House of Ruth respects the inherent dignity and worth of each person. The complexity of a person’s response to domestic violence is shaped by multiple factors. Therefore, we treat each person in a caring and respectful manner, mindful of individual differences, cultural, and ethnic diversity as each person is unique with their own responses.

House of Ruth acts honestly and responsibly, and we promote ethical practices in our interactions with affiliated organizations. We also promote the personal responsibility and accountability of staff/board/volunteers within the context of the work environment.

House of Ruth employees, board members, and volunteers work within their areas of competence to develop, enhance and apply their professional knowledge. They respect the roles of their colleagues and aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of their professions. They also respect and protect appropriate boundaries with all clients.

The prospect of homelessness for a victim of domestic violence is often the major contributing factor in deciding to remain in a violent relationship. House of Ruth’s emergency shelter provides programs and support for victims and their children, including food, clothing, personal care items, group and individual counseling, legal and social services advocacy, employment assistance, and life-management skills. The shelter is staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

House of Ruth’s transitional shelter provides residence, case management and other services free of charge for up to two years. Residents are required to save 30% of their income in order to attain permanent housing, purchase a car or furniture, or pursue educational goals after leaving the program. The program addresses the longer-term needs of survivors and their children, providing the opportunity to work toward their goals of independent, non-violent homes.

A five-day-a-week program assists children in both the emergency and transitional shelters to reduce the trauma and self-blame they experience from witnessing domestic violence or as victims themselves. Advocates help children explore their feelings, learn alternatives to violence and constructively manage their anger.

The Child Abuse Treatment Program (CHAT) provides no-cost counseling and case management services to children from 4 to 18 years of age who have experienced abuse, neglect or violence in their homes, schools or communities. Our counselors utilize a model of trauma-informed care to address the effects of trauma and facilitate the healing of each child in a sensitive manner.

With outreach offices in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, House of Ruth’s Community Services offers domestic violence counseling, crisis intervention, and other types of assistance help victims work toward their goals of self-sufficiency. We foster individual awareness and improve community response to domestic violence through the following services:

• 24-Hour Emergency Hotline with a 24-Hour Spanish Pager Response Team
• Housing assistance
• Career counseling
• Classes in Resume Writing, Parenting, Domestic Violence 101, Computer Skills and others.
• CalWORKS (welfare) case management
• Legal advocacy and temporary restraining order assistance
• Community education
• On-site child care
• Volunteer programs

This program is a comprehensive, age-appropriate K-12 school-based program to educate youth about and promote healthy relationships. For primary grades, we focus on bullying and teasing. In middle school, we address relationship violence and sexual harassment. Our high school Teen Dating Violence program emphasizes healthy relationships and conflict resolution skills. Our cyber-bullying presentation addresses current concerns surrounding technology safety. The Prevention Education Team also collaborates with local colleges and universities by facilitating workshops or by participating in special events.

House of Ruth staff members also meet with parent groups, social service agencies, and law enforcement agencies to increase awareness of domestic violence as a family tragedy and costly social problem.

House of Ruth offers domestic violence counseling programs at both our emergency and transitional shelters in addition to our outreach offices. Individual, group sessions, and classes assist victims and their children as they plan for a future free of violence. Weekly support groups include Self-Sufficiency, Parenting, Healthy Relationships, and a variety of Children’s Groups.

All counseling is offered in English and Spanish.

Our Community Services Team is available to introduce House of Ruth’s programs and services to your group or organization anytime during the year. Whether it’s to conduct a workshop on DV, teach a healthy relationships class to an after school group, or participate in your special event, we can tailor all presentations to your group’s needs. For more information, call 909-868-5008 or email mpitts@houseofruthinc.org