Because Justice Matters is building pathways to brighter futures for women and girls in urban communities.  Oftentimes, women and girls encounter obstacles like poverty, isolation, and exploitation that can be difficult to navigate. Through relationship, we remind them of who they are, we show them possibilities they may not be aware of, and we provide creative ways to move forward. Dance classes, Nail Day, and small healing groups are just a few examples of what we offer to create an environment where new opportunities are realized.

Because Justice Matters began as a simple dream to address injustice faced by women here in San Francisco. Our founder, Ruthie Kim, had been living and working in the Tenderloin district of the city for 8 years, witnessing the exploitation and isolation of the women she was reaching.

In 2008 we started working towards raising awareness of issues of trafficking and domestic violence, presenting to churches, youth groups, local schools and colleges. Towards the end of that year we launched our first Nail Day Outreach on a small table on the sidewalk and began developing our outreach to women and their families.

We started as a small team, taking small steps, and have gradually gathered momentum. Since then our services have grown to include street outreach, case management, parenting classes, mothers' breakfast and much more. We are firmly rooted in the heart of the Tenderloin community, serving women and girls for over 10 years.

We believe in genuine relationships that are built over time, with a commitment to help women make choices that build a better life for them and their families. We want to see hope and dignity restored to every victim. We want to see systems change that benefit the abused and not the abuser. We want to see justice for every individual and every family. We are committed to the small steps that offer simple solidarity to someone in need as well as the large leaps that seek to end injustice and hold the guilty responsible.

We are a hope-filled, Christ-centered ministry. 
We believe community creates space for healing, growth and thriving.
We experience communion with God by expressing ourselves through creativity.
We witness God’s love bringing restoration and wholeness.

G A B R I E L L E A L Z A T E

Gabby Alzate is passionate about empowering women and girls. Quickly after joining the team at Because Justice Matters (BJM) in 2010, she launched our youth ministry serving girls in the Tenderloin District and piloted BJM’s Leadership Development Intensive.

Having lived in San Francisco for more than a decade, Gabby sees and believes that cities are close to God’s heart.

Urban communities influence the world by developing culture and innovating fresh ways of being. Newness is birthed in cities, often by women and girls—who are today’s influencers and tomorrow’s leaders.

As Executive Director of BJM, Gabby is a strategic and visionary leader, and a tireless advocate for women and girls in San Francisco. She is a dynamic speaker, mentor, and coach bringing energy and new ideas to communities, teams, and individuals.

She studied psychology in undergrad and is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Christian Community Development, which she puts into practice every day as Executive Director of Because Justice Matters.

She and her husband, Mateo, along with their Maltipoo pup Luna, are committed to being rooted in the Tenderloin as a family and believe God is building and restoring thriving families in San Francisco.

Ruthie Kim

Ruthie Kim is a community activator, leader, and visionary. After growing up in the English countryside, Ruthie moved to San Francisco where, for the last 20 years, she has been a relentless advocate for women and girls. She is Founder and Executive Director of Because Justice Matters, a faith-based non-profit that has been building pathways to brighter futures for women and girls since 2008.

Ruthie is a prophetically-gifted and sought-after speaker, ordained minister, executive coach, and member of the teaching team at Reality SF church. Ruthie’s life and work is greatly inspired and enriched by being a wife to Brian and mom to two boys.

Be sure to check out RuthieKim.com to read her blog, submit a speaking request, or subscribe to her email list to hear first about future opportunities and resources.