“I lost everything… even the things people don’t think twice about.” – Melody
When Melody arrived at House of Ruth in August 2024, she came with two of her children and herself—no other belongings.
Melody’s two-year-old son was nonverbal. And her two-year-old daughter clung to her mother so tightly that she screamed whenever Melody stepped out of sight, a likely trauma response to witnessing abuse.
Her children weren’t in school.
Melody was unemployed.
She had no vital documents.
And her oldest daughter was not yet living with her.
For survivors of domestic violence, this reality is common. Abusers often withhold or destroy identification to maintain control.
But Melody’s situation was even more complex – both of her youngest children were born at home and had never been taken to a hospital. , They had no birth certificates, no Social Security numbers, and no official record they existed.
Securing Melody’s and her children’s documents became House of Ruth team’s top priority. However the process is complex and challenging: you cannot obtain a birth certificate without a Social Security card; and you cannot obtain a Social Security card without a birth certificate.
All the while, her abuser was pursuing custody so he could list the children on his taxes – despite multiple violations of the Civil Protection Order. It took months before the case was finally dropped.
Because of your support, House of Ruth was able to surround Melody with a network of care – case managers, childcare, therapy services for the children,, and our mental health counseling – all working together to rebuild the foundation of her family’s life.
With House of Ruth’s holistic programs, Melody’s youngest was enrolled in Kidspace Child and Family Development Center. Her oldest daughter, now nine, was able to move back with Melody in this summer, reuniting all three children. With identification finally secured, her son received a developmental evaluation and began speech and occupational therapy twice a week. Melody also regained her car, restoring independence she hadn’t had in years.
Melody still has a long journey ahead. She shows up every day, consistently attending life skills trainings as well as group and individual counseling to prioritize her healing..
When you donate to House of Ruth, you provide the foundation for women and families like Melody’s to begin healing and rebuild their lives. You ensure they are never alone.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy. The included photo may not picture the individuals featured in the story. The photo is of actual House of Ruth program participants.
