June 15, 2004
Greetings from Ruth Harbor!

Much is happening here where we serve young women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Welcoming New Residents Again
Many know that the housing portion of our services was suspended during our recent transition to new house parents. We are now able to provide the housing that many of our clients desperately need along with the other program components: counseling, education and career development, life skills, nutrition and health care, spiritual guidance, referrals for other human services, and specialized education on the options of parenting or placing for adoption.

We welcome your referrals of young women up to age 23 who are seeking help!

New House Parents
We are fortunate to introduce Jim and Barbara Gamble as our new house parents. They are Iowa natives, raised 6 daughters of their own, have previous house parenting experience, and recently housed a couple young women in need in their own home.

Over the long haul, the success and effectiveness of house parents depend on those who skillfully maintain leadership when our fulltime house parents are "off duty." In addition to Steve and Sherry Stroup, David and Darlene Turner have recently joined the staff team as relief house parents. Though not in the home as many hours, these part time staff members have the same skills and training as do our full time house parents.

New Benefits for clients
In addition to the programming components listed in the first paragraph, Ruth Harbor now provides new assessments for self-sufficiency and career interests. This feedback and the trained personnel that go with it, assist in creating a more specific and efficient care plan for each resident. Read more about these benefits in our next newsletter.

Financial Health
Like most non-profits, 2003 was financially stressful for Ruth Harbor as contributions and grant making were down. However, individuals, churches, and the community at large are responding to make Ruth Harbor a continuing reality. God has blessed us through many of you!

More information will come your way when our next newsletter published. However, your call or email is welcomed anytime you would like to learn more about Ruth Harbor.

Cordially,

Mark McDougal
Executive Director

Copies of the client brochure are available by request.