Dr. Tracy Strawberry brings message of hope to Ruth's Restoration Place fundraiser

Ruth’s Restoration Place held its first annual fundraiser Sept. 11 at the Strathallan Hotel, drawing a crowd to support the new faith-based transitional home for women.

Ruth’s Restoration Place founder Cheryl Brown, second from left, with her siblings and a portrait of their late mother, Ruth Rourk, for whom the organization is named.

Founded in 2024 by Cheryl Brown, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides safe, supportive housing for women overcoming addiction or incarceration. Brown, the eldest child of the late Dr. Elder David C. Rourk and First Lady Ruth Rourk, said the home fulfills a vision more than a decade in the making.

“This initiative has been in the works for over 10 years,” Brown said. “I’m grateful to see it finally come to fruition.”

Brown shared her own story of loss and recovery. In 2010, her eldest son died in a car accident, an event she described as shattering. In her grief, she turned to drugs, cycling through addiction, homelessness and incarceration before completing two treatment programs.

At her second rehabilitation center, she realized lasting change required distance from Rochester. Instead, she chose a women’s program in Syracuse, where she began her recovery.

“The love I had for my children and family gave me the strength to begin again,” Brown said.

By 2017, she returned to Rochester to care for her parents in their final years. “I’m grateful they both lived to see me clean and sober,” she said.

Brown named the home after her mother, explaining that Ruth means “compassionate friend.” Women may live at Ruth’s Restoration Place for up to two years, with access to counseling, vocational support and spiritual guidance.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Tracy Strawberry, also spoke openly about her own struggles with addiction. The wife of baseball legend Darryl Strawberry, she is now an author and ministry leader.

“Addiction is an outward manifestation of an inward brokenness,” she said. “I didn’t love myself and didn’t believe I was worthy of being clean. But I had to embrace recovery and realize I am worth the rescue.”

Strawberry credited her faith and the persistent prayers of her mother as the foundation of her 25 years of sobriety.

“Never give up on your loved ones,” she told the audience. “Even in their addiction, God sends people to encourage them. Remind them that they are valuable. Change people, places and things. Know who you are.”

Guests included friends, family and community leaders. Cynthia Baxter, who has known Brown for 50 years, praised her commitment.

“I think it’s great that Cheryl is developing this home. This is her passion,” Baxter said.

Dr. Karla Hatley, a member of the advisory board, said she is committed to helping Brown carry out her mission. Brown’s brother, Pastor D. Christopher Rourk of New Vision Ministries, called her testimony “a catalyst for change.”

“Cheryl wants to provide a place of refuge,” he said. “A place of restoration.”

Jessica Lewis, president and CEO of La’Lew Public Relations, served as emcee. After a dinner program, she introduced Brown, who in turn welcomed Strawberry to the stage. The speaker’s high-energy message of faith and perseverance drew a standing ovation.

For more information about Ruth’s Restoration Place, visit www.ruthrestorationplace.org.