From Surviving to Thriving: A Year of Growth at Ruth Harbor
Last year—2025—proved to be a transformative year for Ruth Harbor. In mid-2024, we started a redesign process under the banner of "Ruth Harbor 2.0".
At the center of this redesign was a clear need to update the programming to better serve the women coming to Ruth Harbor.
While still remaining faithful to our founders’ vision and mission of serving women who are pregnant or parenting a young child in a Christ-centered environment, we recognized the need to provide a more holistic approach that addressed the root causes that led a mom to become homeless, burdened by unhealthy relationships, and in some cases even in jail or prison. These root-level issues often included experiences of childhood trauma and neglect.
What Changed in 2025
In 2025, we turned the plans into real progress. Here are the highlights of the improvements made last year:
Pathway Program Launched—We redesigned our program to better serve women impacted by generational poverty and trauma. The Pathway Program provides clear weekly direction and milestones, helping women take meaningful steps toward healing, stability, and long-term growth.
Counseling for Every Resident—Every resident now receives a weekly, one-hour professional counseling session—an essential step toward healing from past hurts. In 2025 alone, Ruth Harbor provided more than 160 hours of professional counseling, a truly transformative addition to our care.
Life Skills Training—Through partnerships and staff leadership, residents received practical training in parenting, self-care, nutrition, and financial literacy—tools that help build strong, healthy homes.
Family Care Expanded—Our Family Care Ministry continued to walk with Ruth Harbor graduates beyond residency. In 2025, we supported more than 20 women and their children through both seasons of joy and seasons of hardship.
Staff and Mentorship Growth—We increased staff capacity to provide healthier margin and better care, and we launched a mentorship program equipping Ruth Harbor graduates to walk alongside current residents—turning past healing into present hope.
These changes are not abstract, and we see them lived out in real lives every day. One resident recently shared, “For the first time, I don’t feel like I’m just trying to survive. I’m learning how to build a future for myself and my child.” Stories like this are possible because you chose to walk alongside this ministry through your giving.
One of the most meaningful ways to stay connected to this work is through our monthly Prayer Guide, where we share specific ways you can pray for the women, children, and staff of Ruth Harbor.
As we look ahead to 2026, we remain prayerfully attentive to where the Lord is leading. The transformation we witness is the work of the Holy Spirit; we are simply grateful to serve as His instruments. Your generosity makes this ministry of reconciliation and renewal possible. Together, we are impacting lives—two generations at a time.
Thank you for standing with Ruth Harbor. We are deeply grateful for you.
Blessings,
Chris Eller
P.S. As we prepare for the year ahead, you may wish to take a next step by becoming a monthly partner or increasing your support. Consistent giving provides stability for our residents and allows our team to plan wisely and walk faithfully with each family God brings to us. If you’re not already receiving our Prayer Guide, we invite you to subscribe as well—your prayers are a vital part of this work. However you choose to engage, thank you for standing with Ruth Harbor.