There are a few words that come rushing to my mind as I think through how to share this story, this urgent need; Redemption, Prodigal Daughter, and Community.

Community has been a word I’ve thrown around a lot this year, as I’ve educated and raised my kids in community and walked through the highs and lows of life, in community. We, humans, literally can’t do life, without community. Today, as Carolynn and I talked through how best to help Ruby, I had faith that our Community would rally, and play a huge part in Ruby’s Redemption story; the story of the prodigal daughter come home.

Why Redemption? For many of you, this word is freshly on your mind from this Easter weekend, as we recall how Jesus redeemed us on the Cross. Redemption, in the case of Ruby, is the act of being saved or rescued from a dangerous life and being gifted the opportunity for a new and fresh start. A new lease on life.

Why Prodigal daughter? Ruby’s story is a modern day twist on the age old story of the Prodigal son, only it’s the story of Ruby Slocum, a prodigal daughter. A daughter who left, and a mom who never gave up on her daughter. Seriously, one of the officers on Ruby’s case, said this is one the longest “open” files, because Carolynn NEVER gave up and kept working to find Ruby. A mother’s love never fails.

In Summary, About a year ago, 15 year old Ruby Slocum, in true teenager fashion, rebelled and decided she longer wanted to or needed to live with her parent’s. She wanted to be on her own, and make her own way in the world. She initially left to live with the neighbors and then officially ran away, September 21st, 2022. By this time she was 16 years old.

Since that time, Ruby has been with “friends” living on the street, locally and finally ended up in California. The details of what has happened to her over the last year remain to be fully known, but whatever you may be imagining is probably part of her story. Carolynn has tirelessly worked to find her, and get her to safety. Knowing Ruby didn’t want to be home, Carolynn has sought to find a safe place for Ruby to go, where she can receive help and healing from the lifestyle that she has been living over the last year and whatever personal challenges she's facing that caused her to make the decision to run away.

This last weekend, she was found, and Carolynn and Sean went to get her and brought her back to Whatcom County. They found an Academy for Ruby, which originally had a space available for her, at the beginning of may. Finding her this weekend, moved up the date that she needs to enter the program. Thankfully, a space opened up this week, but it will be a day to day rate, until May, when Insurance kicks in to cover the cost for the program. The Slocums believe the best, safest and healthiest opportunity is for Ruby to enter the Academy as soon as possible. The insurance coverage will not kick in until May, and so in order for her to attend a month early, it will cost $15,000. This is a HUGE financial hurdle for the Slocums, as the fee must be paid in full, up front, when they check Ruby in. Here is where I believe you, our community, the Slocum’s community, will play a HUGE part in Ruby’s redemption story. This is an urgent and immediate financial need, as they would like Ruby to enter the program THIS coming Friday, April 14th. The amount of $15,000, for her first month of care, must be paid at check-in, by this Friday. To Carolynn, this feels like an insurmountable sum of money, but I know, this is nothing to my God, and He works through community, to make miracles happen!

I have faith that we can rally around Ruby and the family, and help them get Ruby to safety. Today, I call upon you, Ruby’s community, to be a part of this Redemption story. You can help in a few ways;

1: Donate now, whatever you are able to give

2: Share this gofundme link privately to friends and family.

3: Pray for Ruby to arrive safely and that the Academy will truly be a place of healing for her.

***PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS PUBLICLY ON FB OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM** Please only share via private methods: email, FB messenger, DM, or text. NOTHING that could be seen by Ruby. Thank you!