In July 2015, House of Ruth Board Treasurer Mike Huttenlocher’s plan to honor the memory of his long-time friend came to fruition with the creation of the Ellis Fund to Benefit House of Ruth. This endowment fund will provide training, continuing education and other benefits for House of Ruth employees in perpetuity, in honor of Phillip Ellis, who lost his battle with AIDS in 1998.

After meeting through mutual friends during their college years, Mike and Phil became close friends. Phil was like the brother Mike never had. Their friendship continued after college as they both settled into careers. The pair spent vacation time traveling, and Phil was even the best man in Mike’s wedding. Phil’s career took him to Long

Beach, California, and it was there during one of Mike’s visits that he disclosed he was HIV+. This rocked Mike’s world because in 1994, when Phil was diagnosed, it was a death sentence.

Phil did not go down without a fight. He participated in experimental drug treatment programs. Although the treatment only caused more physical and mental health challenges for Phil, Mike believes

SPRING 2016

The R d LetterONE BOARD MEMBER’S LEGACY OF FRIENDSHIP

Support for people to live positive Photo: Board member MIke Huttenlocher (left) with Board member Chuck McIntire.

DATES

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon: 4.30.2016Become a Team House of Ruth fundraising walker or runner to support adults and children living HIV+ in Kentuckiana. See page 3 for team details and incentives, and call our Director of Development, Katrina Hutchins, at 502.587.5080 x23 with questions or for registration help.

Give Local Louisville:9.15.2016Support House of Ruth on Louisville’s largest annual online giving day. Proportionate matching and prize dollars will be available, so stay tuned for details on how to maximize your donation through the Community Foundation of Louisville on September 15.

that Phil’s participation helped advance the drug therapies that now help make HIV a chronic condition, instead of the death sentence it once was.

The Ellis Fund was created by Mike with an initial gift of $25,000 as a legacy to Phil’s fighting spirit. As with all endowments, the principal amount will be kept intact and the investment income will be available to supplement staff training and compensation. We welcome you to donate to the Ellis Fund or to create an endowment fund as a lasting legacy for you or your loved ones. For information on giving options, you can contact Executive Director, Lisa Sutton at 502.587.5080.

Dearest Friends and Supporters,

We have so much to celebrate from 2015, thanks to you, our committed supporters. You’ve made amazing things happen for nearly 700 women, men, and their children with HIV/AIDS. The Farmer Family, page 4, is a terrific example of the life-changing difference that having a home makes. It’s absolutely everything when it comes to keeping a family together and giving the HIV+ members stability and wherewithal to keep their medical appointments and stick with their medication regimen.

The Farmers weren’t the only ones to find a home because of your support. Our emergency shelter bed at Glade House is in high demand. Thanks to funding from Louisville Metro Government, we were able to carve out this bed in 2013. It’s designated for a homeless man or woman with HIV who needs shelter for up to 30 days while working with our case managers to find stable housing. Eighteen homeless clients benefitted from the emergency bed in 2015. Two out of three achieved their goal of moving on to longer term housing.

Clients in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program fared even better. Of the 42 family members who called our 17 single family homes and condos “home,” 97% maintained their housing for at least seven months. Their average length of stay was one year, six months and 22 days. Nine of the 42 have been with us for more than four years.

As we move through 2016, the number of HIV+ individuals who come to us with a housing or other financial crisis will likely be even greater. Nearly 20% of our 2015 clients had never sought our services before. Given the steady rise locally in the number of new diagnoses, we don’t expect to work ourselves out of business any time soon. Until then, THANK YOU for being the reason we can give housing, compassion, and hope to so many.

Lisa SuttonExecutive Director

Tony Schmuckie Brown-FormanChairChuck McIntire UPSVice Chair Kevin Childress Childress & AssociatesSecretaryMike Huttenlocher UPSTreasurerLibby Burks-Weathers Chris Eichenberger Beverly HallL’Tonya LeavellJ.P. Palmer Ford Motor Company

Donald Palmore Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana

Justin Preece Fifth Third Bank

Marcel Robinson TransFirst

Stacey Robinson Kentucky Derby Festival

Elizabeth Scott WellCare

Missy Vitale Deyta, LLC

Lisa SuttonExecutive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LETTER FROM LISA

It is with infinite gratitude and some sadness that House of Ruth says goodbye and best wishes to long-time Glade House friend Sonny Roppel. After over 25 years of service to those living with HIV in Louisville, Sonny has “retired” to St. Louis to live closer to family. Whether Glade House residents needed a new couch, rides to AA meetings, or a listening ear, Sonny was always there. His life wisdom and encouragement to residents and staff will be sorely missed!

The emergency shelter bedroom at Glade House.

INDIVIDUAL $1,000 - $5,500 Mike HuttenlocherTim B. McClureChuck McIntireScott MeyerRobert Westwood and George Garcia

$500 - $999 AnonymousChris AllenBrad CalobraceMike and Sue ChmilewskiLes DownsDavid HughesChris R. HungerfordDenise M. RobisonLisa SuttonDenise Zena

$250-$499 Steven BassCharles and Barbara CasperKevin ChildressLarry ChurchDan DeemSteven Grover, M.D.Eric HunstigerEdward J. Kruger, Jr.Diane M. LaughlinPat McBrideLarry and Louise MichalczykKim MowderJ.P. PalmerJoe PoeJohn B. ReisertStacey RobinsonValerie SmallPat StallardBrian Yanofchick

$100 - $249 Christian AltmanNeil ArnoldDavid BartleyGregory BergerMichael E. BerryJoan BishopLinda Block-CoalterMike BrownCarol and Stephen BurkeBettie BurnsJoseph CagleMaureen ConnellyBeverly and Don CronkTheresa DeverAndrew DoudsMark EnglandElaine and Louis EsterleMichael A. GattonKevin GibsonFr. Joseph T. GraffisMartha GroeneAaron Guldenschuh-GattenGeorge and Darlene HaarmanBeverly Hall and Judy AmshoffGwendolyn HartmannJosh HayJennifer HeckelCharles HickeyPif and Chip HicksEric HinesStewart HoertzTed B. HoodMary Holliday HopkinsJoAnn and John HutchinsCathy JohnsonMike JohnsonRoger JonesE. Patrick KellyLori Kunzler

DONOR ROLLA heartfelt thank you to the following donors who contributed to House of Ruth from July 1 to December 31, 2015. For a complete list and to view our Annual Report, please visit www.houseofruth.net.

Troy LambertWilliam LangJohn LungerBrian MaddoxEva MarkhamDavid S. MartinSteven Mattas, M.D.Dave MattinglyJenny MayberryMike MeinzeDouglas MeisterRon and Linda MettsJoyce A. MeyerRichard C. MillerDarren MorgenJennifer W. OdeaDavid PassRichard and Shirley PeakWilliam PetersJustin PreeceMarcel RobinsonChris RubensteinTony SchmuckieElizabeth SchumanChad SchumerJohn Sistarenik, Jr.Craig N. SpearsMary StecklerAndrea UptainEstela ValdezJudy and Joe VicarsMissy VitaleFawn WardSusan WettleKristi WhistleBrian WiggintonMichael WilhelmusJolene Zirnheld

DINING OUT FOR LIFE $1,000 - $5,000 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue ShieldBristol Bar and GrilleBuckhead Mountain GrillChildress & AssociatesKosair Charities Committee, Inc.L & N Federal Credit UnionOld National BancorpO’Shea’s Irish PubPassport Health PlanRepublic National Distributing Company Foundation, Inc.The CafeThe Irish RoverThe Porcini/Farmer Children’s FoundationThe Post LLCUptown Cafe Co.Volare Ristorante

$500 - $999 21C Louisville LLCAnoosh Restaurant GroupBig BarBig Four Restaurant LLCBlue Dog Bakery And Cafe LLCCreation Gardens of LouisvilleGoose Creek DinerHavana Rumba 2Havana Rumba Express LLCHavana Rumba LLCLe Relais RestaurantMajid’sMarketplace RestaurantThe Comfy Cow

$100 - $499 AnonymousBrasserie ProvenceCaesars Enterprise Services LLC

CORPORATE/FOUNDATION/GOVERNMENT/NONPROFIT

$29,000+Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family ServicesLouisville Metro GovernmentMetro United WayU.S. Department of Health and Family Services

$10,000 - $20,000Irvin F. and Alice S. Etscorn Charitable Foundation Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance (Louisville AIDS Walk)M.A.C. AIDS Fund

$1,000 - $6,000 Delta Dental of KentuckyDerby City BearsDerby City SistersFred B. and Opal S. Woosley FoundationGE Appliances Employees Community FundHoly Spirit ParishKosair Charities Committee, Inc.Mildred V. Horn FoundationOne For AllSt. Andrew United Church of ChristWellCare

$500 - $999 Celtic Outreach Group Inc.Flaget Alumni AssociationHurstbourne Christian ChurchKentucky Derby FestivalKrogerTri-State Leather

$100 - $499 All Saints ChurchBank of AmericaBrown-Forman Employee Credit UnionGE FoundationJeffersontown Christian ChurchOpen Door Community FellowshipSouth Clay Properites LLCThe Appraisal Group

HONORARY GIFTS

In honor of Kate Davidson Charles Davidson

In honor of Pif and Chip Hicks Melanie Atha

In honor of Tim McClure Linda Roberts

In honor of Jeremy W. Martin Laura J. Martin

In honor of my family Ruth Sickbert

In honor of Joyce Van Bruggen Regent Investment Group

In honor of Carl L. Mittelsten Nolan Wesley

In honor of Alan Scherer Lisa DeSpain

In honor of the Founding Board Members Sharan Benton*

MEMORIAL GIFTS In memory of Anne Bindner* Nancy Spriggs

In memory of Anne Bindner* and Elizabeth Bindner* Cindy Marien

In memory of Robert Bird Mary Bird

In memory of Riley Jane Lawrence Jim Serdenis

In memory of J. Carlton Powers Deborah Rattle

In memory of Ian Grant Sickbert David SickbertPlease notify us and accept our apology for any omissions.

*Denotes House of Ruth founder

SAFE AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYSHouse of Ruth is unique in Louisville because it is the only HIV/AIDS agency that owns and operates 17 single-family units. All are part of our Permanent Supportive Housing Program, meaning clients receive support services and have a case manager to help them maintain housing. Our units range in size from a one-bedroom condo to a stand-alone home for a family. Most of our properties are in the urban core. However, we have a few outliers, like our Portland home. It belonged to Molly Leonard, celebrated Portland activist, before House of Ruth purchased it. Since then, the three-bedroom, two-bath home has provided shelter to many families. Due to years of wear and tear, the house was in need of some updating. Luckily, The Irvin F. and Alice S. Etscorn Charitable Foundation provided funds in 2015 to remodel the two baths and update the kitchen.

These upgrades came just in time to have the house ready for new clients this past fall. Christina, who is HIV+, and her husband John Farmer came to us after a series of hardships left them homeless. Forced to live in a borrowed car, Christina and John had lost custody of their two young children due to unstable living conditions. Their biggest goal was to find stable housing so they could reunite their family.

House of Ruth was able to house Christina and John in our Portland home. The family was reunited right before Thanksgiving and spent the holiday together. Having a home not only reunited them, but it also has allowed them to thrive. Christina was able to enroll her daughter in her new school the Monday after Thanksgiving and even found uniforms for her in our Clothes Closet. The family also received holiday assistance from us which enabled them to buy Christmas gifts for their children, a luxury they would not have been able to afford one month earlier. John is currently looking for work and Christina is a stay-at-home mom for her younger son. The family is looking forward to many happy years in their new home.

Every Christmas for the last 17, Glade House residents have received special gifts to make their holiday brighter. Giant gift bags filled with winter accessories, homemade candy, toiletries and, this year, Kroger cards have been given to each resident. Donald Palmore, long-time House of Ruth supporter and new Board member, has led the fundraising efforts from the start. The idea began when Donald was looking for charitable opportunities for his leather group, and he recognized the residents at Glade were an overlooked population. Since no one else was providing Christmas gifts for them, Donald decided to make it his mission. “I’m a big believer in the magic of Christmas. If I had my way, no one would be left out. I know that isn’t possible, but I can make a difference for those at Glade during the holiday season.”

Over the years, funds have been raised primarily through events at various bars around Louisville. This past Christmas, The Barracks hosted the annual fundraiser. Donald also hosts an Open House each year to raise additional funds. As Glade House numbers have risen and the gift bags have grown in size, Donald has received funding from many groups. This year, the Derby City Sisters provided the Kroger cards. For Glade House residents, these gifts have not only been a welcome surprise, but they are also a reminder that people care about them.

Glade House is a homeless shelter for individuals who are HIV+ and is owned and operated by House of Ruth. It is the longest continuously operating facility of its kind in the U.S.

GIFTS FOR GLADE

Therapist Katie McCarthy receives 2015 gifts for Glade House residents from Board member Donald Palmore.

Christina and John’s new Portland home.

One of the family’s refurbished bathrooms.

Team House of Ruth

4.30.2016

2015 marked House of Ruth’s 10-year anniversary as a Better Business Bureau accredited charity. To celebrate, Louisville BBB’s Vice President of Communications, Reanna Smith-Hambin, and Benefits Coordinator, Jennifer Bassell, stopped by House of Ruth in December with a commemorative trophy. House of Ruth Executive Director, Lisa Sutton (left), holds the trophy which will be displayed in the archival cabinet in our Conference Room.

Stay fit while you support our life-saving HIV/AIDS services! Become a #TeamHouseofRuth fundraising walker or runner for the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon.This marks our third year as an offical race charity, and with your help, will be our most successful yet.

In 2014, #TeamHouseofRuth was composed of three walkers and runners who raised over $2,000. In 2015, our team grew to 11 walkers and runners who fundraised more than double the 2014 total, bringing in an amazing $4,481. In 2016, your participation will help us to reach our goal of surpassing the $5,000 mark.

Register for the Marathon/miniMarathon online at www.DerbyFestivalMarathon.com and select House of Ruth as your charity. To join our relay team or volunteer on race day, call Director of Development, Katrina Hutchins, at 502.587.5080 x23.

Each fundraising team member receives a free #TeamHouseofRuth running shirt. Team members who fundraise $500 or more are eligible for race registration reimbursement.

Join Team House of Ruth for the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon!

607 E. St. Catherine St.Louisville, KY 40203

Phone: 502.587.5080Fax: 502.587.5009

M.A.C. Cosmetics representatives from Macy’s Louisville and Lexington visited House of Ruth in December to present a $10,000 check from the M.A.C. AIDS Fund. The grant money came from their sales of Viva Glam products and will be used to renovate one of our 17 properites in Louisville, which provides safe, permanent housing to a client family. Pictured above with our Executive Director, Lisa Sutton, and Director of Development, Katrina Hutchins, are M.A.C. artists Seka Wakefield, Rhiannna Snyder, Sarah Shepperson, and Jennifer Lockett.

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NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 1811LOUISVILLE, KY

House of Ruth is a nonprofit organization that strengthens lives for those with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Our Mission

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Thanks to first-time donor Delta Dental of Kentucky, House of Ruth was able to provide holiday assitance to over 125 children clients in 2015. With a generous $6,000 grant from Making Smiles Happen, a $50 Target or Walmart gift card was supplied to each child’s parent or guardian, enabling them to buy their kids’ holiday gifts that would otherwise have been an impossibility. On December 9, clients enjoyed our “Pause before the Claus” open house, during which they received the gift cards, hand-knit winter accessories, toys, gift wrapping supplies, and festive snacks.