Ruthie’s Journey

Ruthie arrived at Ascension Place (AP) in April 2015, following a long and complicated history with chemical dependency. She immediately appreciated the culture here. “AP is full of warmth, consideration, understanding, and kindness, says Ruthie. “The whole community, but especially the staff. It starts with the staff.”

Allison, AP Program Director, has known Ruthie since she moved in. “The first thing that comes to mind is how kind and welcoming Ruthie is,” Allison says. “Even if she’s having a rough day, she doesn’t take it out on other people. She has been such a big support for so many people here, not only through the example she sets, but also by the encouraging words she always has for other residents.”

During her years at AP, Ruthie felt safe and secure in the comfortable, dignified living environment. She even likened our building to “a castle.” She especially appreciated the time that AP allowed her to heal and grow. “However long it takes, there’s no pressure,” she says. “At AP, you can take as much time as you need to heal.” 

Ruthie regularly volunteered in the community with other AP residents, participated in weekly mental health and chemical health groups, and especially benefited from the in-house Financial Literacy workshops. “The groups have empowered me to make my own decisions. I used to accept anything someone told me. I wasn’t strong enough to disagree. Now I know myself. I’m deciding for myself now.”

Ruthie had the opportunity to move out of AP almost three years ago. Shortly after securing an apartment, Ruthie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and decided to stay at AP. She knew that it would be a struggle to maintain her sobriety while managing surgery, chemotherapy, and medical appointments. “The only way I survived the cancer is because of the support I got at AP,” Ruthie says. Staff helped Ruthie keep track of her appointments, ensured that she got to and from treatment, and supported her while she healed. 

When asked to share her wisdom with other women seeking stability and healing at AP, Ruthie says, “Staff has high expectations here. I never imagined I could have so much discipline. It feels good to be disciplined and to be in control. The structure at AP - weekly meetings, mealtimes, curfew, maintaining appointments, chores, etc. - is good for you.”

While she feels that she has “outgrown” Ascension Place and is ready to move on, Ruthie would “never trade the last four years of my life for anywhere else!” 

Everyone at AP will miss Ruthie, but we are so excited to witness her next steps. She is moving into her own apartment, for the first time in her life. “This will be my very first apartment that is all my own,” Ruthie shares. “I’m almost a senior citizen. Look how long it took me to stand on my own two feet. But it takes some longer than others. My very first apartment! I’ve never had my own keys. It took me 60 years to get my own house. I’m so proud of myself.”

We are all extremely proud of Ruthie. Allison’s greatest wish for Ruthie, as she moves on, is, “Make your apartment a home. Maintain the structure and stay connected with your meetings, your groups, your friends, and yourself.” And, most importantly, we all hope that Ruthie will stay connected with Ascension Place.

Ruthie says that she plans to visit regularly to keep in touch with her many friends and with staff, and to enjoy her favorite food at AP, “Michael’s Mexican cornbread.”

Everyone at Haven Housing bids Ruthie a fond farewell!