Since Kyros Ministry's first training of clergy in June of 1984, Kyros' services have grown and shifted to respond to changes in our culture and the religious communities.  Kyros' initial focus on child abuse prevention quickly expanded to include domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault, elder abuse, addiction and the cultural abuse of ageism, "able-ism," racism, etc.  What began as an outreach project of a local church has become a nationally respected non-profit known for its training, consultation and healing of congregations in crisis. In its unique mission, Kyros is committed to supporting clergy and congregations in the difficult challenge of ministry in this age of confusion and violence.  Kyros helps congregations describe and model healthy relationships, healing theology, and true "sanctuaries" of safety and spiritual growth.

Kyros Ministry was incorporated in October 1984 as the Center for Abuse Prevention (CAP), an independent private non-profit agency.  Though CAP initially trained clergy, public demand for abuse prevention services soon expanded the project's role far beyond the religious community.  CAP soon grew from the grassroots effort of parents and child abuse specialists into an award-winning agency, training over 50,000 students and thousands more adults within its first six years.  Understanding that child abuse can only be reduced if the generational cycle of violence is broken, CAP expanded its services to include prevention education and intervention in the areas of elder abuse, partner/spouse abuse, adolescent dating violence, sexual assault and self-abusive behavior (substance abuse, suicide, behavior addictions, etc.).  CAP became known for adapting its prevention curriculum to special needs and circumstances, in order to reach all children and adults, regardless of age, cultural and language differences, or physical and mental limitations.

CAP received accolades and endorsements from educators, law enforcement officials, and many community leaders.  CAP has been honored for its "exceptional volunteer service" with the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award, by Rotary International for "significant efforts to educate the community in matters of vital interest," and by the Interfaith Network for Community Help (INCH) for "outstanding achievement in abuse prevention education and loving, caring service to the community."  For her work in creating and leading CAP, Rev. Ruth was elected into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame in 1986 and as a Soroptimist Woman of Distinction in Human Rights in 1988.

CAP's heavy training schedule of schools and the general public began to overshadow the effort's original intention of increasing the religiouscommunity's ability to respond to the crisis of interpersonal abuse. The deeper CAP's involvement with the trauma of family violence became, the more apparent the need for expanded ministry and education of the religious community. On July 1, 1991, CAP divided its spiritual and secular foci. Now under Youth and Family Assistance, the "secular" staff continues its impressive abuse and violence prevention work in San Mateo County. The former clergy staff maintained the independent non-profit status and birthed the Pastoral Center for Abuse Prevention, once again an ecumenical ministry to provide training and assistance to religious leaders, congregations and judicatories. In April, 1998, the name was shortened to Kyros Ministry, reflecting its increased efforts toward the general well-being of clergy and congregations.

Since its first clergy training in June 1984, Kyros Ministry has developed an impressive reputation for its understanding of religious communities and their relationship to child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, and various addictions. Kyros' Rev. Dr. Ruth teaches at several seminaries and the certified clergy trainings; speaks at state, national and international conferences; and serves as consultant to professionals and denominations across the United States and is frequently interviewed by radio stations and newspapers throughout California. State leaders often turn to Dr. Ruth as a spokesperson for the religious community, as well as expert in the prevention of interpersonal abuse. She has worked with the California Youth Authority, Office of Child Abuse Prevention, Office of Criminal Justice Planning and Department of Public Health in abuse prevention efforts including training, curriculum design, the video Angels Among Us, and developing partnerships with the faith community. She is also an Executive with the Clergy Coordinating Committee of the California Professional Society Against Child Abuse.