Since its establishment in 2018, the Rising Up From Silence (RUFS) Foundation has been dedicated to serving the community by providing comprehensive support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Founded by Cheryl and Terry Hughey, RUFS has expanded its reach and impact through various programs, events, and initiatives aimed at promoting healing, stability, and empowerment for those affected by abuse.
Key Areas of Service and Impact:
1. Transitional Housing Assistance:
The Uprising Transitional Housing Program is at the core of our mission. RUFS offers essential transitional housing to individuals and families who are homeless or in unstable living situations due to domestic violence and sexual assault. This program includes rental assistance, utilities, and supportive services such as counseling and therapy, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery and stability.
2. Counseling and Support Services:
RUFS provides personalized counseling and therapeutic services to help survivors process their trauma and begin the healing journey. Our trained professionals offer compassionate care, empowering individuals to regain their confidence and mental well-being.
3. Educational and Financial Assistance:
The RUFS Academic Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors in St. Lucie County, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. This program supports the long-term success of survivors and promotes educational opportunities for those impacted by abuse.
4. RUFS Quality Thrift Store:
The RUFS Quality Thrift Store generates revenue to support our programs and provides a vital resource for our clients. Survivors can shop for necessities at no cost, helping them to meet their immediate needs and easing their transition to independence.
5. Community Outreach and Education:
RUFS is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault within the community. We conduct workshops, seminars, and public speaking engagements to educate the public on recognizing the signs of abuse and how to support those affected. Our outreach efforts aim to foster a community culture of empathy, understanding, and proactive intervention.
6. Health Fairs:
RUFS organizes and participates in health fairs to promote the physical and mental well-being of the community. These events provide free health screenings, wellness information, and resources to help individuals take charge of their health. By partnering with healthcare providers and community organizations, we ensure that our health fairs offer comprehensive support to attendees.
7. Fundraisers:
Fundraising events are a critical component of our efforts to sustain and expand our programs. RUFS hosts various fundraisers throughout the year, including charity runs, galas, and community events. These fundraisers not only generate essential funds but also raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault, engaging the community in our mission.
Achievements and Recognition:
RUFS has received recognition for its impactful work, including the Community Involvement Organization Of the Year award from the City of Port Saint Lucie in April 2024. This accolade reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of survivors and our active role in community development.
Ongoing Commitment:
RUFS has built a strong network of partnerships with other service providers, enhancing our capacity to offer holistic support. Our dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and board members work tirelessly to ensure that every survivor who comes to us finds the support they need to move forward.
Conclusion:
Since 2018, the Rising Up From Silence Foundation has been a pillar of support in our community, providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through our comprehensive programs, health fairs, and fundraisers, we strive to empower individuals to overcome their past and build a brighter future. With continued support, RUFS is committed to expanding our impact and reaching even more individuals in need.
ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
"Terry and Cheryl Hughey bring a wealth of experience to the table, boasting extensive backgrounds in corporate business management and corporate property management. Their seasoned expertise positions them as invaluable assets in navigating the complexities of the business world."
CHERYL M. HUGHEY
Author of the book
"There I Sat In Silence"
The inspiration behind the book draws from diverse sources, particularly Cheryl's own resilience as a survivor. She has weathered the storms of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault. Moreover, the profound loss of a dear friend to an abuser, coupled with the tragic rape and murder of her daughter's nine-year-old friend, further underscored the urgent need for support and resources for victims of abuse. Cheryl's firsthand encounters with these harrowing experiences highlight the glaring gaps in available assistance, fueling her determination to shed light on this pressing issue.
Now, she serves as a powerful voice, empowering victims to break free from the shackles of silence. Together with her husband, Terry Hughey, they are dedicated to aiding survivors in accessing the support and resources they need to reclaim their lives.
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TERRY B. HUGHEY
Owner / CEO of
"TC Royalty Publishing Company"
Upon learning about the traumatic events in Cheryl's life, her husband Terry tenderly encouraged her to complete the book, which he subsequently published. Together, they founded the RUFS Foundation, with Terry steadfastly standing by her side, offering unwavering support every step of the way.
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TOGETHER
"With years of dedicated experience, they aim to establish a facility that offers comprehensive transitional solutions for abused victims of all ages, both adults and children. This envisioned facility will provide transitional accommodation along with vital services, including counseling, therapy, education, financial aid, and childcare support. Through the RUFS Foundation, their mission is to empower survivors as they navigate the path towards a brighter future."
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"Her real-life stories about her Truths, her
vulnerabilities and her strengths"
After being told the truth - that the father she loved and admired was not her biological father - she started feeling like her perfect little family unit was not so perfect after all.
Because of her feelings of betrayal, hurt, and deceit, she ran away from home. In doing so, she unwittingly made herself vulnerable to the streets – where she was eventually molested, raped, and taken advantage of – but, she stayed in silence and told no one, other than her parents.
She married at a very young age, and she went through several other marriages after that. In those marriages, she dealt with domestic violence, adulterers, drug users, being raped all over again, child molesters, and even death. However, she fought hard through each marriage, trying to make it work, mainly because she did not want to accept the reality of another failed marriage. So, she fought through them, until she just couldn't fight any more.
Her strengths came from her relationship with and commitment to God and the power of her prayers to Him, from her parents who prayed intercessory prayers for her every morning, from her six children who stood by her side and loved her unconditionally through the storms, and from her grandchildren who taught her a whole new level of love.
Through all of her life's truths - her father not being who she was told he was or who she thought he was, the vulnerabilities, abuses, rapes, and failed marriages - God answered her prayers by blessing her with a great, loving, and supportive husband, a successful career, and the ability to bring her journey to life.
This is a story that she hopes will inspire women and men of all cultures to know that they are deserving of capturing their dreams, if they preserve and hold on to their faith in God, in spite of life's calamities.
Author - Cheryl Marie Hughey
CEO - TC Royalty Publishing Inc - Terry Hughey