The Refuge Center’s mission is to offer affordable, professional counseling services to empower, educate and support individuals, couples and families in need.
Thirteen years ago and every year since, you have said “yes” to the commitment of creating a place where people could come find respite, emotional care, and even transformation during the darkest of storms in their lives. Counseling helps release people from the burdens, barriers, and even shame stories that keep them from experiencing freedom. And it is a reminder: you are not alone in this.
The Refuge Center for Counseling opened in December 2005 as the vision of its founders Amy Alexander and Jennifer Gillett. Amy and Jennifer had discovered that there were few opportunities for affordable counseling in the area, as many local therapists charge $100 – $175+ per session. They wanted to offer therapy to those who could not afford those fees, so they created a sliding-scale fee structure that ranges from $25 – $110 per session and is based on each individual’s income level.
Randy Clark is one of The Refuge Center’s founding board members, and he provided seed money for the agency to grow and take root in the community during its first three years of operation. Members of the Randy Clark Donor Recognition Society are in the elite company of others who have made the highest level of commitment to The Refuge Center through their wise leadership, generous philanthropy and ongoing friendship. Their impact on The Refuge Center is immense, and their influence is widespread. The Randy Clark Donor Recognition Society is the backbone of The Refuge Center’s financial stability. We encourage donors to consider three-year pledges, but monthly, quarterly, yearly and one time tax-deductible gifts are gladly accepted on our secure website www.therefugecenter.org. Please visit this site to make an immediate donation and learn more about ways our community can invest in the well-being of others.
"I am reminded every time I attend a board meeting and every time I hear the story of a client whose life has been transformed due to counseling that hope grows at The Refuge Center."
Nicole Smith, Refuge Center Board Chair, 2018 Tweet
In 2018, we launched our first-ever capital campaign “Growing Home.” With the demand for our services at an all-time high, it is imperative that we build our larger, more permanent home.