Ruth’s House, a Washington nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence, is seeing changes in leadership as President Deb Ryals plans to step down and the board welcomes four new members.

Ryals and Executive Director Kim Etheredge met with two of the new members Wednesday afternoon for an orientation, and despite the changes, were positive about the future of the organization.

Ryals said there are no problems associated with the shifts in leadership and plans to continue an active role on the board as “president-past.” Vice President Dot Moate will take over as president.

At the orientation, both Ryals and Etheredge emphasized to the new members the importance of the work the organization does in the community.

Etheredge said she thinks it is important for the organization to not get lost in the details but rather maintain a focus on the women it is trying to help.

“It’s not enough for the women to be in the shelter,” Ryals said. “We want to transform their lives and that starts with their attitude.”

She said the organization is growing with the budget expanding from $11,000 to $275,000 in just two and a half years of the house being open.

But aside from the money aspect, Ryals said Ruth’s House is also growing internally, and the leaders are trying to utilize the skills each volunteer brings to the table.

“How do we make people understand that we’re not just a shelter? Because we’re not,” she said.

Ruth’s House runs a home for women who are victims of domestic violence, but it also provides counseling, court advocacy support and education to the public.

Amy Brewer, a new board member who attended Wednesday’s orientation, said she thinks there is a big need for support services for domestic violence victims.

“There’s a lot of unfortunate situations out there,” she said. “I definitely have a heart for this community.”

Dr. David Swarner, who is also a new board member, said he thinks it is important to work with men in order to address the root of the problem.

It is better to get to the arsonist before there are victims of a fire, he said.

Ryals said she wants to prepare Ruth’s House for the years to come while maintaining transparency and sharing the love of Jesus with people who need it.

“We’re doing something real, and it’s something good,” she said. “For something like this you follow your heart because that’s where your passion is.”