Rubicelia (Ruby) Gonzalez - Women's History Month 2022

Rubicelia (Ruby) Gonzalez has been one of the most humble, tireless persons we have met over the course of our mutual careers; a person who has dedicated her life to her family and the people she supports.

Rubicelia Gonzalez was born in Mexico and came to California when she was a teenager. Ruby has always been a hard worker and worked in a garment shop in the garment district of LA by the age of 20. She continues to infuse the skills she learned from that job into her work today by repairing clothes, wheelchair cushions, drapery, and other textiles for whoever she supports, making them more comfortable and happy.

Cheryl first met Ruby in the early 1990s when Cheryl resided in a 15-bed group home. Cheryl left as soon as she possibly could to embark on the adventure called life with support from an SLS agency. When Cheryl moved to Avenues SLS in 1994, she told Scott about a great support staff she had at the group home. Ruby was scared when a man walked into the group home asking for her by name! But when Scott told her why he was there and asked her to join Cheryl’s team, she was excited about the opportunity.

Ruby has been the key person in Cheryl’s life for over 29 years! That is longer than most marriages. Ruby has helped the people she has supported to live the lives they want and remains dedicated to the people she supports. She has been instrumental in enhancing the lives of other people at Avenues SLS. When Ronda was unable to go to the salon, Ruby painted Ronda’s nails every week and took her to visit friends. Even though Ronda gave her a hard time at first, Ruby stuck with it knowing Ronda would be happy after her nails were done. After a while, Ronda would tell everyone that Ruby did her nails and nobody else could do them.

Ruby can create miracles using just scissors, duct tape, and her ever-present sewing machine. She is always up for a challenge and loves to see her creations being used by people to make their lives easier. Ruby is a humble person; always eager to learn and try new things and willing to help anyone who needs her assistance. We are all lucky to know her.