Sophora Acheson, Executive Director and Co-Board President of Ruby's Place, discusses her journey from Grass Valley, Califorinia, to Santa Rosa and developing a passion for helping survivors of domestic violence. She shares her personal history of abuse and her career path, which led her to pioneer a program to reduce perpetrator violence called R.A.F.T. (Restorative Action for Family Transformation). R.A.F.T. aims to address the root causes of domestic violence by providing accountability and trauma-informed care for abusers, while insuring survivors receive necessary support. Sophora also details Ruby's Place's mobile health programs, serving nine Bay Area counties with basic medical services, dental care and education.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Sophora explains how her own experiences led her to become a licensed family and marriage therapist.
2. She describes how she found a job as a counselor at a local domestic violence shelter.
3. Sophora details her 14-year tenure with Ruby's Place, starting in direct service and eventually becoming executive director.
4. She shares the history of Ruby's Place, which was founded in the 1970's as the nation's first domestic violence shelter.
5. Introduction of the R.A.F.T. program and how its voluntary nature is the key to its success.
6. Sophora discusses the importance of accountability and the role of trauma in driving harmful behaviors.
7. Mobile health programs are discussed as an innovative way to bring basic health care and dental care to domestic abuse survivors.
8. Sophora discusses October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month and her plans for a public forum to gain feedback on the R.A.F.T. program.
9. Sophora gives advice to survivors on reaching out and that you are never alone.

Ruby's Place Website

R.A.F.T. Program at Ruby's Place

Ruby's Place Facebook Page

www.financialabusehelp.net