Boaz and Ruth are  Rebuilding Lives through Relationships!
It's a vicious cycle. When someone is released from prison, they generally return to the old neighborhood, desperately hoping for a new life. But a decent job, a safe home and healthy relationships are hard to come by in a community weighed down by the very problems and issues that helped spawn the crime to begin with. You can't change a life without changing the community as well. That's what makes Boaz & Ruth so unique.

By planting itself right in the center of Highland Park, one of Richmond, Virginia's most troubled areas, Boaz & Ruth is tackling systemic issues of prisoner reentry, recidivism, community revitalization and cultural isolation head on. Anchored by a 7500-square-foot used furniture store and training center, Boaz & Ruth provides:

Prisoner Reentry through Job Training. Training released prisoners in the emotional and relational competencies, life attitudes and work skills they need to re-enter society as healthy, productive citizens.
Community Revitalization through Social Entrepreneurial Businesses. Helping rebuild the business and commercial life of a troubled community with successful social entrepreneurial enterprise.
Cross-Cultural Connection through Economic and Cultural Bridges. Bringing people together who have been long separated by mistrust and racial tension with innovative commercial enterprise and special events.
Add to all this their success in developing collaborative partnerships with the criminal justice system, other non-profits and government agencies, as well as individuals and the business, faith-based and academic communities, and it's easy to see how Boaz & Ruth continues to move forward.
Led by the dynamic energy of founding President/CEO Martha Rollins, the creative vision of Boaz & Ruth recently received national recognition when Martha was selected as one of fifteen finalists for the Purpose Prize, an award recognizing social entrepreneurs who pursue new solutions to serious social issues.

Higland Park Firehouse •The firehouse is both an historic preservation and economic development project operated by Boaz & Ruth.  •The firehouse building is located at 3011 Meadowbridge Road, near the Six Points intersection in Highland Park, on the north side of Richmond.  •It is currently being renovated, according to historical style, by Boaz & Ruth apprentices, staff, and volunteers. To Read More...

Click Here for more information about this great non-profit!
Click Here to read information about their upcoming event Long Walk to Freedom!