One of the myths about Ruth’s House is that we mainly serve adult women.  The image most of us have of a shelter is of a facility for adult women in crisis.  While there is some truth in this, it is also a fact that a vast majority of the women who come to Ruth’s House come with their children.  They are looking for a safe environment for themself and for their children.  If you came to Ruth’s House on any given morning you would see children eating breakfast in the dining room, children getting ready for school and children playing. There are children everywhere.

Recently a child who had lived at Ruth’s House talked about her experiences there.  She said, “My favorite memory at Ruth’s House was probably when we all sat down together during dinners or just talking. I really enjoyed the time I spent with everyone at Ruth’s House. We have had so many good times and I will never forget my time there.” The type of experience she described is exactly what her mother and other mothers at Ruth’s House hope for their children. Getting a fresh start in life is as important for the children as it is for the mothers.

Domestic violence is one of the reasons that women seek shelter for themselves and for their children at Ruth’s House.  According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Children do best in a safe, stable, loving environment, whether that’s with one parent or two. You may think that your kids won’t be negatively affected by the abuse if they never see it happen. Even if your kids don’t see you being abused, they can be negatively affected by the violence they know is happening.”

Children benefit from staying in Ruth’s House in so many ways.  First of all, the environment is safe and healthy and there are supports in place to help children to adjust to their new life.  Appropriate play time is encouraged and there are other children in the house to play with.

Moms receive help with parenting through the crisis they have experienced and the staff at Ruth’s House are always modeling kind and loving interactions as well as strengths-based communication.  Ruth’s House is committed to a strengths-based communication environment that supports healthy communication and focuses on abilities, knowledge, and capacities rather than deficits.

Supporting Ruth’s House is a way to support both women and their children as they seek to find safety, stability and happiness for their future.