BOAZ & RUTH, INC, Richmond,, Virginia

 Mission Statement
	
MISSION:

Rebuilding lives and communities through relationships, transitional jobs, and economic revitalization.



VISION

Communities of hope, transformation, restoration and connection

   Fractured communities transformed into attractive, safe and thriving commercial areas

   Disenfranchised people (suffering from generational poverty) empowered to become productive, contributing, 
self-sufficient, connected, citizens (employed, stable, emotionally competent) 

   All people growing into wholeness through unity across economic, geographical, educational, and cultural divides
	
 Description
We rebuild lives of formerly incarcerated men and women at risk males through a transitional jobs and training program.  


We empower the physically blighted commercial corridor of Highland Park by restoring buildings, incubating and operating 
businesses, and providing jobs.

We connect Highland Park and our program participants to the wider Richmond community through activities that bridge 
racial, economic, and geographic barriers.
	
 Organizational Statement of Faith


We chose our name–Boaz & Ruth --to remind us of the transforming power of human relationships in both 900 BC and now 
here in Richmond, Virginia.  Boaz & Ruth is the story of a bi-racial family beset by calamity, struggle, hunger, and 
hardship; a family, who through hard work and the intervention of others, develops loyalty, renewed relationships, stability, 
and economic success.  Twenty-nine centuries later this same story of individual and community empowerment and development 
of relationships across old boundaries are goals of  Boaz & Ruth. We have designed our multifaceted project to be one of 
intentional relationships that bridge the gap between those who possess wealth and privilege and those who do not.  It 
is a venture to match resources and needs in both populations through a common training center/business enterprise – a 
used furniture store -- that crosses economic and racial barriers. At first glance the “Boaz” or “wealth sharer” 
represents consumers for our store as well as employers for the Boaz & Ruth trainees.  Included are individuals, businesses, 
service organizations, and churches that can donate time, jobs, expertise, funds or merchandise. And at first glance the 
“Ruth” represents individuals needing enhancement of life and workforce skills as they move toward self-sufficiency. The 
synergy of these two populations produces a lasting source of energy for our vision of a city in which poverty is 
lessened and our community is strengthened as we come together across old barriers to create economic empowerment. In looking 
deeper we come to realize that each of us is a Boaz with gifts and each of us is a Ruth with needs. Therefore we say that 
the most important word in our name is the “and.”

Program Type

Education/Employment Program

Denominational Affiliation

Organizational Partner

Do you Require Formal Orientation Training?

Yes