Candace Cole (Watson) is the heart and visionary behind Rubies Womens Group, a nonprofit organization devoted to walking alongside women who are overcoming trauma, addiction, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Her passion for this work is deeply personal — born out of her own story of pain, healing, and transformation.

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Years ago, Candace experienced the darkness of addiction and brokenness firsthand. Like many of the women Rubies now serves, she once felt lost, unseen, and unsure if change was possible. But through faith, community, and the grace of God, she began a journey of recovery and restoration that would ultimately change the course of her life.

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Out of that transformation came a calling — to create a place where other women could heal too. In 2016, Candace founded Rubies Womens Group with a vision to provide safe housing, mentorship, life-skills training, and spiritual support for women ready to rebuild their lives. What began as a small support network has grown into a thriving, trauma-informed program serving dozens of women every year.

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As Executive Director, Candace leads with compassion, authenticity, and unwavering hope. She sees every woman as a ruby — precious, strong, and full of value, no matter their past. Her leadership is a living testimony that healing is possible, and that beauty truly can rise from brokenness.

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Today, Candace is not only a nonprofit leader and advocate — she is a survivor, a mentor, and a walking example of restoration. Her story inspires others to believe in second chances and reminds us all that no one is beyond redemption.