Ruby Stiglmeier was a beloved dental hygienist at a popular dental office in Orchard Park, NY. According to her family and friends, she loved life and
she loved people. She left an indelible mark of joy and happiness on everyone she met. When her life was ended at the hands of her ex-boyfriend in 2016, her family, friends, and the entire community was devastated, but determined to not let her life be forgotten. They wanted to turn the tragedy into an opportunity to help others and they truly succeeded in creating a legacy in Ruby’s name.
Ruby’s family and friends held a fundraiser in the fall of 2016 where over 400 people turned out to show their love and respect for Ruby. The event raised over $25,000 and the family turned to the Family Justice Center to use the money to help other domestic violence victims find a safe way out of the abuse.
On March 29, 2017, the one year anniversary of her death, the Family Justice Center invited Ruby’s family and friends for the unveiling and dedication of “Ruby’s Room.” Ruby’s Room is the newest addition to the line-up of services available to domestic violence victims at the Center. The agency expanded its footprint to add on another Client Living Room that is more than just a living room. Ruby’s Room is also used by the Center’s newest partner, Erie County SPCA’s Paws For Love Program, to provide pet therapy to our clients and their children. The therapy dogs help clients be calmer, more comfortable and secure and thereby improve their ability to recall traumatic information as they are working with the advocates, police officer, or even testifying before Family Court via web-conferencing.
Ruby’s Room is not only a beautiful sanctuary for clients, but a loving tribute to Ruby herself. Her life will never be forgotten and her memory will live on. Ruby will continue to bring joy to others by helping victims find their new, happy, abuse free lives. Ruby’s Room is now a regular part of Family Justice Center tours. If you would like to attend a tour and see Ruby’s Room for yourself, just contact Tiffany Szymanek at 558-5272 or tszymanek@fjcsafe.org