The Rising Up From Silence Inc. is awarding a total of $2,000 in RUFS Foundation Scholarships. This academic-based scholarship will be granted to outstanding graduating high school seniors in St. Lucie County who are pursuing higher education at an accredited college, university, undergraduate school, or trade school. The award may be used toward tuition, books, or other educational expenses.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are pervasive issues in the United States, affecting millions annually. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, totaling more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.
In Florida, in the fiscal year 2023-2024, the hotline received 14,950 calls, with 2,794 answered by the legal hotline. Certified centers provided 603,577 nights of emergency shelter to 12,543 individuals, with children representing 47% of those served.
In St. Lucie County, the rate of domestic violence offenses per 100,000 population has shown fluctuations over recent years. In 2023, the rate was 390.1, slightly higher than the state average of 314.9. This represents a marginal increase from the 2022 rate of 381.6.
Experiencing abuse during childhood significantly increases the likelihood of being abused as an adult, perpetuating a cycle of violence that can span generations if left unaddressed.
Victims often remain silent for various reasons, including fear, financial dependency, lack of self-esteem, misplaced hope, or fear of homelessness. Without adequate knowledge or support, many feel trapped in their dangerous situations.
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.
The RUFS Scholarship is open to any senior high student attending school in St. Lucie County who can meet the following criteria:
The RUFS Scholarship is open to any senior students attending school in St. Lucie County, Florida. We invite students from all areas of study to apply for the award. Interested students must use the form on this page to apply. Before applying, please review the eligibility requirements carefully and then craft an essay on the scholarship topic provided below.
Scholarship Essay Topic
Many domestic violence and sexual assault victims endure injury, pain, and suffering well beyond the physical effects of the abuse. Even though some will never speak about what they survived, they live with profound emotional wounds that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. A domestic violence and sexual assault transitional housing program with wrap-around services such as counseling, therapy, financial assistance, educational assistance, health services, and childcare, can help victims to heal, live an independent life, and move on from their trauma.
In a 500-1,500 word original essay, please share with us why awareness and transitional housing is specifically important to you. You can address the following questions in your essay:
These questions are meant as guiding prompts, but please feel free to go beyond these points in your essay. We are looking forward to reading your insights on this topic.
Previous Winners
Kayla Washington / Treasure Coast High
All winners may be subject to an interview for an announcement, social media post, press release, marketing, and promotions.
Rising Up From Silence, Inc. is a Port Saint Lucie, FL-based 501-© (3) non-profit organization that exists to protect and serve victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and create a positive and safe living environment where they are able to reach their potential in life.
RUFS was founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife team, Cheryl, and Terry Hughey. Cheryl was a victim of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse for many years. She suffered in silence until she was able to find her inner strength and break free.
Today, Cheryl is in a healthy and supportive marriage. She has become successful in all aspects of her life and has become dedicated to helping those who are being kept silent by their abusers.
After establishing their mission and vision, the Hugheys sought out support from their community to develop an experienced and passionate Board of Directors.
The RUFS Foundation engages with clients by evaluating circumstances and providing written plans that consist of goals, expectations, achievements, challenges, and results. RUFS focuses on the essentials of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault living independently ie support group participation, financial workshops, healthcare consultations, physical checkups, and Educational and job skills training.
Terms and Conditions
The $2,000 academic scholarship is open to students pursuing any area of study at an accredited college/university, undergraduate school, or trade school, upon graduating from a Saint Lucie County school.
RUFS Scholarship: Here Are the Terms and Conditions
Everyone applying for this academic-based scholarship must meet the eligibility requirements as laid out on the scholarship application page, including the following:
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR ESSAY, CURRENT SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT, AND RECOMMENDATION LETTER ARE ATTACHED BEFORE SUBMITTING.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.