Phase Two – The Refuge Ministries

We Need Bunk Beds!

The Refuge is growing, and we need bunk beds for both our Men's and Women's Ministries!

Have some you can donate? You can email info@therefugeohio.org or call 614-991-0131 to let us know.

Thank you for your help to change lives affected by addiction.

by Tom Orr

An Amazing Day Of Brotherhood

The guys from Phase 2 came back to visit Vinton County this weekend for an awesome day of brotherhood.

They went swimming in Raccoon Creek, played games, shared their stories and encouragement for the brothers behind them in the Ministry.

by Tom Orr

Set Up For Success

Addiction takes a brutal toll on people and families in every way imaginable. Broken relationships, trust issues, and financial ruin are extremely common.

By the time men and women complete our Ministry, they have undergone personal and spiritual transformations away from addiction and to Christ.

We work to restore their personal relationship and rebuild those bonds of trust.

But we also work to make sure they're set up for success financially as well.

Everyone in The Refuge meets with volunteers and staff throughout their time here to ensure they have all the documents they need and a budget to live on.

We try to help men and women with debt set up a plan to get themselves free from it.

Perhaps most importantly from a financial perspective, they also have a work history that prepares them to support themselves and their families long-term.

by Tom Orr

Family Day!

One of the highlights of every month at The Refuge is Family Day.

The men and women who have been part of The Refuge for more than a month have the opportunity to spend a wonderful afternoon with their parents, siblings, kids, and anyone else they choose to invite.

It's a special time to reconnect with loved ones and to start rebuilding the bonds of trust that addiction has broken.

It's also a chance for those on the outside of the Ministry to see the personal and spiritual growth that has happened within the men and women during their time at The Refuge.

by Tom Orr

A Milestone In The Ministry

Every week we celebrate the growth and progress that men and women are making in our Ministry through "Phase Up."

It's a milestone that marks a brother or sister's transition from one step within our 13-month Ministry to the next one.

This week, five guys phased up. We are truly grateful to God for the transformation we've seen within Matt, Josh, Devon, James, and Wayne.

by Tom Orr

Steven Nichols Mike Colebank Lane Lynch Michael Dozer Bryan Allen

Five Men Passing A Milestone In Our Ministry

Our Ministry is all about growth and transformation, and "Phase Ups" are some of the milestones we use to mark that journey.

These five men all moved up to the next Phase of our Ministry this week.

Steven Nichols is now in Phase 4, Mike Colebank and Lane Lynch are now in Phase 3, and Michael Dozer and Bryan Allen are now in Phase 2.

We are grateful to see the changes in all of these men's lives!

by Tom Orr

Phase Up!

We are so grateful for the tremendous growth shown by Dwight Smiths. He served as a house leader at our Phase 1 home.

This week he moved up to Phase 2. We look forward to seeing his continued growth as a person and a leader within our Ministry.

by Tom Orr

Clean Out Your House And Help The Refuge At The Same Time!

Our Ministry is growing to include new Project 614 homes and to help more men and women.

We're looking for donations of the following new or gently-used (but working!) items.

8 window A/C units
5 bed frames (that can bunk)
6 twin mattresses
2 Microwaves
Washing Machine
Electric Clothes Dryer

Have something you can donate? Contact Columbus Director Austin Hill at ahill@therefugeohio.org.

by Tom Orr

Want To Volunteer With The Refuge?

We love our volunteers, and couldn't do everything we do without them!

Now, you have a chance to help serve the men and women of our Ministry.

The first step is to attend our Volunteer Orientation. It's held Friday, April 27 at 6:00 pm at Veritas Community Church - West. The address is 12 S. Terrace Ave., Columbus, OH.

We only hold three of these each year - the next one is in August - so if you want to help out before then, please make plans to attend!

You can RSVP on Facebook or just show up!

by Tom Orr

Why Do You Call Yourselves 'A Working Ministry'?

We are a working ministry.

That means that the men and women who have been a part of The Refuge for a few months go out every day to work to support those behind them in the ministry.

Their wages cover about 60% of our operating expenses. The other 40% come from donations and fundraising events.

But going to work every day does a lot more than pay for food and housing for the men and women in our Ministry.

It helps establish a "new normal" in their lives, where you wake up early, put on your work boots and go to a job that can not only provide meaning to your life and the satisfaction of a job well done, but also support yourself and your family.

It also means they start developing practical skills and a work history that will serve them well for years after they leave The Refuge. Many of them continue to work with the same company after they graduate from our Ministry.

The photo on the right is Bob Heiny from Phase 3 learning a new trade at K&C Construction. He's connecting a bracket to a pier that was driven into the ground, then bolting it to the foundation to provide extra support.

Men and women from The Refuge work in many different fields, from pouring concrete to landscaping, and even restoring antique stained glass window.

by Tom Orr