Ruth’s Journey of Giving Back: A Story of Compassion and Commitment 

Ruth Jaeger, a Corte Madera resident and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, has spent much of her life dedicated to helping others. Ruth was born in Israel and grew up in Oakland, California. After decades of running her practice in Marin County, a community she’s been a part of since 1987, she has witnessed the challenges people face in their emotional well-being. Ruth knows firsthand the importance of support and care. 

Ruth says the journey of her parents, both immigrants, shaped her deep personal connection to the immigrant experience. They were first undocumented immigrants, arriving in Palestine in 1939. Later, in 1958, they became documented immigrants in the United States. Ruth says she knows her parents were fortunate to receive the support they needed to start a new life in America. 

By her own account, Ruth’s background instilled in her a strong sense of empathy for those navigating similar struggles today.  

“The support Canal Alliance gives to immigrants is so very meaningful to me,” she says. “I had known about Canal Alliance for years,” Ruth continued, “But it wasn’t until I heard a powerful story about a young girl that I was moved to action.” 

This Spring, Ruth became a first-time donor to Canal Alliance.  

“I had never donated to Canal Alliance before, but the story I heard really moved me. I was so touched by the amazing work Canal Alliance does—it made me want to step up a little,” Ruth recalls, reflecting on the story that detailed the experiences of a young girl facing overcoming severe trauma. Despite her struggles, the girl was able to continue her personal development with the crucial support she received through Canal Alliance, which is something Ruth admired.  

As a mental health professional, Ruth especially appreciates the work Canal Alliance does in supporting clients with therapists and support groups.  “As a mental health professional, I know that if we don’t help people emotionally, they can get stuck,” she explains.  

Ruth’s advocacy, commitment, and philanthropy doesn’t end with Canal Alliance. She has long been involved with various community organizations, such as Marin Organizing Community and 10,000 Degrees, and is deeply committed to supporting educational achievement. Having once served on a school board, Ruth now volunteers as a tutor at Coleman School, where she helps students thrive.  

In addition to education, Ruth is deeply concerned about the housing crisis in Marin County. “I saw that Omar wrote a letter to the Marin IJ about affordable housing support. Whatever Canal Alliance is doing to support the community regarding housing is very key and fundamental for the future,” she says. Ruth is adamant that solving the housing crisis is one of the most pressing challenges facing the region, and she’s eager to support efforts that address this issue. 

Ruth’s commitment to immigrant rights and the well-being of the community is also evident in her support for Canal Alliance’s “Know Your Rights” training. With the rise of unjust immigration policies, Ruth feels that protecting and supporting undocumented immigrants is crucial.  

“I support all the work Canal Alliance is doing with helping undocumented people with knowing their rights and the easing their anxiety a bit around immigration, especially right now when so many people are being deported for no good reason,” she adds. 

When asked what she would tell others considering supporting Canal Alliance, Ruth is crystal clear: “Canal Alliance is changing people’s lives in whatever way they need to be supported. They are a steady institution in an unsteady world.”  

For Ruth, it’s not just about donating—it’s about giving back in a way that creates lasting, meaningful change in the community.