The House of Ruth Maryland

The House of Ruth Maryland [http://www.hruth.org] is a non-profit organization that was established in 1977. It is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The organization provides services for women and there children who are victims of Domestic Violence. Funding for House of Ruth Maryland is made possible through private (53%) and government (38%) funds, and other sources (9%) including investment income, training and client fees resulting mainly from the Gateway Project. Since its inception, The House of Ruth Maryland has served over 100,000 victims of domestic violence. [http://www.hruth.org/fact-sheet.asp House of Ruth: Fact Sheet ] ]

Timeline

1977 A small group of volunteers opens Maryland’s first shelter for battered women and children. (The House of Ruth)

1978House Of Ruth is selected as the model shelter program for Maryland and receives its first state funding, allowing it to begin offering support services in conjunction with shelter.

1979The House Of Ruth introduces a voluntary 22-week counseling program designed to modify the behavior of abusive men, the first program of its kind in the state of Maryland. (The Gateway Project)

1980The House of Ruth begins offering housing and counseling services to clients.

1981The House of Ruth begins offering counseling to clients’ children.

1982The House Of Ruth expands its shelter, services and sets up the first, statewide,24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence.

1983House Of Ruth opens a legal clinic to provide legal services to victims of domestic violence and expands its voluntary batterers’ program to include court-ordered abusers.The House Of Ruth begins providing consultation to the United States Navy on how to work with batterers.

1984The House Of Ruth, in cooperation with Women’s Law Center, receives a grant from Maryland Legal Services to create the Domestic Violence Law Clinic.

1987The House Of Ruth consolidates its services and opens the doors to its new, 24-bed Montebello facility.

1992The House Of Ruth opens its first Victim’s Advocacy Office in the Baltimore City District Court.

1997The House Of Ruth launches its Teen Initiative, a community based program geared towards teaching teenagers about healthy relationships. [http://www.hruth.org/files/library/line_sand_presskit_4-9-08.pdf]

Leadership

Carole Alexander, Executive Director

Holly Edington, President, Board of Directors; Director, Corporate HR, Black & Decker

Dorothy Lennig, Director, Legal Clinic

Ellyn Loy, Director, Counseling, Education and Outreach

Mary McGeady, Director, Finance and Administration

Terri Wurmser, Director, Programs

ervices Offered

"Hotline Counseling"

The House of Ruth Maryland has a 24 hour hotline that provides counseling and referrals to victims of domestic violence, abusers and concerned family and friends.

"Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing"

The organization provides emergency refuge for women and their children where they can escape violence and receive support to rebuild their lives. The emergency shelter and six transitional apartments accommodate 84 women and children. Residents have access to a wellness program as well as child care and job training.

"Legal Assistance"

The House of Ruth Maryland provides women with legal representation, counseling and advocacy.

"Counseling for Adults and Children"

The organization offers individual and group counseling along with education about options and services. The organization helps the women create safety and exits plans to help them with the transition from the abusive environment.

"Abusers’ Intervention"

This program, The Gateway Project, is a 22-week education program structured to systematically challenge an abusive person’s belief system. It also teaches abusers how to maintain healthy, non-violent relationships. [ [http://www.hruth.org/get-help.asp House of Ruth: Get Help ] ]

Location

The House of Ruth Maryland is located at 2201 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218.

Notes