The residents are not the only ones who receive help and growth from House of Ruth. At times, it's the staff that feel they have been rescued. Sometimes the more you give the more you receive.
Maricela started working at House of Ruth 11 years ago. At the time she had no money, she lived on welfare, she was very shy, and she says she didn’t really talk. She lived in a small apartment with 9 children and 3 adults. On welfare, the home received only $947 for all 9 children because they did not report 4 of the children. They were afraid they would be kicked out for having so many people in the apartment.
Working at House of Ruth changed her life. She witnessed the other women who were at House of Ruth living alone, raising children alone, and saw how strong they were. She says, “My eyes were opened from being around such strong women.” This gave her the strength to stand up to her husband who was abusing her at the time. Being at House of Ruth gave her the courage to tell him she wouldn’t take it anymore, and to make him get a job.
Her daughter, who was young at the time, described it by saying, “My mommy was a Chihuahua. My daddy a pit-bull. The Chihuahua would always run from the pit-bull...now the Chihuahua eats the pit-bull.”
Not only did House of Ruth offer her this emotional and mental support, but also practical support. They gave her family clothes, blankets, and food which allowed her to save enough money to buy a house. She credits House of Ruth for the fact that she has a home and that her children are in school.
While working at House of Ruth, Maricela became pregnant. She was petrified and would cry because she thought she would have to quit working. She was afraid to tell Sr. Jennifer that she was pregnant. Eventually when she did, Sr. Jennifer laughed and said, “Why are you crying? You can bring your son with you and keep him in the daycare here.” Maricela was relieved beyond belief. She was thankful to have Sr. Jennifer’s support.
Sr. Jennifer always supported Maricela throughout her time at House of Ruth. She encouraged her to go to school, learn English, and complete 14 units in child development. Maricela plans on getting her GED and taking college classes soon.
Maricela works in the daycare at House of Ruth, where she says her job is to protect the children and give them love. She enjoys working with the children and says that through them she learns about character. She says, “The children come in here with a lot of needs. They are victims of child abuse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse. It’s hard because that’s what they know. And they try to repeat these actions. Sometimes I cry when I hear what happened to the children. Sometimes they’ll tell me.”
Maricela says that the children are the same as the ladies who come. That they come sad, but little by little they get better. She visits them after they move out.
Her best memory at House of Ruth was when the women would get section 8. She says they would be jumping up and down with the most beautiful expression on their faces! Also, she remembers a client named Monica who was going to child’s court to gain custody. The day she won custody they had a party in the office.
Maricela enjoys what she does; she is thankful for Sr. Jennifer and House of Ruth. Working in the daycare every day is not an easy job, but Maricela does it with such patience and love. Her loyalty to House of Ruth and the families that pass through is a true blessing.
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