In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called loneliness “the epidemic of our time”- impacting health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Over 60% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, with young adults between 18-22 being the most affected. Relational poverty is more devastating than its economic counterpart.
It is a deep lack of meaningful connections with others that allows us to survive and be well. Loneliness isn’t just being alone—it’s feeling alone and despite our thousands of “friends”, “followers”, and “connections” amassed on social media sites, we are feeling alone. School hallways between class changes have become quieter than ever because kids are on their phones instead of chatting with their peers. Families spend time in the home together where each family member is looking at a different screen. It is connectedness that allows people to heal.
At The Refuge Center for Counseling, we harness the power of connection every day to promote healing and hope. Through individual therapy, group sessions, and family counseling, we help over 4,000 clients annually find hope and regain freedom in their lives. But we need your support to continue this vital work.
Therapy provides social interactions. It teaches adults, teens and kids the skills to connect again with themselves and with others. It provides a place where people have a therapist’s undivided attention in a world of distraction. Through therapy people feel seen, known and heard. Often clients learn to how to better connect with others and then they seek out ways to cultivate more quality connections in their relationships. The counseling experience often offers a place where some of the loneliest parts of us can come out from hiding and find a safe place for expression and connection.
This year, when you give, YOU:
- Provide counseling for those who otherwise lack access to mental health care
- Support children and teens struggling to connect in an increasingly digital world
- Restore hope to families and individuals searching for belonging and purposeAs we close this year, join us in creating a stronger, more connected community.Your donation directly impacts lives, offering the care, guidance, and connection that so many need. Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, “If it is within your power to do good, do not withhold it from those who deserve it.” No one deserves to walk alone. Thank you for considering a year-end gift. Together, we can fight the loneliness epidemic and offer the gift of connection, hope, and healing.
