THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN JULY 2025

At Ruth Harbor, summer has always been a season of growth—and this year is no different. As we continue our mission to provide Christ-centered homes and support for young women and their children, this summer brings important transitions within our residential program.

Honoring Matthew & Casey’s Legacy

After six years of faithful service, Matthew and Casey Stout are stepping away from their roles as Housing Directors. As many of you know, they have been a steady presence at Ruth Harbor, leading our Carlisle and Des Moines homes with deep compassion and spiritual integrity.

They’ve played a vital role in shaping the lives of dozens of young women and their children. Their departure marks the end of a meaningful chapter—but also opens the door for new leadership and fresh opportunities.

Introducing A New Leadership Model

Over the past several months, our team has prayerfully and strategically restructured the residential program to ensure ongoing excellence in care. What has emerged is a collaborative, sustainable staffing model, built around the four phases of the Ruth Harbor Pathway, our new discipleship and life skills program.

Here’s how our team is stepping into new roles:

Julia Craighead now serves as Residential Program Manager, leading Phase 1 & 2. With experience in residential care and trauma-informed practices, Julia helps residents establish safety, structure, and begin their personal healing journey.
Adam Craighead, as Residential Operations Manager, ensures our homes remain safe, well-equipped, and welcoming. He oversees facilities, transportation, move-ins, and other practical supports that create stability.
Faith Busenitz is our new Program Support Specialist, coordinating intakes, documentation, and transitions between program phases. Her behind-the-scenes work ensures residents and staff stay on track.
Beth Fuller, our trusted Life Coach, continues offering one-on-one mentoring, helping residents grow spiritually and set meaningful life goals.
Sara Sorensen, as Family Care Director, provides vital aftercare support for graduates, walking with them into independent living and community connection.
Amanda Shuey, Family Care Assistant, brings continuity to our support network, helping current and former residents stay connected and encouraged.

Rooted in Christ, Committed to Growth

Together, this team represents a new generation of leadership—rooted in biblical values, united in vision, and committed to walking with each woman on her journey from surviving to thriving.

How You Can Pray and Support

We’re excited about what lies ahead. While transitions can be challenging, we clearly see God’s hand guiding this season and are deeply grateful for the strength, humility, and unity of our team.

Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and support make it possible to offer a place of hope, healing, and transformation.

Please continue to pray for our staff as they serve on the front lines of healing and life change.

What Happens After Ruth Harbor?

Beyond Graduation: Family Care at Ruth Harbor

The journey doesn’t end when a resident leaves Ruth Harbor—it continues through Family Care, our intentional aftercare phase of the Ruth Harbor Pathway.

Through Family Care, graduates receive:

Job readiness support
Budgeting and financial coaching
Childcare resources
Spiritual mentoring
Ongoing coaching opportunities

Led by Sara Sorensen and Amanda Shuey, Family Care connects regularly with alumnae, helping them navigate real-world challenges and reminding them they’re never alone. Together, Sara and Amanda offer encouragement, practical help, and a loving reminder that transformation doesn’t end at graduation—it keeps going.

Thanks to your support, Ruth Harbor isn’t just a safe place for now—it’s a launching pad for a transformed life.

We have recently been blessed to receive some referrals from a couple of partnering agencies, both findhelp.com (a ministry of the Family Leader) and Love INC. We are so grateful for their partnership and for new opportunities for moms to receive the support they need!

Our 2025 Vision Dinner (formerly known as the Ruth Harbor Fundraising Banquet) will be held at 6pm on November 4, 2025 at the Airport Holiday Inn.

Pastor Brian Brown of Hope+Elim Church will be this year’s speaker. We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s Vision Dinner!

Program Update: A Season of Growth and Transition