"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."~Kahlil Gibran
No words can fully express the sorrow we feel today with the loss of our loved one, friend, colleague, mentor, and fellow activist, Ruth Teague. Ruth was surrounded by the love of dear family and friends at the time of her passing December 19, 2012, after a valiant battle against cancer.
Friend, Partner, Loved One
All of you who knew Ruth know what a brave, courageous, and visionary person she was. She lived life with vigor and passion, dedicating each day to helping others in need. She inspired all of us to reach for greater justice for individuals and communities. Ruth could see that change was possible, within reach, and she showed bold leadership to make Los Angeles a better place. She laughed with us, challenged us, and made everyone in her life feel special, loved and cared for. Ruth will be deeply missed by her many friends and family. She was an inspiration and the beloved life partner to our colleague Mark Wilson.
Career
Ruth was a practical visionary, engaging others to take action with her always on the side of justice for those most in need. Ruth was the brains behind countless anti-poverty initiatives that endure today, supporter of many local nonprofits, and mentor to many of us in the community development field. Always, Ruth's first instinct was to build a greater cause on behalf of the communities and people we all serve. Ruth's long time career as an anti-poverty advocate began at an early age. She was just 18 when she started work in the non-profit sector, going on to receive a Bachelors degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley and a Masters degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. From that point, Ruth remained committed to improving the longstanding conditions faced by residents in low income neighborhoods.
For the past 7 years, Ruth served as Director of the Corporation for Supportive Housing's Los Angeles office. When Ruth started, many people in our industry had never heard of permanent supportive housing and its transformative effect to end homelessness, in a manner that is humane and cost effective. Under her leadership, permanent supportive housing was adopted wholeheartedly as a priority by government, philanthropy and the public. Ruth directed resources to build permanent supportive housing for some of the most challenged populations - individuals with a mental health diagnosis, and homeless youth and families. Ruth's advocacy work has impacted the lives of thousands of formerly homeless individuals who now have a dignified and supportive place to live; thousands more will benefit in years to come.
Ruth put people first. At the recent opening of the 36th Street Apartments in South LA, Ruth explained her vision of providing permanent supportive housing to homeless and low income transition-age youth. She told young people directly: "You are the future, and you deserve to have a neighborhood of your own." It was Ruth's belief in not taking "no" for an answer that enabled Little Tokyo Service Center and the Coalition for Responsible Community Development to envision and build the 36th Street Apartments - the first permanent supportive housing complex for transition age youth in South Los Angeles.
Ruth courageously co-founded the Coalition for Responsible Community Development in 2005 to address critical needs in the Vernon-Central neighborhood in South Los Angeles. As an Advisory Board Member, Ruth's bold vision and leadership helped create and build a dynamic organization that today helps transition-age youth to earn high school diplomas, go to college, build careers, have permanent supportive housing, revitalize their own community, and make a successful transition to adulthood with dignity, support, and hope.
Ruth believed, and these are her words, that "collective action is the most powerful tool we have for shaping the future and the present." Ruth's personal commitment to the nonprofit sector was demonstrated again in 2008, when Ruth brought together divergent interests to create the Los Angeles Supportive Housing Recovery Initiative. In the midst of the nation's worst financial crisis since the Depression, this fund helped nonprofit organizations to weather the storm instead of fighting for their very existence. Ruth led the charge among her CDFI colleagues to ensure partnerships between lenders and nonprofits that put the interests of the ultimate recipients - our clients - first. She held us all accountable to do the right thing.
Even in the midst of her fight against cancer, Ruth still managed to give everything in the fight for our communities. As a SCANPH board member and supporter of community development legal services, she anchored many of our efforts to save redevelopment dollars aimed at helping low-income communities. That fight continues, because of her support.
Legacy
Her legacy both professionally and personally will endure. As a funder, partner, colleague and activist, she developed programs truly responsive to community needs, and supported many organizations to house and shelter people, and build neighborhoods responsibly. Ruth touched so many lives because she was caring and committed. She was loyal to her loved ones and friends and she did not brook fools lightly.
One of Ruth's friends said it eloquently: "Although her time with us was cut way too short, Ruth's impact and legacy lives on in the organizations she supported, the communities she fought for, and countless lives she touched. I will never forget her fighting spirit, the way her energy would fill a room, the sound of her contagious laughter, her passion, wit and brilliance." She believed in all of us, and she has given us strength to continue the fight.
In Ruth's own words, let us be "reminded that we're not alone,... that when we come together and act collectively, we can accomplish great things."
Events related to Ruth's Celebration
Friday, December 28, 2012:
Wake from 5 pm to 9 pm
Forest Lawn Hollywood
6300 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Saturday, December 29, 2012:
Memorial Services starting at 12 noon
Forest Lawn Hollywood
6300 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Old North Church
Immediately following the Internment (approx. 3 pm or slightly later)
A Tribute to Ruth
28th Street Apartments/Historic 28th Street YMCA
1006 E. 28th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Ruth enjoyed the beauty of nature. If you wish to send flowers, please send to:
28th Street Apartments/Historic 28th Street YMCA
1006 E. 28th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Donations on Ruth's behalf can be made to the Coalition for Responsible Community Development. The drop-in center for youth at the Broadway Apartments will be dedicated as "Ruth's Place".
Share Your Thoughts
If you would like to share your comments about Ruth, as a tribute to her legacy, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Memory-of-Ruth-Teague/388125461271936
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