WISH advocate works to fill need in community

Eryn Ruppert has worked with WISH (Women In Safe Homes) for two years as a resource advocate. According to their website, WISH is a Ketchikan-based nonprofit that works to "provide a safe place for victims, assist them as they explore the alternatives available to them, and support the choices they make as they strive to gain control of their lives."

Ruppert said she was drawn to the organization's mission and felt it was a great opportunity to help those in need. Ruppert will now be representing WISH in Wrangell, as well, as she will begin making monthly visits to the island.

"In Ketchikan we go to the schools and do different things like 'girls on the run' and 'boys on the run,' things like that. And then our outreach is now here, to Wrangell, for advocacy," she said. "We found that Wrangell has a need. There is just a hole in that area for advocacy for people going through domestic violence and sexual assault."

Ruppert's visits will take place every second Tuesday of the month, she said, and she will set up shop from 11 a.m. to about 4 p.m. at the public health building. She said that the purpose of her visits are to give a safe space for those who need one, to voice their thoughts, and to help people figure out their options to escape a bad situation at home.

"A lot of people just need to be able to hear their own voice, to hear their own situation and share it with somebody, and them know that it's normal," Ruppert said. "It's okay and they're not doing anything wrong, and that their situation is wrong at no fault to themselves, and that there's options for them."

Ruppert emphasized that these meetings will be fully confidential. She also added that this is not for women only. Men are more than welcome to come by and visit.

"I like helping people. I'm pretty understanding to everybody's situations, and I understand the need to help people feel safe," she said.

More information on WISH can be found online at http://www.wishak.org. Their business office can be reached at (907) 228-4099. WISH also has a 24-hour crisis line at (800) 478-9474.