The Freedom to Move Forward

Curiosity Sparked Confidence and launched a Career

For Ruthie, rebuilding her life has never been a journey she wanted to take alone.

After spending seven years incarcerated, she knew she wanted something different for her future. While still incarcerated, she participated in the JumpStart program, hoping to reconnect with her faith and continue growing as a person. What began as a participant experience soon turned into something much more. Ruthie became a leader and mentor within the program, spending three years encouraging other women and sharing hope with those walking a similar path.

"I loved becoming a leader because I got to teach and give back," Ruthie shared. "I loved sharing hope and my strengths with other women."

When Ruthie returned to the community, she continued making intentional choices about who she surrounded herself with. She chose to live in a JumpStart apartment, maintaining close connections with the mentors, friends, and support systems that had helped her grow. She also found meaningful work at Lumiere Healing Center, where she now serves as a Peer Supporter for individuals working to overcome addiction.

Every day, Ruthie helps others fight for their lives and their futures. She facilitates groups, meets one-on-one with clients, and welcomes new participants into treatment programs.

"I love interacting with clients," she said. "I love facilitating groups, but I also love checking in with people individually and seeing how they're doing."

Just as Ruthie encourages others, she has intentionally remained connected to people who encourage her. She still meets with a mentor through JumpStart, and she describes her coworkers at Lumiere as a team that truly looks out for one another.

"It takes a village," she said.

Despite having stable housing, a meaningful career, and a strong support system, one major obstacle remained: reliable transportation.

For a time, Ruthie relied on a vehicle her brother had given her, but when it broke down, she found herself depending on housemates and her JumpStart coordinator to get to work and appointments.

"I didn't like putting extra pressure on them," she said.

Through CityLink's Smart Money program, Ruthie connected with ChangingGears and learned about the Vehicle Purchase Program. After joining the waiting list, she was eventually able to purchase a silver 2011 Ford Fusion.

The impact was immediate.

"It's a sense of freedom," Ruthie said. "The opportunity to get yourself to the places you need to be."

For the first time, she could independently commute to her job nearly 30 minutes away, attend appointments, and continue investing in the relationships and opportunities that are helping her thrive.

One moment stands out most from the purchase experience.

"Getting to sign the agreement on my own made everything feel real and official," she said. "It happened in God's time."

Today, Ruthie continues to share her story wherever she can, reminding others that their past does not determine their future.

"Always pursue your dreams," she said. "No matter where you come from, there is an opportunity for you. You just have to get up and get it. I'm living proof. I know there is a better way of living."

With the support of her community, meaningful work that allows her to serve others, and reliable transportation to keep moving forward, Ruthie is building exactly that life—one intentional step at a time.