The Ruth Services program exists to provide support and services to pregnant women. Services will guide and guard the woman and the child within her throughout the pregnancy and assist the new mother in the transition to independent living.
Contact our offices at
for an application.
Individuals are accepted into the LYDIA's Ruth Services program based on the following criteria:
- Documented status of pregnancy
- Age 18 –25
- Income/ability to pay rent and program fee of $250 per month
- Interest in and commitment to household rules and supportive living
- If there is a history of substance abuse, documented completion
- of treatment and 6 months clean and sober living and follow-up since treatment
Program Capacity
Current program capacity is 6 women.
Referral Process
An outside referral source refers the client to the program. Clients may also self-refer. The client completes an application and undergoes an interview. If that is positive and the client agrees to abide by the program rules, she is admitted into the program.
Length of Stay
Women are encouraged to remain in the program for 12-18 months.
Services Provided to Women
- Assessment—In order to establish an individual treatment plan to address the mother’s specific needs, a diagnostic interview is conducted within 1 week of admission.
- Staffing—Upon entering the program, a staffing is held for the mother within the first 30 days. Staffings are held every three months thereafter (or as needed). Staffings will include the mother, LHA staff (Program Director/Social Worker, house parent) any service providers from the community who are currently involved with the mother. The mother's active participation in the scheduled staffing is crucial. At the staffing, a copy of the treatment plan is given to each treatment team member and discussed together with the mother. If no modifications are necessary, then the original is signed by all participants and placed in the mother’s chart. If any modifications are necessary, they are agreed upon and changes are made to the existing treatment plan. A new copy is then distributed to all treatment team members, including the mother. After the initial treatment plan staffing, follow-up staffings are scheduled on a routine basis every 3 months. These regular staffings are designed to review the mother’s progress in the program, make modifications to the existing treatment plan and explore with the mother how the program can continue to assist her in achieving her goals. These discussions also include the mother’s progress with her service plan.
- Treatment Planning—The treatment planning process in the Program is based on the philosophy of collaboration and empowerment. This process of collaboration provides opportunities for multiple perspectives to be heard from the various persons involved in the mother’s treatment, especially the mother. Given this, the client is encouraged to be an active participant in all stages of this process in order to strengthen her ability to advocate for herself and to take greater ownership for her progress.