Virginia's Volunteers
Organization Spotlight
Organization: Boaz & Ruth
How we got started
The concept for this intertwined business venture and social mission began with long-time Richmond antiques dealer, Martha Rollins. As owner of Martha’s Mixture Antiques, she daily saw the tremendous resources of the wealthy who patronized her shop contrasted with the severe need of the poor and often jobless folks living in the neighborhood behind it. She began to ask, "How can these resources and needs be connected? What if surplus goods could be donated to provide inventory for a store that would employ and train those needing a second chance? Would not both the giver and the receiver benefit?" The answer to those questions led to the founding of Boaz & Ruth in 2002.
What we do
Boaz & Ruth is a faith-based nonprofit located in the Highland Park area of Richmond, Virginia. The current program works to address the root causes of recidivism among ex-offenders by creating positive personal change through education, counseling, mentoring and meaningful work experience. The business ventures at the heart of the program serve not only as on-the-job training opportunities, but as catalysts for commercial enterprise in Highland Park and a source of income for Boaz & Ruth.
The intensive 12-month program, which averages 50 hours a week, focuses on several goals: to train participants in specific skills to prepare them for employment; to develop the emotional and relational competencies needed to get and keep a job; and to establish positive relationships within a community.
Beneficial "Side Effects"
More than eight entrepreneurial business ventures have emerged from the used furniture store, and make a significiant contribution to the renewed spirit of commercial enterprise in Highland Park -- and led to the formation of the Highland Park Merchants group to help revive this once-thriving commercial corridor.
B&R also shares its facilities and training opportunities with North District residents. GED classes, computer training and computer labs developed for B&R participants are available to the community, and soon job placement services will also be offered to area residents.
For more information
Boaz & Ruth
3030 Meadowbridge Road
Richmond, Va. 23222
804-329-4900
website: www.boazandruth.com