Keri was a new staff member at Ruth’s House in Faribault and didn’t know what to expect when a new resident was welcomed into the home.  During her first week at Ruth’s House, she helped a new resident settle there. She showed her to her room and gave her the key to the lock on her bedroom door.  The bed was made with fresh linens, and she settled in for the night.  The next day she did not get out of bed and Keri was concerned.  Did she have a bad night?  Was she ill or so upset that she could not get up?  What was going on?  So, Keri knocked on her door and asked her if she was OK. The young woman explained to Keri that she slept all night and part of the day because it had been a long time since she felt safe enough to sleep.  Her first night at Ruth’s House was the best sleep she had had in weeks because the safety of Ruth’s House allowed her to sleep without worrying about being assaulted as she slept.  It was then that Keri knew she would be staying on as a part of the Ruth’s House staff.  She knew how important it was to provide something as simple as a safe place to sleep and she wanted to be a part of making Ruth’s House successful.

This Thanksgiving I thought about Keri’s story. I thought about how much I take for granted, that the safety of my own home is something to be thankful for, and how important it is for us to provide that safety for the women who seek help from Ruth’s House.

This February 8th Ruth’s House will be holding our annual Helping Hearts Event.  Our theme this year is “Hearts of Aloha.”  The word Aloha has many meanings in the Hawaiian language including love, peace, compassion, and mercy.  We chose Hearts of Aloha as a theme this year because we believe those who attend the event are showing love and compassion by supporting the women and children we serve at Ruth’s House. This Hawaiian-themed event will raise funds so that we can continue our mission to provide safe housing and services to women and children who need safe housing as they escape from domestic violence and other traumatic life events.  Tickets for the luau can be purchased by going here.

On behalf of all the women who come to Ruth’s House and find safety, peace, support, and love, we thank our community of supporters.

(names were changed in this article for privacy)

Susan Stout
Ruth’s House Outreach Coordinator