Preparing to bring a baby into the world is a challenge for any parent, but for one mother-to-be at A New Way, House of Ruth’s transitional housing program, it seemed nearly impossible. She had already faced more than her share of struggles—escaping domestic violence, and rebuilding her life from the ground up.
But in the middle of her journey to stability, something beautiful happened: the community came together to celebrate her and her baby girl.
It started with a simple, but heartfelt idea. Fellow residents wanted to throw a small baby shower for their neighbor. At A New Way, the women and children recovering from domestic violence and houselessness support each other—building a community while rebuilding their lives.
When House of Ruth staff heard about the idea, they saw an opportunity to make the day truly special. They reached out to the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society, a philanthropic group passionate about supporting women and families in need.
The response was overwhelming.
A Community Comes Together
The Ladies Philoptochos Society teamed up with the House of Ruth staff to create a celebration for all.. They purchased every item on the mom-to-be’s registry–from diapers and clothes, to a stroller and crib. Even festive decorations to transform the program’s community room into a joyful celebration were thoughtfully provided.
On the day of the shower, the room sparkled with pastel balloons, colorful streamers, and an atmosphere of love. Fellow residents, staff, and even children gathered to celebrate this milestone moment. For a mother who had been through so much, the event was more than a party—it was a lifeline of hope and reassurance.


Fighting back tears, she shared, “I never thought something like this would happen for me. I am grateful.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, this mom no longer worries about affording the basics for her baby girl. Instead, she can focus on achieving her GED, pursuing a stable career, and building a brighter future for herself and her child..
When asked their “why” behind their generosity, the Ladies Philoptochos Society shared:
“We are a lady’s philanthropic church organization that loves to support women, children, and families in need. This year we especially focused on those who have been affected by houselessness and domestic violence. The baby shower we provided for this mom is an outpouring of our love and reflects the importance we place on supporting young mothers in need to help enhance their overall success.”
You Can Be Part of the Change
Moments like these are only possible with the support of our community—a collective of individuals, like you, who share a common bond. Whether it’s sponsoring a baby shower, donating essentials, or supporting one of our programs, your contributions make all the difference.
Donate today at https://houseofruth.org/donate-now/