Don't forget, February is Teen Dating Awareness Month, please join us virtually on February 18, 2021 from 5:00 - 6:00 P.M. via Zoom for our annual Awareness Through Art Showcase event. We will meet to discuss and enjoy art created by youth, who are passionate about raising their voices to eradicate teen dating violence.

Meeting ID: 813 2110 3543

Passcode: 908176

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Meeting ID: 813 2110 3543

Passcode: 908176

Deciding to leave an abusive relationship isn't only emotionally taxing on an individual but places people in potentially life-threatening danger. Sadly, domestic violence takes no days off, it's a year-round issue affecting 1-4 Women and 1-7 Men and 1-3 teenagers in the U.S. Please note, all situations are unique, and all safety plans must be tailored accordingly.

A safety plan is a personalized strategy to improve safety, while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive relationship, or after leaving. The plan includes important information tailored to your unique situation and will help you prepare for and respond to different scenarios, including identifying safe social support allies, partner lethality, coping with emotions, and various available resources.

At first glance a safety plan might seem obvious, however during moments of crisis it may be hard to think clearly and a safety plan can then be utilized as a guide and check list. The following bullet points will highlight a generalized safety plan when leaving an abusive partner. Please contact our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, 1-888-988-5559 for an individualized safety plan.

·        Identify trusted individuals you can tell about the abuse.

·        Have access to a cell phone or landline to call for help.

·        Come up with credible reasons for leaving the home.

·        Practice how to get out safely.

·        If possible, keep weapons like knives and guns locked away.

·        Record evidence of physical abuse.

·        Establish a safe place you can flee to.

·        If possible, set money aside or ask a trusted adult to save it for you.

·        Gather all important documents and keep them in a safe place.

·        Keep your medications together, so you can just grab and go.

·        Take family pictures or sentimental items

·        Have a prepacked, ready to go bag, in a safe place.

·        Have emergency numbers available to you.

Due to COVID-19, House of Ruth staff and volunteers had to improvise and carry out an alternative socially distanced Christmas. Typically residential families kick off the season with a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, accompanied by Christmas carols, story time, cookies, gifts and lots of cheer. This year however, to curve the spread of COVID-19. Santa pre-delivered holiday gifts and arrived in a four wheel sleigh and delightedly waved to families from a safe distance. The children gleefully smiled and waved, feeling thankful that despite the pandemic, Santa had remembered to visit them.

Additionally, non-residential clients were scheduled for a Holiday Gift Drive- Thru and received presents and food from our Pomona Outreach office. 103 families were provided with food and holiday gifts. A special shout out to Sabrina Almaraz and her team, for coordinating and disbursing holiday presents and food to all our families in need.

Although it was an alternative, socially distanced Christmas, House of Ruth families have never been more thankful to our community for showering them with holiday love and cheer, despite the financial uncertainty the pandemic has caused.

House of Ruth would like to recognize the Ontario Community Foundation for their continued support of the agency’s Residential Children's Program and Child Abuse Treatment Program.

This year, the community foundation’s grant of $20,000 means more than ever as we continue to serve children in our shelter and outreach programs through distance learning, telehealth counseling, and family support.

House of Ruth's Annual Report is now available. Please click on the link below to view. House of Ruth is dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted by it.