Real Stories
This is what some of our actual clients have to say. Names have been changed..
A place that respects your healing process.
This is my first time at a shelter and before I came, I asked around and peoples’ reaction to being in a shelter was not positive, so I was actually really scared to come and be safe. But coming from a bad relationship where I felt like a prisoner, this is the freest and safe I’ve felt in a long time. I feel like this is a place that respects your healing process.
My perspective on shelters is very different now. For my kids, it’s a very safe place. [At Ruby’s Place] Our kids are learning to be each others’ support groups, they go to school together, play together. Us women are not just going through it but the kids are going through it too and to have someone their own age to support each other is great.
-Lea
When I am here, I feel free
For me, this is my fourth shelter. In the other ones, my health is very bad. When I am here I feel free. I think it’s good here at Ruby’s. Even the support group, I love it.
-Maria
The nicest shelter I've stayed in
I stayed in [three] other shelters before I came here, and this is actually the nicest one I’ve stayed in. Before I came here I was really stressed out. Extremely stressed out. When I came here I felt for the first time in a long time I could relax and get my mind together and figure out the next step for me. I think here [at Ruby’s Place] they respect individuals’ livelihoods.
-Sofia
Ruby's Place is the safest place
I don’t know there are places like this that help people in DV. I felt there is no hope for me. At the same time, I had so much fear of my husband. I only made one call. I had so much fear. I have wounds all over my body. And no end for my fears. I have no family here other than my daughter. I made that one call and they sounded so comforting. This is the first time I knew what a shelter is. And this is the first time I knew people in this country help you.
When I compare to the past, now I am self-sufficient. I am getting food and getting a place to sleep and my daughter is happy. She has friends and is going to school. I have a very good case manager. I am building my future. I am not spending money, I am saving money for my future. Ruby’s Place is the safest place. I felt I am left alone in this country before I know about Ruby’s Place, but now I am feeling that I and my child have someone.
“Sometimes the hardest part isn't letting go but rather learning to start over.”
― Nicole Sobon