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Filling hearts with hope

On June 2, our volunteers and donors helped two families escaping domestic violence. Both families were clients of Ruby’s Place. Each mother worked hard to get their own place but neither could afford to furnish them. They both have run from abuse and are finally in a safe place. Thank you to everyone who made it possible to give them some needed relief and security.

We could not do what we do without your support!  Every pillow, blanket and comforter fills a heart with hope.

Family #1

Betty has three boys ages 6, 10, and 12. Before coming to Ruby’s Place, a shelter for women escaping domestic violence, they lived in an abandoned home for over a month.  With help from Ruby’s place, Betty and her three boys moved into a new home of their own. She now has a good job working the graveyard shift in maintenance and is turning her life around.

Before: Betty slept on the floor in the living room.
Before: Betty's three boys slept on the floor in the single bedroom.
Before: Living room and kitchen.
Before: Betty's side yard.

When we arrived at Betty’s home, our volunteers eagerly unpacked the Chipman moving truck and got started.

Moving furniture.
Making Betty's bed.
Setting up the kitchen.
Putting away dinnerware.
Making the bed.

The boys were so happy to see their bedroom. They immediately ran in to claim their beds.

“I can’t believe you did all of this,” said Betty, practically in tears. Her son confirmed, “this is the best day ever!”

After: Betty's bed in the living room.
After: Kitchen.
After: The boy's bedroom.
After: The boy's bedroom.
After: Living room and kitchen.

Family #2

Gianna has two boys ages 4 and 7 and worked hard to get her own place. She escaped domestic violence with help from Ruby’s Place, a shelter for women and children. At Ruby’s place, Gianna and her children made friends with Betty’s family. When they got housing, both families were thrilled to find out their homes were in the same complex as the other family! Gianna is currently working full time at a local restaurant to make ends meet.

Before: Bedroom shared by Gianna and her two sons.
Before: Bedroom.
Before: Living room.
Before: Side yard.
Before: Kitchen.

While half of our volunteers tackled Betty’s house, the other half worked on Gianna’s house right across the parking lot.

Building beds.
Building furniture.
Cleaning the new picture frames.
Setting up the kitchen.
Putting clothes away.
Gianna couldn't believe how beautiful her home turned out.
After: The boys beds.
After: Gianna's bed.
After: Back yard.
After: Living room.
After: Kitchen.

“Thank you so much, all you did for me and my children. I truly don’t have the words to explain how much gratitude we have.” – Gianna

Thank you

And as always, we could do none of this without the gift of our moving sponsors, CHIPMAN RELOCATION AND LOGISTICS. Thank you!

With gratitude,

Donna and Chris

Grateful Gatherings, Founders

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