Ruth's Way, Inc.

Ruth's Way, Inc. is a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adolescent girls aged 10 to 17, primarily serving communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. Founded in 2005, Ruth's Way operates as the only achievement consulting agency for adolescent girls worldwide, focusing on helping young females overcome past and current challenges to build successful futures[1][2].

Mission and Services

The organization’s mission centers on enabling young girls to find their voice and strength to achieve their most successful futures possible. Ruth's Way addresses behavioral health issues among girls who have experienced trauma and exhibit negative behaviors as a result. Their services support approximately 100-200 adolescent girls and their families annually, providing guidance from a strengths-based perspective that empowers the youth and their families to take control of their own processes and outcomes[2][4].

Ruth's Way employs a value-based system grounded in the three elements of Family, Friendship, and Faithfulness—referred to as the "3-F's"—which draws inspiration from the Biblical story of Ruth. This system facilitates the development of a new mindset that helps young females blossom into virtuous women[1][2].

Programs

The organization provides achievement consulting that includes strategic planning, helping girls identify and address barriers that may threaten their futures. They specialize in behavioral health support tailored to young women’s unique experiences, particularly focusing on trauma recovery and fostering resiliency[2].

Governance

As of October 2022, the board of directors of Ruth's Way, Inc. includes Shirley Slade (term 2017–2022), Vernon Chatman (term 2021–2022), Damara Carter, Suzanne Williams, Sylvia Smith, and Tyreque Calloway[4].

Community Impact

Ruth's Way serves as a critical resource in the Pittsburgh area and beyond, working to break cycles of dependency and promoting empowerment among adolescent girls. The organization’s faith-based and family-oriented approach helps them build a supportive network for youth development and successful life transitions[5].

Ruth's Way, Inc. stands out as a specialized nonprofit agency with a clear focus on adolescent girls, uniquely blending faith, family values, and strength-based programming to foster sustainable personal growth and achievement.