Bianca Ruiz has been named Director of the S.M.I.L.E program at Opportunity House.
In this role, Ruiz is responsible for program development of the S.M.I.L.E program. This program is a key component of the Opportunity House Shelter Services. S.M.I.L.E. stands for Skills Mastery for Independent Living and Empowerment.
Bianca Ruiz, Director, S.M.I.L.E Program.
Clients are required to attend programming at the shelter that includes life skills training, mental health and wellness, financial literacy, and skills to live independently. Ruiz will foster relationships with community resources, volunteers, and others to bring essential skills training to clients at Opportunity House. The goal of the program is to connect clients to provide training and education to empower clients to improve their lives by becoming permanently and stably housed within the community.
“It is rewarding to me to work with individuals who are experiencing homelessness. I look forward to creating positive, uplifting relationships, and introducing our clients to programs, skills, and experiences that will bring a positive impact to their lives,” noted Ruiz.
A graduate of Reading High School in Reading, PA, Bianca attended Reading Area Community College and graduated from Penn State Berks with an associate degree in occupational therapy.
Before joining Opportunity House, Bianca worked as a case manager at Hope Rescue Mission, Reading, Pennsylvania.