Prince of Peace Success Stories
Imagine, Believe, Achieve Through Courage:A Personal Reflection on Participating in Project RUTH
I am a student at Laurel Technical Institute, in my fifth semester. In January of 2011 I will graduate with an associate’s degree in Office Administration. I was in Project RUTH for one year. It is an honor for me to share my experiences as part of the program. I would like to thank the staff for giving me this opportunity.
Project RUTH helped me set and achieve goals for myself. With help from Candace and Natalie, I reached many goals on my list, including enrolling in school again, getting a vehicle, and paying off some fines. Through the program I was also able to achieve the ultimate goal: independent housing.
When I first entered the program I was unsure of what kind of help I was going to receive. I was reluctant to share information about my past and myself, and hesitant at the idea of taking the next step in my life, whatever that turned out to be. My experience with the Project RUTH staff taught me to open up to them, to share my thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Natalie and Candace showed me that they aren’t just employees at the Prince of Peace Center; they are women who have a true passion for helping the homeless and helpless. They and the program provided a level playing field, allowing them to understand me better as a person, instead of a number or a statistic. They showed me love – even tough love, when necessary. The program went above and beyond what I expected, making sure my needs were met so that my focus could move forward.
I am so grateful to have met these women, and to have had the opportunity to participate in Project RUTH. Even though I am out of the program now, I am still involved and try to be a part of RUTH activities whenever I can. The program staff members continue to reach out to me, proving that they care enough to ensure that I know I am not alone as I continue on my journey. A helping hand is always extended for me, whenever I may need it.
I want to encourage everyone not to give up. This program exists to help people in situations like mine. The staff asks questions, even tough questions, because they need to know how best to help, and being reluctant like I was will only hinder that process. One thing I learned from attending Project RUTH support groups was that the healing begins with you. It’s okay to think of only you, or you and your children, even if it might seem selfish. Sometimes, even if you want someone special to walk beside you on your journey, it feels like you are walking all alone. It’s okay to walk alone for a while, until you find, for yourself, what you want out of life and what path you should be on.
What I have learned from being a part of Project RUTH is this: Make goals. Try your hardest at everything you do. Most importantly, never stop believing in yourself. Life isn’t handed to any of us on a silver platter. It might look that way sometimes, but trust me, even the people who look like they have an easy life have obstacles. Their problems are just different, defined by different trials that are specific to their lives. Everyone goes through rough things in life. All you can determine is how you handle the situation, and whether you make the right choices to get to the outcome that is best for you.
Quotes
“I don’t walk the same. I don’t talk the same. I don’t think the same.”
Brandi Kirby
“It’s such a powerful thing to know there are people who are strangers willing to help you.”
Lynette Cummings
“…[A]nything [is] possible with this program. I’m truly grateful. Words can’t even express. It’s like I feel secure now. I feel safe now.”
Brandi Wills
“When I was accepted in Project RUTH, I was thankful. They help you get on your feet. … I had peace of mind.”
Carol Jean Walker
“My way of thinking has totally changed. … Now I take my time, I think about what I’m doing before I make choices.”
Brenda Thorpe
“[They] leave it up to me to make the right choices. That really brought my confidence back.”
Lisa Huffman