I didn’t know how long I would be there, how long the process would be, when I would find my own place, or if I was ever going to find my own place.
“But at Jeanne’s house, they treated me like family. The whole family is wonderful, and I couldn’t have asked for a better family to stay with. They really helped to make me who I am today. I was trying to find myself through this whole process and find out who I am as a mother and as a woman in every way possible.”
As we celebrate Ruth’s House’s official first anniversary, we caught up with Julie to remind us what’s possible and what our mission is all about. Today, she’s living independently and helping her son pursue his passions as she pursues her own.
“I’m excited about Jaden’s sports stuff. He has some great friends, and I’ve made some great parent friends. And I’m looking forward to my classes, especially my nutrition classes. My goal is to finish my degree and become a registered dietitian so I have more career opportunities. And hopefully move into a house at some point. In the next five years, I see that happening.”
As she reflects on how far she and her son have come, Julie is reminded of their resilience. “Jaden never gives up on anything, and I really appreciate that about him. No matter what he puts his mind to, he always gets it done. And I guess I don’t give up no matter what, either, because what other option do I really have?”
And she knows she’s not alone.
“I think for a lot of moms, especially single moms, it’s really isolating, feeling like you have no sense of support and feeling like you don’t have anywhere to go. It’s really stressful, and sometimes you’re in toxic, dangerous situations. Something like Ruth’s House gives people a second opportunity and another chance at building the life they want to have. Ruth’s House could literally save lives.
“I hope that the moms at Ruth’s House find the stability they need and really use this as a chance to get on their feet and accomplish the goals that they have, because they have so much to offer the world. They have so much to offer their children. Ruth’s House is a really good organization…and it’s dedicated to helping people like me.”