Meet The Founder
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Cheryl Brown
Executive Director & Founder
Cheryl Brown is the founder of Ruth’s Restoration Place and the eldest of four children born to Dr. Elder David C. Rourk and First Lady Ruth Rourk. As a proud Preacher’s Kid (PK), Cheryl often shares how her upbringing shaped her — at times leading her to be seen as the “trouble child.”
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Her life took a heartbreaking turn after the tragic death of her oldest son. Grief pulled her into a cycle of addiction, homelessness, jail and losing the will to live. But in 2016, after completing a rehabilitation program, Cheryl entered a transitional shelter for women in Syracuse, NY. It was there that healing began — and a vision was born.
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While rebuilding her life, Cheryl felt a deep conviction: one day, she would return to Rochester and create a safe place where other women could find the same hope and support she received. That vision has now come to life through Ruth’s Restoration Place.
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Although her parents have since passed — her mother in 2017 and her father in 2022 — Cheryl is forever grateful that they witnessed her recovery and freedom from addiction.
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Today, Cheryl brings her lived experience and professional background to her work. Cheryl has supported women in recovery, those navigating mental health challenges, and individuals in crisis. She has plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master's degree and a certificate in Nonprofit Management. When asked what her biggest desire for the success of Ruth's Restoration Place is, she says "This house is coming out of my personal pain. I would like to re-create the experience I had while getting back on my feet and getting my life back." — all with the mission of restoring lives, one woman at a time.
Dedication
​Ruth’s Restoration Place is in honor of the memory of my mother, Ruth Rourk. The name Ruth means “compassionate friend” and that was exactly who my mom was. She had a very deep genuine love for people and a heart as big as you wanted to see. She believed in helping people and organizations that were in need.
I want this house to be a reflection of who she was by showing compassion to those who enter and help them to be better going out than when they came in.
