Letter from Board President, Holly Edington, to supporters

Dear Friends,

What started in 1977 as a grassroots effort in a small row house in downtown Baltimore has grown to become one of America’s most comprehensive and respected domestic violence programs.   Like many service organizations, the House Of Ruth’s growth has happened organically – often with limited funds, but always with a healthy abundance of attitude and street sense. However, the economic downturn in 2008 made it clear that life, as we knew it, had changed.  To survive in the new world order, the House Of Ruth Maryland had to apply the same critical eye to itself as it did to those who, over the years, stood in the way of ending violence against women and their children. 

Under the tutelage of Carole Alexander, Sandi Timmins was brought in to reexamine how HRM services were delivered and how they could be improved, within existing budgetary constraints.  In February of 2009, the Contact Center was unveiled, which turned a volunteer-staffed hotline into a fully functioning “help” center staffed with trained counselors and volunteer advocates who could connect victims with necessary services on the spot.  In December of 2009, a major reorganization of the Shelter was put into place – a move designed to make the experience more welcoming and healing for the families who live there, while eliminating duplication and fragmentation of services.  And in February of 2010, the agency’s case managers and community advocates were consolidated into one Client Services Department in order to offer victims a dedicated person who knows their individual circumstances and needs, and can help guide them through the process of rebuilding their lives. 

None of this was change for change’s sake. It was an orchestrated effort to work more efficiently toward our long term vision that, one day, every woman will be safe in her own home, and to ensure that the House Of Ruth Maryland remains strong for the victims who depend on it for their safety and, indeed, their lives.

Against that backdrop, I am pleased to announce that Sandi Timmins, the person who shepherded many of the improvements of the last year, has been named Executive Director. Sandi brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the position.  In addition to her proven accomplishments over the past year (including being House Of Ruth’s interim Executive Director for the past 6 months), Sandi has more than 20 years management experience in corporate positions, and over a decade running her own company dedicated to helping non-profits grow and maximize their potential, both here and abroad. Sandi’s appointment follows a four-month search, conducted by the Board of Directors in partnership with staff and major stakeholders, to retain the House Of Ruth’s reputation as firebrand and champion for victims of domestic violence, while shoring up its viability for the future.  Sandi is the first to say, she has big shoes to fill.  We are confident in her ability to do exactly that.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support—both financially and emotionally. May none of us ever lose sight of The House of Ruth Maryland’s important mission.

Sincerely,

Holly Edington

Board President