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City of Port Saint Lucie N.I.C.E. Award
At RUFS Foundation, our mission is deeply rooted in providing unwavering support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our dedication to this cause has been recognized, and we were honored to receive the esteemed 2023-2024 Community Involvement Organization of the Year Award from The City of Port Saint Lucie, a testament to our commitment and impact in the community.
COMMISSIONER ELIEEN VARGAS
Elieen Vargas, the newly appointed Commissioner of District 1, will be joining us as a special guest speaker at the RUFS Foundation’s 5th Annual Elegant Affair!
Eileen Vargas is our newly elected Martin County Commissioner for
District 1.
She and her husband, Robert (Bobby), moved back to Jensen
Beach over nine years ago. When Bobby and Eileen are not
enjoying the beauty of Martin County with their one-eyed, rescue
Yorkshire Terrier, Layla, they are Wealth Advisors.
Eileen is a first generation American, her family from Colombia.
As one of six daughters of a surgeon-father and nurse-mother, she
spent her early childhood in Stuart. She and her sisters played in
the woods, climbed trees- fell out of a mango tree onto piles of the
rotting fruit while breaking her arm—she still likes the fruit. Stuart
was family friendly, short commutes, lots of open green spaces and
wildlife, and more relaxed.
Her family then moved to Hialeah and
later settled in Miami. She graduated from Miami Beach Senior
High School and the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in
Journalism and Broadcast Media. From there, Eileen’s career took
her on a global journey with a unique, international perspective.
She served on the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Events
Committee.
Eileen spent her first seven years after graduation as a real estate
broker in Miami-Dade and the East and West coasts of Florida. As
a multi-million-dollar sales award recipient, she gained a unique
perspective on the transformation of South Florida into a mega city
with all the challenges. She also saw the significant damage that
results from planning decisions made by leaders without vision as
has happened with Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and St Lucie
Counties. From there, she owned an import-export business which
she operated for eight years in Portugal.
Eileen saw the opportunity to give something back by harnessing
her passion for mentoring and developing young people. She
taught high school in Sarasota County with a specialty teaching
high school Honors English and Reading; in addition, she coached
English as a second language to foreign students.
Her leadership, mentorship, and coaching in developmental
instruction culminated in her selection as a Reading Department
Chair.
Eileen then took the opportunity to experience life in China,
supporting classroom teachers in all disciplines. Later, she moved
to the Kingdom of Bahrain, where she taught International
Baccalaureate Language and Literature.
In addition, she is a graduate of the Leadership Institute outside of
Washington, D.C.
Since returning to the Treasure Coast, Eileen has been deeply
involved in our community. Her volunteer work includes the
Treasure Coast Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center, the 4 Kids
Foster Care placement organization, and Good Samaritan
Ministries, a Faith -based Recovery Program. She is passionate
about regional, environmental, and economic development issues
and has been active in advocacy organizations and activities.
Eileen’s unwavering commitment to public service is a cornerstone
of her character.
She is the published author of “Parallels – Surviving the Legacy of
Pain,” and has spoken to audiences in the United States and
internationally about family issues.
Her diverse interests reflect her curiosity and passion for life,
making Eileen a well-rounded Martin County Commissioner while
continuing to learn from many shared experiences.
Support Our Vision/Mission
HELP US SAVE LIVES!
Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. By contributing, you're not just offering financial assistance; you're providing hope, safety, and a chance for survivors to rebuild their lives. Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that vital services like emergency financial aid, mental health support, education, and housing assistance remain available to those who need them most. Your generosity can truly be life-saving. Thank you for considering making a contribution today.
DONATION OPTIONS:
* ONE TIME DONOR (ANY AMOUNT)
* BECOME A MONTHLY SPONSOR!
DONATE $10 OR MORE MONTHLY
AND RECEIVE ANY ONE ITEM
FROM OUR ONLINE STORE.
Donate $20 OR MORE MONTHLY AND RECEIVE ANY ONE ITEM FROM OUR ONLINE STORE, 50% OFF TICKET PURCHASES FOR ALL EVENTS, MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS AND MORE!
As a Sponsor, you commit to providing ongoing monthly support for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across all spectrums. By pledging a recurring donation of $10 or more, you're not just offering financial assistance, but also vital resources and a lifeline to those in need. Once we receive your recurring contribution, we'll promptly mail your membership card, symbolizing your dedication to this cause. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by these pervasive issues.
To pay by Cashapp: $rufsfoundation
To pay by check please make check payable to :
Rufs FOUNDATION
7147 S US Hwy 1
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952
TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD CLICK ON THE DONATE BUTTON BELOW
Rising up From Silence - vision statement
"The Key To A Brighter Future"
Our vision is to open a facility that will give victims and survivors of long-term permanent or transitional housing experience along with the services we currently provide them with, such as counseling, therapy, education, financial aid, healthcare, and childcare.
Here at Rising Up From Silence (RUFS) Foundation, we are driven to do our part in putting a stop to Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault! And to assist those who either left or want to leave their abusers.
Our passion is to assist victims and survivors of all spectrums of abuse, by encouraging them to come out of silence...and let their voices be heard!
Our decision-making process is informed by comprehensive, empirical studies, and high-quality data evaluation. We strive to make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
RUfs foundation's MISSION
Our mission is to empower individuals who have endured life-altering abuses stemming from domestic violence and sexual assault, fostering hope and illuminating the path to a brighter future for victims and survivors alike. As a faith-based organization, we are steadfast in our dedication to the holistic well-being and recovery of all those affected by abuse. Through our comprehensive transitional housing program, complemented by tailored support services including counseling, therapy, educational aid, financial assistance, healthcare, and childcare, we strive to provide a nurturing environment where survivors can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives.
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* Rising Up From Silence Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization *
All information concerning donors or prospective donors, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, amount of gift, etc., shall be kept strictly confidential by R.U.F.S., its staff, and volunteers unless permission is obtained from donors to release such information. R.U.F.S. Foundation uses donors’ information to understand their interests in its mission and to update them on R.U.F.S. Foundation, ns, plans, and activities. R.U.F.S. Foundation assures donors that their names and email addresses will not be shared with any third party unless permission has been granted.