A New Chapter Begins: Honoring Matthew & Casey Stout

This summer marks a significant milestone in the life of Ruth Harbor as we prepare to say goodbye to two faithful and beloved members of our team: Matthew and Casey Stout.

For nearly six years, Matthew and Casey have served as the heart of our Carlisle residential program. Together, they’ve walked alongside dozens of young women, offering stability, structure, encouragement, and hope through some of life’s most vulnerable seasons. Whether it was welcoming a new resident late at night, praying over difficult decisions, managing the daily rhythms of the home, or simply offering a listening ear, the Stouts poured themselves into this ministry with remarkable courage and compassion.

In mid-2024, they stepped into the role of Housing Directors for Ruth Harbor, where they led the renovation of our Des Moines home, allowing us to double our residential capacity and add a transitional housing program to complete the Ruth Harbor Pathway. Their leadership, vision, and follow-through have left a lasting impact on the future of our ministry.

Why They’re Stepping Away

Serving as House Parents in a residential program like Ruth Harbor is a 24/7 calling. When a family agrees to serve in this role, they move into the home and merge their lives with the ministry—raising their children alongside the young mothers we serve.

According to the National Christian Housing Community, the average tenure for House Parents is under two years. That Matthew and Casey have served faithfully for nearly six years is a powerful testament to their endurance, love, and calling.

When they began, their daughters were just toddlers. Today, they are parenting three young children—ages 8, 6, and 9 months—and have sensed God calling them to a new season of prioritizing their own family’s needs. As Casey shared:  

“We love Ruth Harbor and the mammas we serve, but we also recognize the time demands of our family is growing—and they are our first priority.”

In the days ahead, the Stouts will relocate to Kansas City to be near Matthew’s extended family. In true Stout fashion, they’ve already purchased a home with extra room—ready to welcome others in need if the Lord opens that door again.

A Legacy Of Love

Matthew and Casey’s legacy at Ruth Harbor is woven into the lives of the women and children they’ve helped nurture, the homes they’ve helped build, and the team culture they’ve helped shape. They’ve lived the mission of Ruth Harbor not just as a job, but as a way of life.

They are a beautiful example of the masterpiece God is painting in the lives of those we serve. While all of us are brushes and colors, the Lord is the artist—and we are so grateful for how He has used the Stouts in His work here.

They leave behind more than memories. They leave behind a stronger ministry, deeper relationships, and a visible example of faithful, self-sacrificial service. Their fingerprints are all over this place.

How You Can Help Us Thank Them

If you have been impacted by the ministry of Matthew & Casey—or simply want to express your appreciation—we invite you to send them a note of encouragement. You can email them at stouts@ruthharbor.org or mail a card to our office, and we’ll make sure they receive it.

As we prepare for the next season of Ruth Harbor’s growth, we do so with deep gratitude for the foundation Matthew & Casey helped lay. Please pray with us for God’s continued provision and for the Stouts as they step faithfully into what’s next.

Hope+Elim :  A Year in Review

In case you missed it, Ruth Harbor moved our offices from the carriage house at our Des Moines property to the Hope+Elim building in the Drake neighborhood in June of 2024. We are so grateful for their partnership and hospitality! We look forward to many more years of partnership with the Hope+Elim family.

If you haven’t yet, take the time to update our office and mailing address FROM our Des Moines property, 534 42nd St. Des Moines, IA 50312 TO our new mailing address, 2500 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311. We love to hear from you!

Many tears were shed and laughs were shared at the Farewell Lunch our staff held for Matthew and Casey. They will be missed not only as wise and valuable colleagues, but also as dear friends to each of us who had the blessing of working with them.

Our 2025 Vision Dinner (formerly known as the Ruth Harbor Fundraising Banquet) will be held at 6pm on November 4, 2025 at the Airport Holiday Inn.

Pastor Brian Brown of Hope+Elim Church will be this year’s speaker. We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s Vision Dinner!