Ruth Harbor Resident Life
Before coming to Ruth Harbor you may feel alone, however once you are here you have the opportunity to relate and bond with others who are going through the same things as you. At Ruth Harbor, we come alongside to help you become more independent as we provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere for you to grow. Ruth Harbor is both a program and a home, led by live-in life coaches we call house parents, plus a counselor, and other staff.
- This is a big house with room for up to six young moms living together in a family-like atmosphere
- No more than two maternity program residents will share a bedroom; mother-child program residents will share a room with their child
- Toiletries, sheets, towels, etc. are provided
- Residents share family-style meals and learn independent meal preparation
- Laundry facilities are on site and free
- Rooms and house interior are recently updated
- Transportation is provided to appointments, school, work, volunteer opportunities, etc.
- Medical Care – We partner with Midwife Services unless your pregnancy is high risk. Residents receive the same quality and professional care in the same hospitals that any other member of the community can access, including neonatal specialists. We provide transportation and support for all appointments.
- Medical Insurance – Residents must have their own insurance, either private or Title 19. Ruth Harbor staff will assist you in this, if needed.
- Doula Services – The doula meets twice with the expecting mother prior to delivery and assists during delivery. These services are offered to residents at a significantly reduced rate of $50. (A doula is a birthing coach and advocate for the birth mother.)
- Counseling – Residents meet with a counselor once a week and enjoy group session once per week, too. Additional counseling to support adoption and/or parenting decisions is also provided.
- Earn While You Learn – Residents successfully complete instructional lessons about labor and delivery to earn Ruth Harbor Bucks, which can be redeemed for personal care items, baby necessities, and apartment essentials.
- Wake up, get ready and have your room picked up by the time you leave for school or work. Most days you’ll pack a lunch.
- After you come home in the mid-afternoon you’ll have time for Earn While You Learn lessons, homework, exercise, or possible television privileges.
- Evenings begin with family-style dinner, with everyone pitching in to cook and clean up. After dinner, there’s time for chores, homework, group discussion or family meetings before some relaxation.
- From 9:00-10:00PM, residents retreat to their rooms for Personal Time. During this time you can enjoy reading, journaling, considering decisions needed, calendar planning, listening to music, or generally winding down. Quiet time/bed time begins at 10:00PM.
Life Skills learned at Ruth Harbor:
- Goal setting
- Education, college or high school or GED
- Building (or regaining) healthy relationships
- Financial planning and budgeting
- Cooking and menu planning
- Time management and scheduling
- Health and nutrition
- Driver’s permit/license
- Social skills
- Conflict resolution
- Job searching/resume building/interviewing skills
Activities we enjoy include:
- Going out to eat
- Movies
- Attending church
- Garage sales
- Farmer’s Market
- Concerts
- Iowa State Fair
- Game nights
- Grilling out
- Library visits
- Parks
- Shopping
A Christ-centered home & programs for young moms who are facing unplanned pregnancies or parenting young children.
Ruth Harbor
534 42nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-279-4661
Fax: 515-633-2157
M-F 8:30 AM-5 PM
info@ruthharbor.org
534 42nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: 515-279-4661
Fax: 515-633-2157
M-F 8:30 AM-5 PM
info@ruthharbor.org