RUFS Foundation
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Since 2018, our unwavering commitment has been to extend vital support and services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
Central to our mission is the provision of a comprehensive transitional housing program, augmented by wrap-around services.
💔 With a very heavy and broken heart, we share the passing of our beloved RUFS family member, Sonita Rampersad.
Sonita has been a part of the RUFS Foundation from the very beginning, standing with us since our first walk and faithfully supporting our mission every step of the way. She was more than a board member—she was family, a dedicated advocate, and a passionate supporter of those we serve.
Even while attending her own doctor's appointments, Sonita was spreading awareness about RUFS and seeking sponsors to help further our mission. Her commitment, compassion, and servant's heart were truly unmatched.
Today, we mourn the loss of a beautiful soul whose love, encouragement, and dedication touched so many lives. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to know and work alongside her.
Please keep Sonita's family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
You will forever be a part of the RUFS family, Sonita. Your legacy of service and love will continue to inspire us.
❤️ Rest peacefully, our dear friend. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. 🕊️🙏
— The RUFS Foundation Family
💙🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♂️ What an incredible day of community, unity, and purpose! 🏃🏾♂️🏃🏾♀️💙
On behalf of the Rising Up From Silence (RUFS) Foundation, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chauncelor Howell, Kacey Armstrong, and the entire 5K Run/Walk Committee for a job exceptionally well done. This event was truly amazing, and your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community did not go unnoticed.
We were deeply honored and grateful to be selected as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s 5K Run/Walk and to stand alongside so many organizations and individuals committed to making a positive impact in our community.
We would also like to give special recognition to Mayor Shannon M. Martin, City of Port St. Lucie, the ladies of Port St. Lucie Zetas, and Craig Glover, President of A Better Way Home Care, for your support and for purchasing copies of our books, There I Sat In Silence and Destined for the Deep Waters. Your encouragement and support help us continue raising awareness and bringing hope to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, donated, and showed up to make a difference. Together, we are breaking the silence, empowering survivors, and changing lives.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
06/14/2026
🚨 8 YEARS OF ADVOCACY. NOW WE NEED YOUR SIGNATURE. 🚨
For the past 8 years, the Rising Up From Silence (RUFS) Foundation has stood beside survivors of domestic violence, listened to their stories, and witnessed the devastating impact abuse has on individuals, children, families, and entire communities.
The statistics are alarming:
💜 More than 106,000 domestic violence crimes were reported to Florida law enforcement in a recent reporting year.
💜 Those crimes resulted in more than 63,000 arrests.
And yet, behind every number is a person whose life has been forever changed.
That is why we are advocating for RUFS Law — legislation designed to strengthen victim safety, increase offender accountability, and help prevent future acts of domestic violence.
This is not about revenge.
This is about protection.
This is about prevention.
This is about giving victims and survivors every possible tool to protect themselves and their families.
Our goal is to collect 10,000 signatures and demonstrate to Florida lawmakers that protecting victims matters.
✅ Sign the petition
✅ Share this post
✅ Encourage others to sign
✅ Help us turn awareness into action and action into law
Together, we can be the voice for those who are still suffering in silence.
💜 Protect Victims. Promote Accountability. Save Lives.
Terry Hughey, Cheryl Hughey, Terry Hughey, Cheryl Marie Hughey
This campaign needs you now Support RUFS Law: Strengthening Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence in Florida
06/07/2026
🎷💜 Something Exciting Is Coming to the Treasure Coast! 💜🎷
The RUFS Foundation is honored to partner with Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge for a special Sunday Jazz Brunch for a Cause featuring our very own Vallery Valentine, Director of Community Relations for the RUFS Foundation, singer, songwriter, and community advocate.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of live jazz, delicious brunch selections, signature drinks, raffles, and fellowship—all while supporting a cause that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault rise above silence.
✨ 25% of the proceeds will benefit the RUFS Foundation! ✨
📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
44 Royal Palm Pointe
Vero Beach, FL 32960
🎟️ Table reservations and registration will open Monday, June 8, 2026!
Be sure to visit:
🌐 Sweet Desires Dessert Lounge
Come for the brunch. Stay for the purpose. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need hope, healing, and support.
💜🎶🍾 Terry Hughey Cheryl Marie Hughey Terry Hughey Cheryl Hughey💜🎷✨
05/25/2026
We are deeply honored to receive a breathtaking and meaningful gift from well-known Treasure Coast artist, Debra Fogarty Terrio. Along with donating beautiful clothing for women rebuilding their lives and re-entering the workforce, she also gifted the RUFS Foundation this powerful painting titled through the story of “Priscilla and her Daughter.”
The painting depicts a courageous mother holding and protecting her frightened child while facing danger head on. The strength in her eyes says it all: “You will not hurt my child.” ❤️
This artwork beautifully reflects the very heart of the RUFS Foundation and the stories of so many women and children we serve — survivors who have faced fear, pain, and uncertainty, yet continue to rise with courage, strength, and hope.
Debra, thank you for your generosity, your compassion, and for using your incredible gift to pour love and purpose back into the community. Your support over the years, including your beautiful auction donations, has meant so much to RUFS. We are truly grateful. ❤️
Terry Hughey Cheryl Marie Hughey Terry Hughey Cheryl Hughey RUFS Quality Thrift Store Rising Up From Silence (RUFS) Outreach Ministry
What a night! 🇺🇸🎉 Our Memorial Day Bingo Recap is here, and all we can say is WOW! The community truly showed up and showed out. From the laughter and fellowship to the exciting games, delicious food, and amazing energy in the room — it was a night to remember! ❤️🤍💙
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the RUFS Foundation and helped make this event such a huge success. Your love, support, and community spirit mean more than words can express. We are grateful for every volunteer, donor, player, and supporter who continues to stand with us as we serve victims and survivors in our community. 🙏🏽✨
Until next time… BINGO was definitely the place to be! 🎊🎟️ Terry Hughey Terry Hughey Cheryl Hughey Cheryl Marie Hughey
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Port Saint Lucie, FL
34983