FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:
Mark McDougal
515-279-4661
rutharbor@rutharbor.org

New Start For Local Ministry

Ruth Harbor Seeks New House Parents, Funding Sources

September 25, 2003-- Ruth Harbor, a locally-founded care ministry that helps women facing an unplanned pregnancy, today announced that it would temporarily stop accepting residents as it seeks new house parents and pursues additional funding sources.

The organization’s house parents Tom and Collette Beytien have stayed with the ministry well beyond their 24-month commitment to live with, and mentor, the girls in the house, which is located at 534 42nd Street in Des Moines. The couple has already accepted a new ministry assignment in Mexico.

“The expected transition of Tom and Collette provides Ruth Harbor’s leadership with an excellent opportunity to improve its financial footing, train new house parents, and re-launch the ministry in early 2004,” said Ruth Harbor Executive Director Mark McDougal. “We want to ensure that if we take women into our resident program, we can see them through to the birth of their babies.”

Since opening its residential facility two years ago, Ruth Harbor has accepted 27 women into its resident program and provided assistance to many others. The timing of this transition was also driven in part by the fact that no current residents will be displaced. August saw the birth of 2 more babies and the successful transition of their mothers into safe or self-sufficient housing. Knowing it would face these issues, the ministry has held off accepting new residents during September.

Transition Assistance

According to McDougal, the Board and staff will take the next three months to pursue house parents and additional funding sources. During that transition period, the staff counselor will continue to assist girls, putting them in contact with other residential options as well as shepherding homes that have been screened by Ruth Harbor. “Until we know what the future holds and who our new house parents will be, we feel strongly that we need to provide options that offer consistency to the women,” explained Lyn Helton, Ruth Harbor’s counselor. “Taking residents now, and then shifting to new house parents part way through their pregnancies, will only further exacerbate the feelings of abandonment and uncertainty our clients already face.”

The Ruth Harbor leadership team fully expects to begin accepting residents again early next year. “We’re anxious to be ready,” Helton continued. “We have worked with 10 inquirers in the past three weeks – most with immediate needs.” Along with evidence of continued need, the ministry team has been encouraged by the success of its alumni, community support, and the financial response of many present constituents.

Financial Need, Board Expansion

During this time of transition, Ruth Harbor will also re-energize its fundraising efforts. The organization is currently facing a $30,000 shortfall in expected giving. The ministry will hold its annual banquet on November 13 at the Embassy Suites by the River. Mark Kitts, a national speaker on the topic of unplanned pregnancy and how a child can serve in the capacity of “healer,” will speak. Like many non-profit organizations, in the two years since 9-11, Ruth Harbor has struggled to raise its annual $250,000 budget. The Board is also looking for additional members interested in helping restart the ministry. Interested people should contact the Ruth Harbor Office for a Board member application.

Those interested in the house parent position may review the job description and contact information through the Ruth Harbor web site www.rutharbor.org. Families with interest in being a shepherding home, providing housing to a young woman in need, may also contact the office by phone or through the web site.

About Ruth Harbor

Founded in 1996, Ruth Harbor is a Christ-centered home for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Ruth Harbor began providing shelter, counseling, life-skill training, and options to women at no cost on Mother’s Day, 2001. Ruth Harbor is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The home and its administrative offices are located 534 42nd Street in Des Moines. For more information call 279-4661 or visit the website www.rutharbor.org.