The Refuge Center/Long Lane FAQs

Many questions have been asked since The Refuge Center for Counseling began negotiations to buy property along Long Lane across from Ladd Park. Please take time to read our letter to Ladd Park residents. We hope the below answers will help those with questions remaining.

  1. What is The Refuge Center for Counseling?

 

Over the last 13 years, The Refuge Center for Counseling has offered affordable, professional counseling services in order to empower, educate, and support individuals, couples, and families in need.

 

  1. Is The Refuge Center an overnight facility/halfway house/drug rehabilitation center?

 

No…The Refuge Center is not and will never be an overnight facility or rehabilitation center.  The Refuge Center for Counseling is a non-profit organization that provides professional counseling to clients at an hourly rate during the day based on a sliding scale fee structure.

 

  1. Will The Refuge Center cause a large increase in traffic along Long Lane?

 

The Refuge Center anticipates providing 450 sessions per week (Monday-Saturday) or 75 counseling sessions per day total at the new space between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. Far less traffic than a gas station, convenience store or large office building.

  1. How would The Refuge Center affect my child’s school bus route on Long Lane?

 

A significant portion of our clients are children and their families, so we understand the absolute priority of protecting our community’s children.  It is our understanding there is one school bus stop along Long Lane in the morning and afternoon.  Due to the minimal traffic increase from The Refuge Center and the timing of school bus routes, we do not anticipate any negative impact on school bus routes, stops or schedules. 

 

  1. Will I be able to see The Refuge Center from my house?

 

The design intent is for existing and new landscaping to screen views from the surrounding area as well as from Long Lane. The Refuge Center desires to keep a significant amount of less developed land on the property for walking trails, a healing garden, and other spaces for relaxation, processing, and outdoor activities.

 

    1. Will easements be required from other property owners to allow The Refuge Center access to the property?

     

    No easements will be required for access to the property.  A limited number of easements will potentially be needed in order to provide city sewer to the property.

     

    1. Will the entry to The Refuge Center be directly across from the Ladd Park entry?

     

    While designs are in the conceptual stages of development, The Refuge Center entry is anticipated to be approximately ¼ mile to the east of the Ladd Park entry.

     

    1. Why should Ladd Park want The Refuge Center as a neighbor?

     

    A recent study prepared for United Way of Williamson County found that mental health care is the third greatest need in Williamson County behind transportation and affordable housing. A woman fleeing domestic violence, the sexual assault survivor struggling with PTSD, a suicidal teenager dealing with depression, a widower working through grief—these are the people we see every day at The Refuge Center. The Refuge Center wants to help Ladd Park, Franklin and Williamson County be a better place to live.

  • When I first came to The Refuge Center, I had an eating disorder. Now I am not worried about food or my weight. I am happy and have more joy. I am not worried or anxious.

    Female, Age 17

  • The Refuge Center has taught me so much about myself. I’ve discovered who I am in a bright, new way. I’ve learned how to work through pain of loss, relationship problems, and I’ve learned how to set healthy boundaries. After all, it’s up to me to protect myself. I’ve also learned that I’m not damaged, or maybe I am, but we all are and we all can heal. The Refuge Center has taught me how to take steps towards healing. It’s a journey, but a beautiful one. I’m learning to find joy in the “here and now”.

    Female, Age 27

  • My family and I came to The Refuge Center after experiencing several traumatic deaths in our immediate family.  We were eagerly met with patience, love, concern, and understanding of our situation.  They have offered tremendous guidance and excellent suggestions to help us cope.  We feel blessed that God guided us to such an amazing center!

    Family testimonial

  • I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to have received help from the Refuge Center.  My therapist has been amazing!  When I came to the center, I felt devastated, guilty, unloved and overwhelmed.  My therapist helped me see things in such a different light.  She gave me tools to use and listened to me cry.  She gave me courage and hope.  She truly has been an angel sent to me from God.  As I sit here today, I feel confident and stronger than I ever have!  I am forever thankful for all your help.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Female, Age 40

  • Talking to my counselor has been life changing.  She helped me understand things fully, like with friendships, family problems, and my own feelings and emotions.  I’m really thankful for her help.  Even though I’ve never been to another counselor, I’m pretty sure she’s the best ever!  It’s great to have someone to talk to other than friends and family. Thank you.

    Female, Age 14