Ania* brought her young son to House of Ruth to flee domestic violence. During their time at House of Ruth, Ania steadily and successfully rebuilt their lives and established her independence.
They first lived in our residential housing with staff on-site, and after a year, they transitioned into more independent housing through our Bridges scattered site program. While at Bridges, they lived in their own apartment in the community, received income-based rental assistance, case management, and other supportive services.
Ania’s biggest obstacle was her fear of being on her own. She was worried about being able to support herself and her son for the long-term. But Ania was also committed to building on all the opportunities available to her to be successful through House of Ruth. She worked with her case manager to figure out how to bring down her debt, to improve her credit score, and to increase her income. She prioritized saving money. She also took care of herself by attending therapy at our Domestic Violence Support Center, and by participating in support groups.
Ania created a vision board with her dreams and goals early on during her time at House of Ruth. More than a year later, while attending a group session at Bridges, she was with a new group of peers who were creating vision boards. She was proud to share that she had already achieved all of the dreams on the first vision board she created.
When her case manager asked Ania if she was ready to be on her own, she responded, “I feel good, House of Ruth has done well by me, I was able to grow, and I am ready to be on my own.”
In November 2020 she transitioned out of our Bridges program, taking over the lease on her apartment and fully supporting herself and her son, all while working full-time at a nursing home and attending graduate school in the medical field. Now she is beginning to dream about and plan for the day when she will purchase her own home.
Ania is proud to know she is more than capable of standing on her own and thriving. We are honored to support Ania as she worked hard to build a bright future for herself and her son.
*Name has been changed.