Went to a volunteer event they had and everyone seemed very knowledgable and dedicated to helping others restart their life.

I'd like to share my experience with you as a client with The Refuge. I came here roughly a year ago, after domestic violence from a partner. I had never been physically abused from a man in my life, and this took a greater toll on me than even I thought. I was given a therapist who was brand new (I believe she was an intern) and realized after two sessions that this was not helping me. I remember thinking I could do a better job than her. Elaine reached out to me to better understand my ecperience, and was so genuinely caring and concerned about my experience. She asked if I would try with one more therapist, and promised me it would be much better. I prayed a lot as it's hard to for people to open up sometimes, especially if they feel they may be wasting their time. I decided to give it one more shot. Elaine lined me up with Holly or (holls), and my life has forever changed. I connected with Holly right off the bat, and could see that she was smart and real. Two things that are very important to me. I felt safe and comfortable, and was able to open up to her about a lifetime of abuse that has led me to where I am today. She would normalize things for which help my extremely anxious brain to quiet down and realize I was doing better than I thought. She have me tips and tricks to better my relationship with my children, stepkids, my husband, and blending my family. She helped me gain a better sense of self and my worth as a person, wife, and Mother. I'm a firm believer in no accidents, and attribute my current success in life to our weekly sessions. She helped me pull out the answers I had deep within myself, and just became a healthy confidant and sound board. The right therapist and therapy works! It can change your life! These ladies have changed mine, and I will forever be grateful to them and this beautiful place. I didn't have the means to pay for weekly therapy, but The Refuge was free to me. I will never take that for granted, and always hold a special place in my heart for the work that is done here. Thank you Elaine and especially Holly for helping me navigate hard things, and bettering my life for myself which transfers to all those around me. God bless the Refuge and all they do for our community!

I stayed there for 2 days- the rules were fine I followed them to the letter. However I arrived with 7 children and I was told by one person I would be able to watch General Conference. So I was watching it quietly and yet it triggers someone. So, I ended up leaving the shelter because someone was triggered. Mine you I spoke up for myself which anyone who has been a victim of DV knows that’s is hard to do! The woman who was there dressed inappropriately in front of children and I was told that doesn’t matter. That life isn’t fair. You know women leave situations when they feel they have no support and in this moment to have someone make me ashamed of my faith because someone else got triggered but her speaking about her loss which was trigger to me and i supported her. The case managers might want to get together and discuss what is acceptable and what is not!!!! As a mother of 7 children are who felt she had to leave, I am not responsible for others triggers, I am responsible for my own. Also being told that life isn’t fair by a staff member is something I will never forget it just made me realize no one truly cares.