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“Ruth” means compassion; “harbor” means a place of refuge, safety, retreat or shelter. With a goal to serve 20 residents a year, Ruth Harbor opened for operations on Mother’s Day in 2001.

“(Ruth Harbor) is a very practical response to women who have a need in our neighborhoods and schools,” said Mark McDougal, executive director of Ruth Harbor. “It is a response to their needs that demonstrates action; it is not just something that is talked about.”

The organization’s mission states: “Through grace, Ruth Harbor provides a Christ-centered home, programs and comprehensive services for women and teens with unplanned pregnancies resulting in positive life change.”

The organization works to help the women “change from the inside out” through not only providing a home, but also with counseling programs, connecting them with resources in the community and setting goals. Ruth Harbor helps its clients to develop a “core plan” that asks and outlines, “Where you are now, what you want to accomplish and how you will get there?” McDougal said.

The organization also assists the women in setting goals for education, employment and/or volunteer work.

When the women get close to giving birth, Ruth Harbor helps them establish an “after-care plan that is designed to help them move forward,” McDougal said, including plans for where to live and a “who to call” list.

Life skills also make up a significant part of Ruth Harbor’s services. The organization helps women with everything from finding insurance to phone, interview and greeting skills to nutrition knowledge.

Young women do not have to be residents of Ruth Harbor to receive all of its services.

Ruth Harbor held its 2008 Walk for Life in May, with a goal of raising $35,000 through the event. As of June 4, $33,200 had been donated.

Half of the women Ruth Harbor serves are from Polk County; others come from throughout Iowa and occasionally from out of state. Eight employees, three full time, and volunteers help make Ruth Harbor’s mission possible.

“Because we try to create a family experience versus an institution, we try to keep the number of residents between four to six girls,” McDougal said. “Most do not have a healthy picture of what home could be.”